Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (Precedex) is an imidazole derivative that is an agonist of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor. It is closely-related to MEDETOMIDINE, which is the racemic form of this compound.

Medetomidine hydrochloride (MPV785) is a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist, with Ki of 1.08 nM, exhibts 1620-fold selectivity over α1-adrenoceptor.

Medetomidine (Domtor) is a potent, highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist, demonstrating Ki values of 1.08 nM for α2-adrenoceptors and 1750 nM for α1-adrenoceptors, indicating significant selectivity for α2 over α1 receptors compared to clonidine and UK 14,304 with 1620-, 220-, and 300-fold respectively. Medetomidine significantly inhibits the twitch response in electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens (pD2 = 9.0), showcasing its efficacy. Exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological effects, Medetomidine is effective in vivo, manifesting hypotensive, bradycardic, sedative, anxiolytic, hypothermic, and analgesic properties.

3-Hydroxy Medetomidine, a metabolite of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist Medetomidine, is actively involved in the biochemical pathways following the administration of Medetomidine.

Dexmedetomidine is a Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist. The mechanism of action of dexmedetomidine is as an Adrenergic alpha2-Agonist. The physiologic effect of dexmedetomidine is by means of General Anesthesia.