Abstract
Dexmedetomidine is a novel α2-adrenoceptor agonist that may provide beneficial effects as premedication for anesthesia. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of transdermal (TD) and intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine were studied in nine healthy male subjects in a crossover trial. The TD preparation, containing 625 μg of dexmedetomidine base, was applied on the forehead and left in place for 12 h. The IV dose (2.0 μg·kg-1 as dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) was administered as an infusion over 5 min. Dose-normalized total AUC values were used to calculate dexmedetomidine bioavailability. The bioavailability of dexmedetomidine from the TD preparation was 51%. However, the bioavailability of dexmedetomidine released from the preparation was 88%. The mean terminal half-life was 3.1 h after IV and 5.6 h after TD administration. After TD administration, the mean maximal reductions in blood pressure (systolic/diastolic) and heart rate were 28/20 mmHg and 19 beats·min-1. A sedative effect was obvious within 5 min and 1–2 h after IV and TD administration, respectively.
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Kivistö, K.T., Kallio, A. & Neuvonen, P.J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of transdermal dexmedetomidine. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 46, 345–349 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00194403
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00194403