Molecular Formula: C13H17ClN2
Molecular weight: 236.74 g/mol
CAS No: 145108-58-3
ATC Code: N05CM18
Drug Class: Antianxiety
General Properties:
Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a medetomidine hydrochloride. It has a role as a sedative. It contains a dexmedetomidine. It is an enantiomer of a levomedetomidine hydrochloride.
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of dexmedetomidine, an imidazole derivate and active d-isomer of medetomidine with analgesic, anxiolytic and sedative activities. Dexmedetomidine selectively binds to and activates presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors located in the brain, thereby inhibiting the release of norepinephrine from synaptic vesicles. This leads to an inhibition of postsynaptic activation of adrenoceptors, which inhibits sympathetic activity, thereby leading to analgesia, sedation and anxiolysis.
Indication:
Dexmedetomidine, sold under the trade name Precedex among others, is a drug used in humans for sedation. Veterinarians use dexmedetomidine for similar purposes in treating cats, dogs, and horses. It is also used in humans to treat acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder.