title: [Dexmedetomidine. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics].
abstract: Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective, potent α₂-adrenoceptor agonist which was approved in 2011 by the European Medicines Agency for sedation of patients in intensive care units (ICU). Dexmedetomidine exhibits sedative as well as analgesic and anxiolytic effects. Recent studies suggest that dexmedetomidine may be an alternative to midazolam in long-term ICU sedation. This review summarizes the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine particularly in ICU patients and with special regard to covariate effects. Although dexmedetomidine is currently approved only for use in adults the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in children will also be addressed as there are numerous studies on this off-label use.
authors.affiliation: Anästhesiologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Krankenhausstr. 12, 91054 Erlangen, Deutschland. Harald.Ihmsen@kfa.imed.uni-erlangen.de
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ihmsen
authors.forename: T I
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Saari
mesh_terms: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003422:Critical Care; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption
chemical_list: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D020927:Dexmedetomidine