Analgesic effects of alpha‐2‐adrenoreceptor agonists in equine medicine: systemic, spinal, and local applications

Summary Alpha‐2‐adrenoreceptor agonists provide analgesia when used as sole agents but can also be used in combination with other drugs for their additive and potentially synergistic effects. Further, because of their effects on blood flow, alpha‐2‐adrenoreceptor agonists act to extend and perhaps intensify the effects of drugs, such as local anaesthetics, administered perineurally or epidurally. This paper will explore what is known about the analgesic effects of alpha‐2‐adrenoreceptor agonists administered in combination with other drugs systemically, spinally and perineurally.