Dexmeditomedine is a:

Ans. a. Centrally acting alpha-2 agonist (Ref: KDT 7/e p384; Katzung 12/e p445)Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with strong sedative properties.'Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with strong sedative properties. It has a half-life of 2-3 hours and is metabolized in the liver and excreted, mainly as metabolites, in the urine. - Katzung 12/e p445'Dexmedetomidine is a centrally active selective alpha-2a agonist that has been introduced for sedating critically ill/ventilated patients in intensive care units. It is also being used as an adjunct to anaesthesia Analgesia and sedation are produced with little respiratory depression. Sympathetic response to stress and noxious stimulus is blunted. It is administered by i.v. infusion. Side effects are similar to those with clonidine (hypotension, bradycardia and dry mouth). It has been recently approved for use in India as well. KDT 7/e p384