【Abstract】 Dexmedetomidine is a novel highly selective alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It has the pharmacological effects of sedation, anti-anxiety and analgesia, and can induce patients to be in a sedative state similar to natural sleep and easy to wake up. In addition, dexmedetomidine has little influence on respiration. In recent years, the application of dexmedetomidine in clinical practice has greatly increased. This article reviews the recent progress in clinical research of dexmedetomidine.