title: [The use of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgery.].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists is increasingly more frequent in Anesthesiology, as adjuvant or the sole anesthetic drug. Currently, dexmedetomidine is gaining popularity due to its greater selectivity for the alpha2-adrenergic receptors and its pharmacokinetic profile. The aim of this review was to analyze the use of dexmedetomidine in neurosurgery.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Besides considerations and review of the literature regarding the use of dexmedetomidine, specifically in neurosurgical procedures, its effects on the different organ systems are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of dexmedetomidine favors its use in several neurosurgical procedures. Its use in craniotomy for the treatment of aneurysms and tumor removal is recent. Besides, its use in functional surgical interventions is promising.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Anestesiologia, FMB, UNESP.
authors.forename: Bernardo Aloisio Grings
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Herbert
authors.forename: Paulo Magalhães Gomes
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Ramaciotti
authors.forename: Fábio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Laís Helena Camacho
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.forename: Giane
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Geraldo Rolim
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Yara Marcondes Machado
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Castiglia
authors.forename: José Reinaldo Cerqueira
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Braz
authors.forename: Paulo do
authors.initials: Pd
authors.lastname: Nascimento