Skip to main content

Dexmedetomidine: The Science and Clinical Aspects in Adults and Children

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Total Intravenous Anesthesia and Target Controlled Infusions
  • 2654 Accesses

Abstract

The unique sedative properties of dexmedetomidine (DEX) have created new interest in the use of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists and have led to its evaluation in a variety of pediatric and adult procedures. DEX has been shown to offer a beneficial pharmacological profile, with sedation which parallels natural sleep, sympatholysis, and anesthetic-sparing effect without relevant respiratory depression. In addition, there is increasing evidence supporting its organ protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injury. The side effects of DEX including biphasic, dose-dependent blood pressure response, and bradycardia are predictable from the pharmacological profile of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists. A comprehensive understanding of the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic effects of DEX is critical to maximize its safe application in adults and children.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 229.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Belleville JP, Ward DS, Bloor BC, Maze M. Effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine in humans. I. Sedation, ventilation, and metabolic rate. Anesthesiology. 1992;77(6):1125–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Correa-Sales C, Rabin BC, Maze M. A hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2 agonist, is mediated in the locus coeruleus in rats. Anesthesiology. 1992;76(6):948–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Petroz GC, Sikich N, James M, van Dyk H, Shafer SL, Schily M, et al. A phase I, two-center study of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine in children. Anesthesiology. 2006;105(6):1098–110.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Nelson LE, Lu J, Guo T, Saper CB, Franks NP, Maze M. The alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine converges on an endogenous sleep-promoting pathway to exert its sedative effects. Anesthesiology. 2003;98(2):428–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Doze VA, Chen BX, Maze M. Dexmedetomidine produces a hypnotic-anesthetic action in rats via activation of central alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Anesthesiology. 1989;71(1):75–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Bloor BC, Ward DS, Belleville JP, Maze M. Effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine in humans. II. Hemodynamic changes. Anesthesiology. 1992;77(6):1134–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Akeju O, Pavone KJ, Westover MB, Vazquez R, Prerau MJ, Harrell PG, et al. A comparison of propofol- and dexmedetomidine-induced electroencephalogram dynamics using spectral and coherence analysis. Anesthesiology. 2014;121(5):978–89.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Sanders RD, Sun P, Patel S, Li M, Maze M, Ma D. Dexmedetomidine provides cortical neuroprotection: impact on anaesthetic-induced neuroapoptosis in the rat developing brain. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2010;54(6):710–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Li Y, Zeng M, Chen W, Liu C, Wang F, Han X, et al. Dexmedetomidine reduces isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis partly by preserving PI3K/Akt pathway in the hippocampus of neonatal rats. PLoS One. 2014;9(4), e93639.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Tachibana K, Hashimoto T, Kato R, Uchida Y, Ito R, Takita K, et al. Neonatal administration with dexmedetomidine does not impair the rat hippocampal synaptic plasticity later in adulthood. Paediatr Anaesth. 2012;22(7):713–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Sanders RD, Xu J, Shu Y, Januszewski A, Halder S, Fidalgo A, et al. Dexmedetomidine attenuates isoflurane-induced neurocognitive impairment in neonatal rats. Anesthesiology. 2009;110(5):1077–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Clarke KW, Hall LW. “Xylazine”--a new sedative for horses and cattle. Vet Rec. 1969;85(19):512–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Mason KP, Lerman J. Review article: Dexmedetomidine in children: current knowledge and future applications. Anesth Analg. 2011;113(5):1129–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Mahmoud M, Mason KP. Dexmedetomidine: review, update, and future considerations of paediatric perioperative and periprocedural applications and limitations. Br J Anaesth. 2015;115(2):171–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Bhana N, Goa KL, McClellan KJ. Dexmedetomidine. Drugs. 2000;59(2):263–8. discussion 9–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Brede M, Philipp M, Knaus A, Muthig V, Hein L. alpha2-adrenergic receptor subtypes - novel functions uncovered in gene-targeted mouse models. Biol Cell. 2004;96(5):343–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Kobilka BK, Matsui H, Kobilka TS, Yang-Feng TL, Francke U, Caron MG, et al. Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene coding for the human platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor. Science. 1987;238(4827):650–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Virtanen R, Savola JM, Saano V, Nyman L. Characterization of the selectivity, specificity and potency of medetomidine as an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist. Eur J Pharmacol. 1988;150(1–2):9–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Panzer O, Moitra V, Sladen RN. Pharmacology of sedative-analgesic agents: dexmedetomidine, remifentanil, ketamine, volatile anesthetics, and the role of peripheral mu antagonists. Crit Care Clin. 2009;25(3):451–69.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Correa-Sales C, Reid K, Maze M. Pertussis toxin-mediated ribosylation of G proteins blocks the hypnotic response to an alpha 2-agonist in the locus coeruleus of the rat. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1992;43(3):723–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Nacif-Coelho C, Correa-Sales C, Chang LL, Maze M. Perturbation of ion channel conductance alters the hypnotic response to the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine in the locus coeruleus of the rat. Anesthesiology. 1994;81(6):1527–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Hsu YW, Cortinez LI, Robertson KM, Keifer JC, Sum-Ping ST, Moretti EW, et al. Dexmedetomidine pharmacodynamics: part I: crossover comparison of the respiratory effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil in healthy volunteers. Anesthesiology. 2004;101(5):1066–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Ishii H, Kohno T, Yamakura T, Ikoma M, Baba H. Action of dexmedetomidine on the substantia gelatinosa neurons of the rat spinal cord. Eur J Neurosci. 2008;27(12):3182–90.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Roudet C, Mouchet P, Feuerstein C, Savasta M. Normal distribution of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the rat spinal cord and its modification after noradrenergic denervation: a quantitative autoradiographic study. J Neurosci Res. 1994;39(3):319–29.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Stone LS, Broberger C, Vulchanova L, Wilcox GL, Hokfelt T, Riedl MS, et al. Differential distribution of alpha2A and alpha2C adrenergic receptor immunoreactivity in the rat spinal cord. J Neurosci. 1998;18(15):5928–37.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Guo TZ, Jiang JY, Buttermann AE, Maze M. Dexmedetomidine injection into the locus ceruleus produces antinociception. Anesthesiology. 1996;84(4):873–81.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Diaz SM, Rodarte A, Foley J, Capparelli EV. Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in postsurgical pediatric intensive care unit patients: preliminary study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2007;8(5):419–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Vilo S, Rautiainen P, Kaisti K, Aantaa R, Scheinin M, Manner T, et al. Pharmacokinetics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in children under 11 yr of age. Br J Anaesth. 2008;100(5):697–700.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Dextor (dexmedetomidine) package insert. Espo, Finland: Orion Corporation; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Wang SS, Zhang MZ, Sun Y, Wu C, Xu WY, Bai J, et al. The sedative effects and the attenuation of cardiovascular and arousal responses during anesthesia induction and intubation in pediatric patients: a randomized comparison between two different doses of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(3):275–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Cimen ZS, Hanci A, Sivrikaya GU, Kilinc LT, Erol MK. Comparison of buccal and nasal dexmedetomidine premedication for pediatric patients. Paediatr Anaesth. 2013;23(2):134–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Anttila M, Penttila J, Helminen A, Vuorilehto L, Scheinin H. Bioavailability of dexmedetomidine after extravascular doses in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003;56(6):691–3.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Iirola T, Vilo S, Manner T, Aantaa R, Lahtinen M, Scheinin M, et al. Bioavailability of dexmedetomidine after intranasal administration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2011;67(8):825–31.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Chrysostomou C, Di Filippo S, Manrique AM, Schmitt CG, Orr RA, Casta A, et al. Use of dexmedetomidine in children after cardiac and thoracic surgery. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2006;7(2):126–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Su F, Gastonguay MR, Nicolson SC, DiLiberto M, Ocampo-Pelland A, Zuppa AF. Dexmedetomidine pharmacology in neonates and infants after open heart surgery. Anesth Analg. 2016;122:1556–66.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Iirola T, Aantaa R, Laitio R, Kentala E, Lahtinen M, Wighton A, et al. Pharmacokinetics of prolonged infusion of high-dose dexmedetomidine in critically ill patients. Crit Care. 2011;15(5):R257.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Eastwood PR, Platt PR, Shepherd K, Maddison K, Hillman DR. Collapsibility of the upper airway at different concentrations of propofol anesthesia. Anesthesiology. 2005;103(3):470–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Dhonneur G, Combes X, Leroux B, Duvaldestin P. Postoperative obstructive apnea. Anesth Analg. 1999;89(3):762–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Brouillette RT, Thach BT. A neuromuscular mechanism maintaining extrathoracic airway patency. J Appl Physiol. 1979;46(4):772–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Mahmoud M, Gunter J, Donnelly LF, Wang Y, Nick TG, Sadhasivam S. A comparison of dexmedetomidine with propofol for magnetic resonance imaging sleep studies in children. Anesth Analg. 2009;109(3):745–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Mahmoud M, Radhakrishman R, Gunter J, Sadhasivam S, Schapiro A, McAuliffe J, et al. Effect of increasing depth of dexmedetomidine anesthesia on upper airway morphology in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2010;20(6):506–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Mahmoud M, Jung D, Salisbury S, McAuliffe J, Gunter J, Patio M, et al. Effect of increasing depth of dexmedetomidine and propofol anesthesia on upper airway morphology in children and adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Anesth. 2013;25:529–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Truong MT, Woo VG, Koltai PJ. Sleep endoscopy as a diagnostic tool in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;76(5):722–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Chatterjee D, Friedman N, Shott S, Mahmoud M. Anesthetic dilemmas for dynamic evaluation of the pediatric upper airway. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2014;18(4):371–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Mahmoud M, Gunter J, Sadhasivam S. Cine MRI airway studies in children with sleep apnea: optimal images and anesthetic challenges. Pediatr Radiol. 2009;39(10):1034–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Jooste EH, Muhly WT, Ibinson JW, Suresh T, Damian D, Phadke A, et al. Acute hemodynamic changes after rapid intravenous bolus dosing of dexmedetomidine in pediatric heart transplant patients undergoing routine cardiac catheterization. Anesth Analg. 2010;111(6):1490–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Potts AL, Anderson BJ, Holford NH, Vu TC, Warman GR. Dexmedetomidine hemodynamics in children after cardiac surgery. Paediatr Anaesth. 2010;20(5):425–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Mason KP, Lonnqvist PA. Bradycardia in perspective-not all reductions in heart rate need immediate intervention. Paediatr Anaesth. 2015;25(1):44–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Mason KP, Turner DP, Houle TT, Fontaine PJ, Lerman J. Hemodynamic response to fluid management in children undergoing dexmedetomidine sedation for MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014;202(6):W574–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Mason KP, Zgleszewski SE, Prescilla R, Fontaine PJ, Zurakowski D. Hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine sedation for CT imaging studies. Paediatr Anaesth. 2008;18(5):393–402.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Mason KP, Zurakowski D, Zgleszewski SE, Robson CD, Carrier M, Hickey PR, et al. High dose dexmedetomidine as the sole sedative for pediatric MRI. Paediatr Anaesth. 2008;18(5):403–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Jorden VS, Pousman RM, Sanford MM, Thorborg PA, Hutchens MP. Dexmedetomidine overdose in the perioperative setting. Ann Pharmacother. 2004;38(5):803–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Ramsay MA, Luterman DL. Dexmedetomidine as a total intravenous anesthetic agent. Anesthesiology. 2004;101(3):787–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Patel VJ, Ahmed SS, Nitu ME, Rigby MR. Vasovagal syncope and severe bradycardia following intranasal dexmedetomidine for pediatric procedural sedation. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(4):446–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Berkenbosch JW, Tobias JD. Development of bradycardia during sedation with dexmedetomidine in an infant concurrently receiving digoxin. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2003;4(2):203–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Hammer GB, Drover DR, Cao H, Jackson E, Williams GD, Ramamoorthy C, et al. The effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac electrophysiology in children. Anesth Analg. 2008;106(1):79–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Chrysostomou C, Komarlu R, Lichtenstein S, Shiderly D, Arora G, Orr R, et al. Electrocardiographic effects of dexmedetomidine in patients with congenital heart disease. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(5):836–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Aantaa R, Kanto J, Scheinin M, Kallio A, Scheinin H. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, reduces anesthetic requirements for patients undergoing minor gynecologic surgery. Anesthesiology. 1990;73(2):230–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Scheinin H, Aantaa R, Anttila M, Hakola P, Helminen A, Karhuvaara S. Reversal of the sedative and sympatholytic effects of dexmedetomidine with a specific alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole: a pharmacodynamic and kinetic study in healthy volunteers. Anesthesiology. 1998;89(3):574–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Mason KP, Zgleszewski S, Forman RE, Stark C, DiNardo JA. An exaggerated hypertensive response to glycopyrrolate therapy for bradycardia associated with high-dose dexmedetomidine. Anesth Analg. 2009;108(3):906–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Congdon JM, Marquez M, Niyom S, Boscan P. Evaluation of the sedative and cardiovascular effects of intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine with and without concurrent atropine administration in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011;239(1):81–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Subramanyam R, Cudilo EM, Hossain MM, McAuliffe J, Wu J, Patino M, et al. To pretreat or not to pretreat: prophylactic anticholinergic administration before dexmedetomidine in pediatric imaging. Anesth Analg. 2015;121(2):479–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Peden CJ, Cloote AH, Stratford N, Prys-Roberts C. The effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine premedication on the dose requirement of propofol to induce loss of consciousness in patients receiving alfentanil. Anaesthesia. 2001;56(5):408–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ingersoll-Weng E, Manecke Jr GR, Thistlethwaite PA. Dexmedetomidine and cardiac arrest. Anesthesiology. 2004;100(3):738–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Dawes J, Myers D, Gorges M, Zhou G, Ansermino JM, Montgomery CJ. Identifying a rapid bolus dose of dexmedetomidine (ED50) with acceptable hemodynamic outcomes in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(12):1260–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Ickeringill M, Shehabi Y, Adamson H, Ruettimann U. Dexmedetomidine infusion without loading dose in surgical patients requiring mechanical ventilation: haemodynamic effects and efficacy. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2004;32(6):741–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Nishibe S, Imanishi H, Mieda T, Tsujita M. The effects of dexmedetomidine administration on the pulmonary artery pressure and the transpulmonary pressure gradient after the bidirectional superior cavopulmonary shunt. Pediatr Cardiol. 2015;36(1):151–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Kastner SB, Kull S, Kutter AP, Boller J, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Huhtinen MK. Cardiopulmonary effects of dexmedetomidine in sevoflurane-anesthetized sheep with and without nitric oxide inhalation. Am J Vet Res. 2005;66(9):1496–502.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Lazol JP, Lichtenstein SE, Jooste EH, Shiderly D, Kudchadker NA, Tatum GH, et al. Effect of dexmedetomidine on pulmonary artery pressure after congenital cardiac surgery: a pilot study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2010;11(5):589–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Friesen RH, Nichols CS, Twite MD, Cardwell KA, Pan Z, Pietra B, et al. The hemodynamic response to dexmedetomidine loading dose in children with and without pulmonary hypertension. Anesth Analg. 2013;117(4):953–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Nathan AT, Nicolson SC, McGowan FX. A word of caution: dexmedetomidine and pulmonary hypertension. Anesth Analg. 2014;119(1):216–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Venn RM, Bryant A, Hall GM, Grounds RM. Effects of dexmedetomidine on adrenocortical function, and the cardiovascular, endocrine and inflammatory responses in post-operative patients needing sedation in the intensive care unit. Br J Anaesth. 2001;86(5):650–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Maze M, Virtanen R, Daunt D, Banks SJ, Stover EP, Feldman D. Effects of dexmedetomidine, a novel imidazole sedative-anesthetic agent, on adrenal steroidogenesis: in vivo and in vitro studies. Anesth Analg. 1991;73(2):204–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Enomoto Y, Kudo T, Saito T, Hori T, Kaneko M, Matsui A, et al. Prolonged use of dexmedetomidine in an infant with respiratory failure following living donor liver transplantation. Paediatr Anaesth. 2006;16(12):1285–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. De Wolf AM, Fragen RJ, Avram MJ, Fitzgerald PC, Rahimi-Danesh F. The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in volunteers with severe renal impairment. Anesth Analg. 2001;93(5):1205–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Villela NR, do Nascimento Junior P, de Carvalho LR, Teixeira A. Effects of dexmedetomidine on renal system and on vasopressin plasma levels. Experimental study in dogs. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2005;55(4):429–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Frumento RJ, Logginidou HG, Wahlander S, Wagener G, Playford HR, Sladen RN. Dexmedetomidine infusion is associated with enhanced renal function after thoracic surgery. J Clin Anesth. 2006;18(6):422–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Billings FT, Chen SW, Kim M, Park SW, Song JH, Wang S, et al. alpha2-Adrenergic agonists protect against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2008;295(3):F741–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Greening A, Mathews L, Blair J. Apparent dexmedetomidine-induced polyuric syndrome in an achondroplastic patient undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Anesth Analg. 2011;113(6):1381–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Leino K, Hynynen M, Jalonen J, Salmenpera M, Scheinin H, Aantaa R, et al. Renal effects of dexmedetomidine during coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized placebo-controlled study. BMC Anesthesiol. 2011;11:9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  81. Ji F, Li Z, Young JN, Yeranossian A, Liu H. Post-bypass dexmedetomidine use and postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. PLoS One. 2013;8(10), e77446.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  82. Bayram A, Ulgey A, Baykan A, Narin N, Narin F, Esmaoglu A, et al. The effects of dexmedetomidine on early stage renal functions in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac angiography using non-ionic contrast media: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(4):426–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Wilder RT, Flick RP, Sprung J, Katusic SK, Barbaresi WJ, Mickelson C, et al. Early exposure to anesthesia and learning disabilities in a population-based birth cohort. Anesthesiology. 2009;110(4):796–804.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  84. Brambrink AM, Evers AS, Avidan MS, Farber NB, Smith DJ, Zhang X, et al. Isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis in the neonatal rhesus macaque brain. Anesthesiology. 2010;112(4):834–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  85. Slikker Jr W, Zou X, Hotchkiss CE, Divine RL, Sadovova N, Twaddle NC, et al. Ketamine-induced neuronal cell death in the perinatal rhesus monkey. Toxicol Sci. 2007;98(1):145–58.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Satomoto M, Satoh Y, Terui K, Miyao H, Takishima K, Ito M, et al. Neonatal exposure to sevoflurane induces abnormal social behaviors and deficits in fear conditioning in mice. Anesthesiology. 2009;110(3):628–37.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Cattano D, Williamson P, Fukui K, Avidan M, Evers AS, Olney JW, et al. Potential of xenon to induce or to protect against neuroapoptosis in the developing mouse brain. Can J Anaesth. 2008;55(7):429–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Dahmani S, Stany I, Brasher C, Lejeune C, Bruneau B, Wood C, et al. Pharmacological prevention of sevoflurane- and desflurane-related emergence agitation in children: a meta-analysis of published studies. Br J Anaesth. 2010;104(2):216–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Engelhard K, Werner C, Eberspacher E, Bachl M, Blobner M, Hildt E, et al. The effect of the alpha 2-agonist dexmedetomidine and the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist S(+)-ketamine on the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins after incomplete cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats. Anesth Analg. 2003;96(2):524–31.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Kuhmonen J, Pokorny J, Miettinen R, Haapalinna A, Jolkkonen J, Riekkinen Sr P, et al. Neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine in the gerbil hippocampus after transient global ischemia. Anesthesiology. 1997;87(2):371–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Jolkkonen J, Puurunen K, Koistinaho J, Kauppinen R, Haapalinna A, Nieminen L, et al. Neuroprotection by the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, in rat focal cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol. 1999;372(1):31–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Degos V, Charpentier TL, Chhor V, Brissaud O, Lebon S, Schwendimann L, et al. Neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine against glutamate agonist-induced neuronal cell death are related to increased astrocyte brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Anesthesiology. 2013;118(5):1123–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Laudenbach V, Mantz J, Lagercrantz H, Desmonts JM, Evrard P, Gressens P. Effects of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists on perinatal excitotoxic brain injury: comparison of clonidine and dexmedetomidine. Anesthesiology. 2002;96(1):134–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Ma D, Hossain M, Rajakumaraswamy N, Arshad M, Sanders RD, Franks NP, et al. Dexmedetomidine produces its neuroprotective effect via the alpha 2A-adrenoceptor subtype. Eur J Pharmacol. 2004;502(1–2):87–97.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Hoffman WE, Kochs E, Werner C, Thomas C, Albrecht RF. Dexmedetomidine improves neurologic outcome from incomplete ischemia in the rat. Reversal by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist atipamezole. Anesthesiology. 1991;75(2):328–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Altman JD, Trendelenburg AU, MacMillan L, Bernstein D, Limbird L, Starke K, et al. Abnormal regulation of the sympathetic nervous system in alpha2A-adrenergic receptor knockout mice. Mol Pharmacol. 1999;56(1):154–61.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Huang R, Chen Y, Yu AC, Hertz L. Dexmedetomidine-induced stimulation of glutamine oxidation in astrocytes: a possible mechanism for its neuroprotective activity. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2000;20(6):895–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. van Oostrom H, Stienen PJ, Doornenbal A, Hellebrekers LJ. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine suppresses memory formation only at doses attenuating the perception of sensory input. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010;629(1–3):58–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Ebert TJ, Hall JE, Barney JA, Uhrich TD, Colinco MD. The effects of increasing plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine in humans. Anesthesiology. 2000;93(2):382–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Veselis RA, Pryor KO, Reinsel RA, Li Y, Mehta M, Johnson Jr R. Propofol and midazolam inhibit conscious memory processes very soon after encoding: an event-related potential study of familiarity and recollection in volunteers. Anesthesiology. 2009;110(2):295–312.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  101. Prielipp RC, Wall MH, Tobin JR, Groban L, Cannon MA, Fahey FH, et al. Dexmedetomidine-induced sedation in volunteers decreases regional and global cerebral blood flow. Anesth Analg. 2002;95(4):1052–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Zornow MH, Maze M, Dyck JB, Shafer SL. Dexmedetomidine decreases cerebral blood flow velocity in humans. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 1993;13(2):350–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Drummond JC, Dao AV, Roth DM, Cheng CR, Atwater BI, Minokadeh A, et al. Effect of dexmedetomidine on cerebral blood flow velocity, cerebral metabolic rate, and carbon dioxide response in normal humans. Anesthesiology. 2008;108(2):225–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Cheung CW, Ng KF, Liu J, Yuen MY, Ho MH, Irwin MG. Analgesic and sedative effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine in third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 2011;107(3):430–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Yuen VM, Hui TW, Irwin MG, Yuen MK. A comparison of intranasal dexmedetomidine and oral midazolam for premedication in pediatric anesthesia: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Anesth Analg. 2008;106(6):1715–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Ghali AM, Mahfouz AK, Al-Bahrani M. Preanesthetic medication in children: a comparison of intranasal dexmedetomidine versus oral midazolam. Saudi J Anaesth. 2011;5(4):387–91.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  107. Yuen VM, Hui TW, Irwin MG, Yao TJ, Wong GL, Yuen MK. Optimal timing for the administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine for premedication in children. Anaesthesia. 2010;65(9):922–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Talon MD, Woodson LC, Sherwood ER, Aarsland A, McRae L, Benham T. Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication is comparable with midazolam in burn children undergoing reconstructive surgery. J Burn Care Res. 2009;30(4):599–605.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Schmidt AP, Valinetti EA, Bandeira D, Bertacchi MF, Simoes CM, Auler Jr JO. Effects of preanesthetic administration of midazolam, clonidine, or dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain and anxiety in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(7):667–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Pasin L, Febres D, Testa V, Frati E, Borghi G, Landoni G, et al. Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam as preanesthetic medication in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Paediatr Anaesth. 2016;25:468–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  111. Sun Y, Lu Y, Huang Y, Jiang H. Is dexmedetomidine superior to midazolam as a premedication in children? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(8):863–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Hauber JA, Davis PJ, Bendel LP, Martyn SV, McCarthy DL, Evans MC, et al. Dexmedetomidine as a rapid bolus for treatment and prophylactic prevention of emergence agitation in anesthetized children. Anesth Analg. 2015;121(5):1308–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Guler G, Akin A, Tosun Z, Eskitascoglu E, Mizrak A, Boyaci A. Single-dose dexmedetomidine attenuates airway and circulatory reflexes during extubation. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2005;49(8):1088–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Huupponen E, Maksimow A, Lapinlampi P, Sarkela M, Saastamoinen A, Snapir A, et al. Electroencephalogram spindle activity during dexmedetomidine sedation and physiological sleep. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2008;52(2):289–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Mason KP, O’Mahony E, Zurakowski D, Libenson MH. Effects of dexmedetomidine sedation on the EEG in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2009;19(12):1175–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Shukry M, Kennedy K. Dexmedetomidine as a total intravenous anesthetic in infants. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(6):581–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Seybold JL, Ramamurthi RJ, Hammer GB. The use of dexmedetomidine during laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and tracheal extubation following tracheal reconstruction. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(12):1212–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Chen KZ, Ye M, Hu CB, Shen X. Dexmedetomidine vs remifentanil intravenous anaesthesia and spontaneous ventilation for airway foreign body removal in children. Br J Anaesth. 2014;112(5):892–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Abdelmalak B, Gutenberg L, Lorenz RR, Smith M, Farag E, Doyle DJ. Dexmedetomidine supplemented with local anesthesia for awake laryngoplasty. J Clin Anesth. 2009;21(6):442–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Penttila J, Helminen A, Anttila M, Hinkka S, Scheinin H. Cardiovascular and parasympathetic effects of dexmedetomidine in healthy subjects. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2004;82(5):359–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Tsai CJ, Chu KS, Chen TI, Lu DV, Wang HM, Lu IC. A comparison of the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine versus propofol target-controlled infusion for sedation during fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation. Anaesthesia. 2010;65(3):254–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Stricker P, Fiadjoe JE, McGinnis S. Intubation of an infant with Pierre Robin sequence under dexmedetomidine sedation using the Shikani Optical Stylet. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2008;52(6):866–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Iravani M, Wald SH. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine for fiberoptic intubation in a child with severe mandibular hypoplasia. J Clin Anesth. 2008;20(6):455–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Mahmoud M, Tyler T, Sadhasivam S. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine for large anterior mediastinal mass biopsy. Paediatr Anaesth. 2008;18(10):1011–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Song J, Ji Q, Sun Q, Gao T, Liu K, Li L. The opioid-sparing effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion after craniotomy. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2016;28:14–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Tobias JD. Dexmedetomidine: applications in pediatric critical care and pediatric anesthesiology. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2007;8(2):115–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Mahmoud M, Sadhasivam S, Salisbury S, Nick TG, Schnell B, Sestokas AK, et al. Susceptibility of transcranial electric motor-evoked potentials to varying targeted blood levels of dexmedetomidine during spine surgery. Anesthesiology. 2010;112(6):1364–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Tobias JD, Berkenbosch JW. Initial experience with dexmedetomidine in paediatric-aged patients. Paediatr Anaesth. 2002;12(2):171–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Frost EA, Booij LH. Anesthesia in the patient for awake craniotomy. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2007;20(4):331–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Rozet I. Anesthesia for functional neurosurgery: the role of dexmedetomidine. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2008;21(5):537–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Ard J, Doyle W, Bekker A. Awake craniotomy with dexmedetomidine in pediatric patients. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2003;15(3):263–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Souter MJ, Rozet I, Ojemann JG, Souter KJ, Holmes MD, Lee L, et al. Dexmedetomidine sedation during awake craniotomy for seizure resection: effects on electrocorticography. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol. 2007;19(1):38–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Chaitanya G, Arivazhagan A, Sinha S, Reddy KR, Thennarasu K, Bharath RD, et al. Dexmedetomidine anesthesia enhances spike generation during intra-operative electrocorticography: a promising adjunct for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy Res. 2015;109:65–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Ellis JE, Drijvers G, Pedlow S, Laff SP, Sorrentino MJ, Foss JF, et al. Premedication with oral and transdermal clonidine provides safe and efficacious postoperative sympatholysis. Anesth Analg. 1994;79(6):1133–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Muzi M, Goff DR, Kampine JP, Roerig DL, Ebert TJ. Clonidine reduces sympathetic activity but maintains baroreflex responses in normotensive humans. Anesthesiology. 1992;77(5):864–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Curtis JA, Hollinger MK, Jain HB. Propofol-based versus dexmedetomidine-based sedation in cardiac surgery patients. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2013;27(6):1289–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Okada H, Kurita T, Mochizuki T, Morita K, Sato S. The cardioprotective effect of dexmedetomidine on global ischaemia in isolated rat hearts. Resuscitation. 2007;74(3):538–45.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Riha H, Kotulak T, Brezina A, Hess L, Kramar P, Szarszoi O, et al. Comparison of the effects of ketamine-dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane-sufentanil anesthesia on cardiac biomarkers after cardiac surgery: an observational study. Physiol Res. 2012;61(1):63–72.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Yoshitomi O, Cho S, Hara T, Shibata I, Maekawa T, Ureshino H, et al. Direct protective effects of dexmedetomidine against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in anesthetized pigs. Shock. 2012;38(1):92–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  140. Tosun Z, Baktir M, Kahraman HC, Baskol G, Guler G, Boyaci A. Does dexmedetomidine provide cardioprotection in coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass? A pilot study. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2013;27(4):710–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Talke P, Li J, Jain U, Leung J, Drasner K, Hollenberg M, et al. Effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion in patients undergoing vascular surgery. The Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group. Anesthesiology. 1995;82(3):620–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Roekaerts PM, Prinzen FW, De Lange S. Beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine on ischaemic myocardium of anaesthetized dogs. Br J Anaesth. 1996;77(3):427–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Willigers HM, Prinzen FW, Roekaerts PM, de Lange S, Durieux ME. Dexmedetomidine decreases perioperative myocardial lactate release in dogs. Anesth Analg. 2003;96(3):657–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Menda F, Koner O, Sayin M, Ture H, Imer P, Aykac B. Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to anesthetic induction to attenuate hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing fast-track CABG. Ann Card Anaesth. 2010;13(1):16–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  145. Kunisawa T, Nagata O, Nagashima M, Mitamura S, Ueno M, Suzuki A, et al. Dexmedetomidine suppresses the decrease in blood pressure during anesthetic induction and blunts the cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation. J Clin Anesth. 2009;21(3):194–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Ji F, Li Z, Nguyen H, Young N, Shi P, Fleming N, et al. Perioperative dexmedetomidine improves outcomes of cardiac surgery. Circulation. 2013;127(15):1576–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  147. Mukhtar AM, Obayah EM, Hassona AM. The use of dexmedetomidine in pediatric cardiac surgery. Anesth Analg. 2006;103(1):52–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  148. Chrysostomou C, Beerman L, Shiderly D, Berry D, Morell VO, Munoz R. Dexmedetomidine: a novel drug for the treatment of atrial and junctional tachyarrhythmias during the perioperative period for congenital cardiac surgery: a preliminary study. Anesth Analg. 2008;107(5):1514–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Chrysostomou C, Sanchez-de-Toledo J, Wearden P, Jooste EH, Lichtenstein SE, Callahan PM, et al. Perioperative use of dexmedetomidine is associated with decreased incidence of ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias after congenital cardiac operations. Ann Thorac Surg. 2011;92(3):964–72.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  150. Ramsay MA, Saha D, Hebeler RF. Tracheal resection in the morbidly obese patient: the role of dexmedetomidine. J Clin Anesth. 2006;18(6):452–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  151. Tufanogullari B, White PF, Peixoto MP, Kianpour D, Lacour T, Griffin J, et al. Dexmedetomidine infusion during laparoscopic bariatric surgery: the effect on recovery outcome variables. Anesth Analg. 2008;106(6):1741–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  152. Sidorowicz M, Owczuk R, Kwiecinska B, Wujtewicz MA, Wojciechowski J, Wujtewicz M. Dexmedetomidine sedation for carotid endarterectomy. Anestezjol Intens Ter. 2009;41(2):78–83.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  153. McCutcheon CA, Orme RM, Scott DA, Davies MJ, McGlade DP. A comparison of dexmedetomidine versus conventional therapy for sedation and hemodynamic control during carotid endarterectomy performed under regional anesthesia. Anesth Analg. 2006;102(3):668–75.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  154. Rich JM. Dexmedetomidine as a sole sedating agent with local anesthesia in a high-risk patient for axillofemoral bypass graft: a case report. AANA J. 2005;73(5):357–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  155. Hitt JM, Corcoran T, Michienzi K, Creighton P, Heard C. An evaluation of intranasal sufentanil and dexmedetomidine for pediatric dental sedation. Pharmaceutics. 2014;6(1):175–84.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  156. Sheta SA, Al-Sarheed MA, Abdelhalim AA. Intranasal dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for premedication in children undergoing complete dental rehabilitation: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(2):181–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  157. Surendar MN, Pandey RK, Saksena AK, Kumar R, Chandra G. A comparative evaluation of intranasal dexmedetomidine, midazolam and ketamine for their sedative and analgesic properties: a triple blind randomized study. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2014;38(3):255–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  158. Farah GJ, de Moraes M, Filho LI, Pavan AJ, Camarini ET, Previdelli IT, et al. Induced hypotension in orthognathic surgery: a comparative study of 2 pharmacological protocols. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;66(11):2261–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  159. Ogawa S, Seino H, Ito H, Yamazaki S, Ganzberg S, Kawaai H. Intravenous sedation with low-dose dexmedetomidine: its potential for use in dentistry. Anesth Prog. 2008;55(3):82–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  160. Hasan MS, Chan L. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine sedation for dental extraction in children with cyanotic heart disease. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2014;72(10):1920.e1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  161. Kim HS, Kim JW, Jang KT, Lee SH, Kim CC, Shin TJ. Initial experience with dexmedetomidine for dental sedation in children. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2013;38(1):79–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  162. Xu L, Bao H, Si Y, Wang X. Effects of dexmedetomidine on early and late cytokines during polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Inflamm Res. 2013;62(5):507–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  163. Li S, Yang Y, Yu C, Yao Y, Wu Y, Qian L, et al. Dexmedetomidine analgesia effects in patients undergoing dental implant surgery and its impact on postoperative inflammatory and oxidative stress. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2015;2015:186736.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  164. Fan TW, Ti LK, Islam I. Comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for conscious sedation in dental surgery monitored by bispectral index. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2013;51(5):428–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  165. Taniyama K, Oda H, Okawa K, Himeno K, Shikanai K, Shibutani T. Psychosedation with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride during minor oral surgery. Anesth Prog. 2009;56(3):75–80.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  166. Singh C, Pandey RK, Saksena AK, Chandra G. A comparative evaluation of analgo-sedative effects of oral dexmedetomidine and ketamine: a triple-blind, randomized study. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24:1252–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  167. Eisenach JC, De Kock M, Klimscha W. alpha(2)-adrenergic agonists for regional anesthesia. A clinical review of clonidine (1984-1995). Anesthesiology. 1996;85(3):655–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  168. Wu HH, Wang HT, Jin JJ, Cui GB, Zhou KC, Chen Y, et al. Does dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjuvant facilitate better anesthesia and analgesia? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2014;9(3), e93114.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  169. Saadawy I, Boker A, Elshahawy MA, Almazrooa A, Melibary S, Abdellatif AA, et al. Effect of dexmedetomidine on the characteristics of bupivacaine in a caudal block in pediatrics. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2009;53(2):251–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  170. El-Hennawy AM, Abd-Elwahab AM, Abd-Elmaksoud AM, El-Ozairy HS, Boulis SR. Addition of clonidine or dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine prolongs caudal analgesia in children. Br J Anaesth. 2009;103(2):268–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  171. Tong Y, Ren H, Ding X, Jin S, Chen Z, Li Q. Analgesic effect and adverse events of dexmedetomidine as additive for pediatric caudal anesthesia: a meta-analysis. Paediatr Anaesth. 2014;24(12):1224–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  172. Huang Y, Lu Y, Zhang L, Yan J, Jiang J, Jiang H. Perineural dexmedetomidine attenuates inflammation in rat sciatic nerve via the NF-kappaB pathway. Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(3):4049–59.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  173. Konakci S, Adanir T, Yilmaz G, Rezanko T. The efficacy and neurotoxicity of dexmedetomidine administered via the epidural route. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2008;25(5):403–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  174. Lahdesmaki J, Sallinen J, MacDonald E, Sirvio J, Scheinin M. Alpha2-adrenergic drug effects on brain monoamines, locomotion, and body temperature are largely abolished in mice lacking the alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype. Neuropharmacology. 2003;44(7):882–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  175. Quan N, Xin L, Ungar AL, Blatteis CM. Preoptic norepinephrine-induced hypothermia is mediated by alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Am J Physiol. 1992;262(3 Pt 2):R407–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  176. Finkel JC, Quezado ZM. Hypothermia-induced bradycardia in a neonate receiving dexmedetomidine. J Clin Anesth. 2007;19(4):290–2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  177. Pestieau SR, Quezado ZM, Johnson YJ, Anderson JL, Cheng YI, McCarter RJ, et al. The effect of dexmedetomidine during myringotomy and pressure-equalizing tube placement in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2011;21(11):1128–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  178. Hammer GB, Sam WJ, Chen MI, Golianu B, Drover DR. Determination of the pharmacodynamic interaction of propofol and dexmedetomidine during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2009;19(2):138–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  179. Makary L, Vornik V, Finn R, Lenkovsky F, McClelland AL, Thurmon J, et al. Prolonged recovery associated with dexmedetomidine when used as a sole sedative agent in office-based oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010;68(2):386–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  180. Jalowiecki P, Rudner R, Gonciarz M, Kawecki P, Petelenz M, Dziurdzik P. Sole use of dexmedetomidine has limited utility for conscious sedation during outpatient colonoscopy. Anesthesiology. 2005;103(2):269–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  181. Pestieau SR, Quezado ZM, Johnson YJ, Anderson JL, Cheng YI, McCarter RJ, et al. High-dose dexmedetomidine increases the opioid-free interval and decreases opioid requirement after tonsillectomy in children. Can J Anaesth. 2011;58(6):540–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  182. Olutoye OA, Glover CD, Diefenderfer JW, McGilberry M, Wyatt MM, Larrier DR, et al. The effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia and sedation in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Anesth Analg. 2010;111(2):490–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  183. Mason KP. Sedation trends in the 21st century: the transition to dexmedetomidine for radiological imaging studies. Paediatr Anaesth. 2010;20(3):265–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  184. Koroglu A, Teksan H, Sagir O, Yucel A, Toprak HI, Ersoy OM. A comparison of the sedative, hemodynamic, and respiratory effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Anesth Analg. 2006;103(1):63–7, table of contents.

    Google Scholar 

  185. Mason KP, Zgleszewski SE, Dearden JL, Dumont RS, Pirich MA, Stark CD, et al. Dexmedetomidine for pediatric sedation for computed tomography imaging studies. Anesth Analg. 2006;103(1):57–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  186. Heard CM, Joshi P, Johnson K. Dexmedetomidine for pediatric MRI sedation: a review of a series of cases. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(9):888–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  187. Alhashemi JA. Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for monitored anaesthesia care during cataract surgery. Br J Anaesth. 2006;96(6):722–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  188. Munro HM, Tirotta CF, Felix DE, Lagueruela RG, Madril DR, Zahn EM, et al. Initial experience with dexmedetomidine for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(2):109–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  189. Char D, Drover DR, Motonaga KS, Gupta S, Miyake CY, Dubin AM, et al. The effects of ketamine on dexmedetomidine-induced electrophysiologic changes in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2013;23(10):898–905.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  190. Tobias JD. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine: an effective alternative for procedural sedation? Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2012;13(4):423–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  191. Koruk S, Mizrak A, Gul R, Kilic E, Yendi F, Oner U. Dexmedetomidine-ketamine and midazolam-ketamine combinations for sedation in pediatric patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: a randomized prospective study. J Anesth. 2010;24(6):858–63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  192. McVey JD, Tobias JD. Dexmedetomidine and ketamine for sedation during spinal anesthesia in children. J Clin Anesth. 2010;22(7):538–45.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  193. Zor F, Ozturk S, Bilgin F, Isik S, Cosar A. Pain relief during dressing changes of major adult burns: ideal analgesic combination with ketamine. Burns. 2010;36(4):501–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  194. Shank ES, Sheridan RL, Ryan CM, Keaney TJ, Martyn JA. Hemodynamic responses to dexmedetomidine in critically injured intubated pediatric burned patients: a preliminary study. J Burn Care Res. 2013;34(3):311–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  195. Barton KP, Munoz R, Morell VO, Chrysostomou C. Dexmedetomidine as the primary sedative during invasive procedures in infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2008;9(6):612–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  196. Engelhard K, Werner C, Kaspar S, Mollenberg O, Blobner M, Bachl M, et al. Effect of the alpha2-agonist dexmedetomidine on cerebral neurotransmitter concentrations during cerebral ischemia in rats. Anesthesiology. 2002;96(2):450–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  197. Eckenhoff JE, Kneale DH, Dripps RD. The incidence and etiology of postanesthetic excitment. A clinical survey. Anesthesiology. 1961;22:667–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  198. Voepel-Lewis T, Malviya S, Tait AR. A prospective cohort study of emergence agitation in the pediatric postanesthesia care unit. Anesth Analg. 2003;96(6):1625–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  199. Sikich N, Lerman J. Development and psychometric evaluation of the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale. Anesthesiology. 2004;100(5):1138–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  200. Kain ZN, Mayes LC, Caldwell-Andrews AA, Karas DE, McClain BC. Preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, and behavioral recovery in young children undergoing surgery. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):651–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  201. Kain ZN, Caldwell-Andrews AA, Maranets I, McClain B, Gaal D, Mayes LC, et al. Preoperative anxiety and emergence delirium and postoperative maladaptive behaviors. Anesth Analg. 2004;99(6):1648–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  202. Vlajkovic GP, Sindjelic RP. Emergence delirium in children: many questions, few answers. Anesth Analg. 2007;104(1):84–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  203. Ibacache ME, Munoz HR, Brandes V, Morales AL. Single-dose dexmedetomidine reduces agitation after sevoflurane anesthesia in children. Anesth Analg. 2004;98(1):60–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  204. Isik B, Arslan M, Tunga AD, Kurtipek O. Dexmedetomidine decreases emergence agitation in pediatric patients after sevoflurane anesthesia without surgery. Paediatr Anaesth. 2006;16(7):748–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  205. Guler G, Akin A, Tosun Z, Ors S, Esmaoglu A, Boyaci A. Single-dose dexmedetomidine reduces agitation and provides smooth extubation after pediatric adenotonsillectomy. Paediatr Anaesth. 2005;15(9):762–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  206. Shukry M, Clyde MC, Kalarickal PL, Ramadhyani U. Does dexmedetomidine prevent emergence delirium in children after sevoflurane-based general anesthesia? Paediatr Anaesth. 2005;15(12):1098–104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  207. Patel A, Davidson M, Tran MC, Quraishi H, Schoenberg C, Sant M, et al. Dexmedetomidine infusion for analgesia and prevention of emergence agitation in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Anesth Analg. 2010;111(4):1004–10.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  208. Doufas AG, Lin CM, Suleman MI, Liem EB, Lenhardt R, Morioka N, et al. Dexmedetomidine and meperidine additively reduce the shivering threshold in humans. Stroke. 2003;34(5):1218–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  209. Talke P, Tayefeh F, Sessler DI, Jeffrey R, Noursalehi M, Richardson C. Dexmedetomidine does not alter the sweating threshold, but comparably and linearly decreases the vasoconstriction and shivering thresholds. Anesthesiology. 1997;87(4):835–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  210. Bicer C, Esmaoglu A, Akin A, Boyaci A. Dexmedetomidine and meperidine prevent postanaesthetic shivering. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2006;23(2):149–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  211. Elvan EG, Oc B, Uzun S, Karabulut E, Coskun F, Aypar U. Dexmedetomidine and postoperative shivering in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2008;25(5):357–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  212. Blaine Easley R, Brady KM, Tobias JD. Dexmedetomidine for the treatment of postanesthesia shivering in children. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(4):341–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  213. Frolich MA, Zhang K, Ness TJ. Effect of sedation on pain perception. Anesthesiology. 2013;118(3):611–21.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  214. Schnabel A, Meyer-Friessem CH, Reichl SU, Zahn PK, Pogatzki-Zahn EM. Is intraoperative dexmedetomidine a new option for postoperative pain treatment? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain. 2013;154(7):1140–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  215. Schnabel A, Reichl SU, Poepping DM, Kranke P, Pogatzki-Zahn EM, Zahn PK. Efficacy and safety of intraoperative dexmedetomidine for acute postoperative pain in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Paediatr Anaesth. 2013;23(2):170–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  216. Riker RR, Shehabi Y, Bokesch PM, Ceraso D, Wisemandle W, Koura F, et al. Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for sedation of critically ill patients: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2009;301(5):489–99.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  217. Pandharipande PP, Pun BT, Herr DL, Maze M, Girard TD, Miller RR, et al. Effect of sedation with dexmedetomidine vs lorazepam on acute brain dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients: the MENDS randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2007;298(22):2644–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  218. Tan JA, Ho KM. Use of dexmedetomidine as a sedative and analgesic agent in critically ill adult patients: a meta-analysis. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(6):926–39.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  219. Jakob SM, Ruokonen E, Grounds RM, Sarapohja T, Garratt C, Pocock SJ, et al. Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam or propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation: two randomized controlled trials. JAMA. 2012;307(11):1151–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  220. Ruokonen E, Parviainen I, Jakob SM, Nunes S, Kaukonen M, Shepherd ST, et al. Dexmedetomidine versus propofol/midazolam for long-term sedation during mechanical ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2009;35(2):282–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  221. Xia ZQ, Chen SQ, Yao X, Xie CB, Wen SH, Liu KX. Clinical benefits of dexmedetomidine versus propofol in adult intensive care unit patients: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Surg Res. 2013;185(2):833–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  222. Turunen H, Jakob SM, Ruokonen E, Kaukonen KM, Sarapohja T, Apajasalo M, et al. Dexmedetomidine versus standard care sedation with propofol or midazolam in intensive care: an economic evaluation. Crit Care. 2015;19:67.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  223. Guinter JR, Kristeller JL. Prolonged infusions of dexmedetomidine in critically ill patients. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2010;67(15):1246–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  224. Shehabi Y, Ruettimann U, Adamson H, Innes R, Ickeringill M. Dexmedetomidine infusion for more than 24 hours in critically ill patients: sedative and cardiovascular effects. Intensive Care Med. 2004;30(12):2188–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  225. Gerlach AT, Murphy CV, Dasta JF. An updated focused review of dexmedetomidine in adults. Ann Pharmacother. 2009;43(12):2064–74.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  226. Dasta JF, Kane-Gill SL, Durtschi AJ. Comparing dexmedetomidine prescribing patterns and safety in the naturalistic setting versus published data. Ann Pharmacother. 2004;38(7–8):1130–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  227. Czaja AS, Zimmerman JJ. The use of dexmedetomidine in critically ill children. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2009;10(3):381–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  228. Bejian S, Valasek C, Nigro JJ, Cleveland DC, Willis BC. Prolonged use of dexmedetomidine in the paediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Cardiol Young. 2009;19(1):98–104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  229. Hammer GB, Philip BM, Schroeder AR, Rosen FS, Koltai PJ. Prolonged infusion of dexmedetomidine for sedation following tracheal resection. Paediatr Anaesth. 2005;15(7):616–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohamed Mahmoud MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Mahmoud, M. (2017). Dexmedetomidine: The Science and Clinical Aspects in Adults and Children. In: Absalom, A., Mason, K. (eds) Total Intravenous Anesthesia and Target Controlled Infusions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47609-4_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47609-4_13

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-47607-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-47609-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics