ROLE OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN ICU

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is a new agent introduced for sedation in intensive care unit(ICU).Unlike most sedatives used in the ICU, dexmedetomidine is an α-2 agonist and does not work on the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-mimetic system. Therefore, dexmedetomidine causes sedation and analgesia without depressing the respiratory drive. The sedation produced by dexmedetomidine has been termed “cooperative sedation”, as it allowsthe patient to interact with healthcare professionals. Cooperative sedation allows patients to be easily transitioned from sleep to wakefulness, which may aid in evaluation of neurological status and allow the patient to perform tasks. Although “cooperative sedation” may be achieved if other sedatives are properly dosed, dexmedetomidine maintains this throughout its usual dosage. In addition, this characteristic helps to explain why dexmedetomidine is also used for sedation of patients undergoing invasive procedure of radiological tests.