[1] Similar to clonidine, dexmedetomidine is a sympatholytic drug that acts as an agonist of α2-adrenergic receptors in certain parts of the brain.

Studies suggest dexmedetomidine for sedation in mechanically ventilated adults may reduce time to extubation and ICU stay.

[15] From an economic perspective, dexmedetomidine is associated with lower ICU costs, largely due to a shorter time to extubation.

[32] Common side effects include: hypotension, hypertension, with slight decreases in heart rate, arrhythmias, and hypoxia.

Similarly, drugs that lower blood pressure and heart rate, such as beta blockers, may also have enhanced effects when co-administered with dexmedetomidine.

[44][45] Unlike opioids and other sedatives such as propofol, dexmedetomidine is able to achieve its effects without causing respiratory depression.

[31] Dexmedetomidine was developed by Orion Pharma and is marketed under the names dexdor® and Precedex®; in 1999 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it as a short-term sedative and analgesic (<24 hours) for critically ill or injured people on mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.

The rationale for its short-term use was due to concerns over withdrawal side effects such as rebound high blood pressure.

[50] Dexmedetomidine, under the brand name Dexdomitor (Orion Corporation), was approved in the European Union for use in cats and dogs in 2002, for sedation and induction of general anesthesia.

[52] In 2015, the European Medicines Agency and the FDA approved an oromucosal gel form of dexmedetomidine marketed as Sileo by pharmaceutical company Zoetis for use in dogs for relief of noise aversion.