Dexmedetomidine

Generic name: dexmedetomidine [ DEX-med-e-TOE-mi-deen ]
Brand names: Precedex, Igalmi
Dosage form: intravenous solution (100 mcg/mL; 4 mcg/mL-D5%; 4 mcg/mL-NaCl 0.9%)
Drug class:Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 1, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dexmedetomidine?

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative that is used to sedate a patient who is under intensive medical care and needs a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).

Before a ventilator is used, a breathing tube must be inserted through the mouth and into the patient's airway, a procedure called intubation. The tube is then attached to the ventilator, which pumps air slowly into the lungs to control the patient's breathing. Sedation with dexmedetomidine can help keep the patient relaxed and comfortable while the ventilator and tube are in place.

Dexmedetomidine is also used during anesthesia to get a patient ready for a surgery or other medical procedure.

Dexmedetomidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Before dexmedetomidine is given, the doctor should know about all the patient's medical conditions or allergies, and all other medicines the patient is using. Also make sure the doctor knows if the patient is pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with dexmedetomidine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure dexmedetomidine is safe to give, tell the doctor if the patient has:

• liver disease;

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure;

• a serious heart condition such as severe heart block, or "AV block";

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• low blood pressure, or if the patient may be dehydrated.

It is not known whether dexmedetomidine will harm an unborn baby. Tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The patient should not breast-feed within 10 hours after receiving dexmedetomidine. If a breast pump is used during this time, any milk collected should be thrown out and not fed to a baby.

How is dexmedetomidine given?

Dexmedetomidine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Dexmedetomidine is given using a continuous infusion device that slowly injects the medicine into the body. This type of infusion keeps the patient sedated around the clock.

The patient's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while dexmedetomidine is given.

When dexmedetomidine is discontinu...