Dexmedetomidine produces amnesia, sedation as well as analgesia. As we all know that it is alfa2 receptor agonist. Alfa2 adrenergic receptor has three subtype isoreceptors, alfa2a, 2b & 2c. Agonist at Alfa2a receptor produces sedation, hypnosis, analgesia & sympatholysis. Alfa2b causes analgesia at spinal cord sites, vasoconstriction in peripheral arteries & reduces shivering. The alfa2c result in modulation of cognition, sensory processing, mood & stimulant-induced locomotor activity.
If injected intrathecally as an adju with local anaesthetics, it prolongs Perioperative analgesia. It is approx 10 times more potent than clonidine as an analgesic. When injected intravenously, it produces awake sedation, i.e the patient is arousable during sedation. Reference: article of Dr. Roshan Lal Garg. Share your views.
