Dexmedetomidine in neurosurgical anesthesia

Yon, Jun Heum

Review

Anesthetic Pharmacology

Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2011;6(3):203-211.
Published online July 30, 2011.

Dexmedetomidine in neurosurgical anesthesia

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea. yonjh@ paik.ac.kr

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is a new selective alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist that can be described as a useful, safe adjunct in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care practice. This alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist offers a unique "cooperative sedation" +/- anxiolysis and analgesia without respiratory depression. Cerebral effects are generally consistent with a desirable neurophysiological profile, including neuroprotective characteristics. In addition, sympatholytic and antinociceptive properties allow for hemodynamic stability at critical moments of neurosurgical stimulation. This paper reviews the pharmacokinetic profiles and current clinical uses of dexmedetomidine in the area of neurosurgery patient care.

Key Words: alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist, Dexmedetomidine, Neuroanesthesia, Sedation