Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist used for sedation during various procedures. An agonist of receptors, adrenergic alpha-2 that is used in veterinary medicine for its analgesic and sedative properties.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Dexmedetomidine is a specific and selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist. By binding to the presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors, it inhibits the release if norepinephrine, therefore, terminate the propagation of pain signals. Activation of the postsynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors inhibits the sympathetic activity decreases blood pressure and heart rate.
- Primary indication
- Administered intravenously, dexmedetomidine is indicated for the sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients during treatment in intensive care settings, and for the sedation of non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgery and other...Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C13H16N2 · 200.2795 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2018 · United States, 2004 · European Union, 2021
- Also known as
- dexemedetomidine · Dexmed-etomidine · Dextmedetomidine
- Code names
- MPV-1440 · TPU 006
- Brand names
Resolves to
CUHVIMMYOGQXCV-NSHDSACASA-NSMILESC[C@H](C1=CNC=N1)C1=C(C)C(C)=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Dexmedetomidine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account