title: [Dexmedetomidine: pharmacology and clinical application.].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dexmedetomidine is the newest alpha2-adrenergic agonist for clinical application. It has a fast onset, is metabolized by the liver and mostly excreted by the urine. This review aimed at presenting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of dexmedetomidine and its clinical applications.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles are presented and compared to other alpha2-adrenergic agonist drugs, the prototype of which is clonidine. Cardiac, vascular, neurological and gynecologic procedure outcomes are commented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dexmedetomidine is an innovative drug for sedation and analgesia. Its major qualities are fast onset and titration, allowing for changes in sedation and analgesia depth. In addition, it has a synergism with commonly used anesthetic drugs, with a low incidence of side effects and minor respiratory depression.
authors.affiliation: CET, SBA, SANE.
authors.forename: Airton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bagatini
authors.forename: Cláudio Roberto
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Marcelo Zanettini
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Masella
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rezer