Dexmedetomidine (Dexdor)
Mechanism of action
Alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist and general anaesthetic agent.
Selective alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist.
Indications and dose
Side-effects
Agitation
Bradycardia
Hypertension or hypotension
Hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia
Respiratory depression
Dry mouth
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: 15 - 60 minutes
Duration of action: 1 - 4 hours
Bioavailability: Intravenous
Distribution: 118L; 94% protein bound
Metabolism: Hepatic
Half-life of elimination: 6 minutes - 3 hours
Excretion: Urine
Directions for administration
Intravenous infusion.
Dilute in 5% glucose or 0.9% sodium chloride to a concentration of 4 micrograms/ml.
Medicinal forms
Intranasal, sublingual, buccal and intravenous form.
Intravenous - 1 ml = 100 micrograms, vials with 2, 4 and 10 ml (200, 400 and 1000 micrograms)
References
