Dexmedetomidine as an Analgesic Agent with Neuroprotective Properties: Experimental and Clinical Aspects

Dexmedetomidine (Dexdor or Precedex®) is considered as a sedative agent which is widely used as an adjuvant in general anesthesia and critical care practice. There is extensive evidence indicating its neuroprotective properties especially in various ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury models of animals. Clinical trials have shown that dexmedetomidine (DEX) can improve the outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Also, DEX is appropriate as a non-opioid analgesic therapy whenever minimizing opioid-related side effects is necessary. The present article reviews the recent advances in the use of DEX as a neuroprotective agent in both animal and human studies including newest findings about the mechanism of the drug as well as analgesic efficacy of this drug at all perioperative stages. In spite of the beneficial effects of the drug on the nervous system, there are potential adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia, which can be treated pharmacologically and must be taken into consideration by clinicians.