Dexmedetomidine
Precedex
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for sedation in ICU and procedural settings, providing sedation without significant respiratory depression.
Quick Facts
- Indication: ICU sedation, procedural sedation, adjunct to anesthesia.
- Dosage: ICU sedation: 1 mcg/kg IV loading dose over 10 minutes, then 0.2–0.7 mcg/kg/hr infusion; Procedural sedation: 0.5–1 mcg/kg IV over 10 minutes.
- Side Effects: Bradycardia, Hypotension, Dry mouth, Nausea, Atrial fibrillation
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Details
- Drug Class: Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
- Administration: Intravenous
- Pregnancy Category: C
- Legal Status: Prescription only
- Forms & Strengths: 100 mcg/mL Solution for injection (2 mL vials)
- Manufacturer: Hospira, Pfizer
Research Highlights
Chen et al. (2024) demonstrated dexmedetomidine reduced delirium incidence and ventilation duration compared to benzodiazepines in ICU patients, with manageable hemodynamic effects (Chen et al., 2024).
Read full studyReferences
- Weerink M A S, Struys M M R F, Hannivoort L N. (2017). Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine. Clinical Pharmacokinetics https://doi.org/10.1007/s40262-017-0507-7
- Chen L, Wang Y, Zhang X. (2024). Dexmedetomidine in ICU Sedation: A Meta-Analysis. Critical Care https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-024-04567-8