Intra-operative use of alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists

Alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists have potentially many desirable properties: sedation without major respiratory depression, anxiolysis, analgesia and a decreased dose requirement of anaesthetic and analgesic drugs. Furthermore, a better control of haemodynamic and adrenergic responses to noxious stimuli may result in a more favourable cardiovascular profile both intra- and post-operatively. However, the clinical efficacy of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in improving the outcome in defined high-risk patient groups still needs further confirmation