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Intracranial Pharmacotherapy and Pain Assays in Rodents
Published on: April 9, 2019
Alpha-2 agonists in acute pain management.
Albert Kam Ming Chan1, Chi Wai Cheung, Yeow Kuan Chong
1The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Department of Anaethesia and Intensive Care, Hong Kong.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Alpha-2 agonists like clonidine show promise for managing acute postoperative pain. Further research is needed to establish the role of dexmedetomidine in postoperative pain control.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology and Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha-2 agonists possess analgesic properties but are underutilized in clinical acute pain management.
- This review critically examines the existing evidence for their use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss clinical studies on the efficacy of alpha-2 agonists in acute pain management.
- To clarify the current clinical applications of alpha-2 agonists based on recent evidence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Medline (1977-2009) using keywords related to alpha-2 agonists and pain management techniques.
- Focus on clinical studies published between 1990 and 2009, including those involving clonidine and dexmedetomidine.
Main Results:
- Clonidine and dexmedetomidine are the primary alpha-2 agonists discussed, with detailed examination of their clinical use.
- The review synthesizes current evidence regarding their application in acute pain scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Clonidine demonstrates significant potential for managing acute postoperative pain.
- Additional clinical data is required to fully ascertain the role of dexmedetomidine in postoperative pain management.
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