Dexmedetomidine is an a2-adrenergic receptor agonist with an eight-fold greater affinity for the a2-adrenergic receptor than its sister drug clonidine. It is a sedative that is clear, colourless and tasteless and has been used in children for a number of years. Advantages of Dexmedetomidine over other agents used in paediatrics include: ease of administration; reduction in postoperative analgesic requirements; and reduction in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

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