Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine: The Anesthetic as an Antiarrythmic

Minati Choudhury

Cardiac arrhythmias are significant cause of morbidity and mortality during perioperative period as well as in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU).These rhythm disturbances that may be well tolerated in normal heart can cause significant hemodynamic instability in patients with a congenital or acquired heart problem. Management of these arrhythmias possess a challenge because currently available antiarrhythmic have several disadvantages. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with sympatholytic, sedative, amnesic and analgesic properties. Growing evidences has been suggested the potential therapeutic application of DEX in the management of cardiac rhythm disturbances. This work has an intention to review and update the application of DEX for management of various cardiac arrhythmias. A comprehensive review of pharmacology, mechanism of antiarrhythmic action and side effects of this drug is presented.