Detomidine is an α2-adrenergic receptor(α2-adrenoceptor) agonist with in vivo sedative and analgesic efficacy. In receptor binding experiments, detomidine showed strong affinity to alpha2-receptors. There was some binding affinity towards alpha 1-receptors also butonly negligible or no affinity towards dopamine, opiate and adenosine receptors. Detomidine is a derivative of imidazole that exerts muscle relaxation effects. It also acts as an anesthetic adjunct. Detomidine also shows cardiovascular effects such as induction of a state of hypertension, bradycardia and increased systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Detomidine may be used in the research field foranimal behavior studies to facilitate sedation and to conduct procedures thatneed immobilization of animals for observation.

α2-Adrenergic receptor (α2-adrenoceptor) agonist with in vivo sedative and analgesic efficacy.
Detomidine is an α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-adrenoceptor) agonist with in vivo sedative and analgesic efficacy. In receptor binding experiments, detomidine showed strong affinity to alpha 2-receptors. There was some binding affinity towards alpha 1-receptors also but only negligible or no affinity towards dopamine, opiate and adenosine receptors.