[Alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonists for the intensive care physician].

Clonidine and dexmedetomidine are two α2-adrenoreceptors agonists available for the intensivist in the clinical practice. The affinity of dexmedetomidine is eight times greater than clonidine affinity for the α2 receptors. Their main effect is sedation. They act by inhibition of noradrenaline release in the locus coeruleus in the brainstem. α2-agonists are used primarily for sedation, analgesia, and management of delirium. Nowadays, dexmedetomidine application is increasing in critically ill patients showing a good safety. Most frequent side effects include bradycardia and hypotension.