In vitro study | Dexmedetomidine has a relatively high ratio of α2/α1-activity (1620:1, compared to 220:1 for clonidine) and is therefore considered to be a full agonist of the α2 receptor. This may lead to more effective sedation without the cardiovascular response caused by the activation of redundant α1 receptors. The 2-hour half-life of Dexmedetomidine is almost 4 times shorter than that of clonidine, which increases the possibility that continuous administration of dexmedetomidine is effective for sedation. Dexmedetomidine also has minimal alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC)-retention properties, but its use as an anesthetic is complicated by persistent hypotension, intravenous infusion administration and vasopressor administration. In addition, its use in large doses is accompanied by a2-receptor mediated vasoconstriction caused by hypertension. |