Single intravenous doses of dexmedetomidine caused dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma norepinephrine concentration (by up to 92%) in healthy male volunteers.
RCT (n=5)
Does intravenous dexmedetomidine alter hemodynamic parameters and plasma catecholamines in healthy male volunteers?
Dexmedetomidine produces dose-dependent sympatholytic effects, significantly reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma norepinephrine in healthy volunteers.
Effect estimate: up to 92% decrease in norepinephrine
Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was administered to five healthy male volunteers in single intravenous doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 75 micrograms as part of a placebo-controlled study. The drug caused dose-dependent decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A small initial hypertensive response was observed after injection of the two highest doses. Heart rate was decreased. The concentration of norepinephrine in plasma was decreased significantly (by up to 92%), and the decrease was dose-dependent. No significant drug-induced alterations were observed in plasma renin activity or in the concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide and arginine vasopressin in plasma. Other drug effects included dose-dependent impairment of vigilance and stimulation of growth hormone secretion. Plasma cortisol levels were unaffected. Dexmedetomidine is a potentially useful tool for studies of the physiology and pharmacology of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human beings and may have therapeutic applications in clinical conditions in which sedative and sympatholytic effects are considered beneficial, such as premedication for anesthesia and surgery.
Kallio et al. (Sat,) conducted a rct in Healthy volunteers (n=5). Dexmedetomidine vs. Placebo was evaluated on Hemodynamic control mechanisms (blood pressure, heart rate, plasma norepinephrine) (up to 92% decrease in norepinephrine). Single intravenous doses of dexmedetomidine caused dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma norepinephrine concentration (by up to 92%) in healthy male volunteers.