Dexmedetomidine is an anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic medication. similar to clonidine, it is an agonist of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in certain parts of the brain. dexmedetomidine is notable for its ability to provide sedation without risk of respiratory depression (unlike other commonly used sedatives such as propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam) and can provide cooperative or semi-arousable sedation. dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is also used in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats.dexmedetomidine is most often used in the intensive care setting for light to moderate sedation. it is not recommended for long term deep sedation. a unique feature of dexmedetomidine is that it has analgesic properties in addition to its role as a hypnotic, but is opioid sparing, and is therefore not associated with significant respiratory depression (unlike propofol).