Q; Which statement is true regarding dexmedetomidine?


A) Drugs that lower systemic blood pressure may enhance dexmedetomidine's hypotensive effect

B)  Drugs that increase systemic blood pressure may enhance dexmedetomidine's hypertensive effect

C) Both of the above


Answer:  C

Dexmedetomidine is one of the unique sedative which has both hypotensive as well as hypertensive property. Hypertensive property is usually evident with bolus administration and hypotensive effects may be apparent during slow infusion. Similarly, it can have synergistic effect with similar kind of drugs. It is metabolized by glucuronidation and cytochrome P450.



Reference:

Chen K, Lu Z, Xin YC, et al. Alpha-2 agonists for long-term sedation during mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 1:CD010269.