Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common perioperative complication that is strongly associated with an increased risk of death, other postoperative complications, prolonged length of hospitalization stay, and the progression of potential chronic kidney disease. At present, most studies have shown the protective effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on renal function. The pathogenesis of AKI after non‑cardiac surgery is complex. Dex can reduce the prevalence of AKI through stabilizing renal hemodynamics, diuresis, anti‑inflammation and other mechanisms. This article mainly describes the protective mechanism of Dex on renal function, the strategies of intravenous Dex infusion, and the related research progress on intravenous Dex infusion, in order to provide clinical reference.