Conclusion
The use of α2 agonists, either alone or in combination, is becoming widespread in anaesthesia. The original enthusiasm for this class of compound for its plethora of beneficial effects appears to have been justified based on the more recent clinical studies reported here. In the next decade, the field will continue to evolve with the clinical introduction of the second generation of α2 agonists, notably dexmedetomidine which is a more selective, specific and efficacious compound than the prototype, clonidine. Furthermore, formulations allowing several different routes of administration, ranging from transdermal to neuraxial, will further extend its clinical utility.
Conclusion
En anesthésie, l’utilisation des agonistes α2 seuls ou en association se répand rapidement. En vertu des nombreux avantages que les agonistes α2 procurent, l’enthousiasme initial démontré envers cette classe de composés semble justifié sur la base des plus récentes études cliniques que nous avons rapportées. La prochaine décennie verra se continuer cette évolution avec l’introduction en clinique de la deuxième génération des agonistes α2, en particulier de la dexmédétomidine qui est plus sélective, plus spécifique et plus efficace que son prototype, la clonodine. En outre, les cliniciens trouveront d’autres indications pour ces produits grâce à des préparations adaptées aux différents modes d’administration, de la voie transdermique à celle du système nerveux central.
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Kamibayashi, T., Harasawa, K. & Maze, M. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Can J Anaesth 44 (Suppl 1), R13–R22 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022261
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022261