Dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used primarily for sedation in intensive care settings and during procedures requiring monitored anesthesia care. It produces sedation, anxiolysis, and analgesic effects by decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity in the central nervous system.
A sedative agent that works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to produce calming and sedative effects.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CM18
- RxNorm
- 48937
- Generic
- Dexmedetomidine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Sileo, Dexmedesed, Sedexodine, Dexased, Igalmi, Precedex, Dexmedvet, Dexdomitor
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, sublingual
- Forms
- injection, gel, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.7 mcg/kg/hr
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.6 mcg/kg/hr
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.2-0.4 mcg/kg/hr
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use only when clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; lowest effective dose should be used
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery due to potential effects on uterine activity and fetal bradycardia
continuous fetal monitoring; watch for uterine hypotonia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableuse with caution or avoid
excreted in breast milk; discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug depending on clinical necessity
monitor infant for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65 yearsreduce initial dose by 50%
use lower starting dose and titrate slowly; monitor for bradycardia and hypotension
regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing required
FDA approved for sedation of intubated pediatric patients in ICU; not recommended for procedural sedation in non-intubated children
continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution in severe renal impairment; monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
reduce dose in moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to decreased metabolism
monitor liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approved
FDA approval year for human use (Precedex)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications in human medicine
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Used for sedation in mechanically ventilated patients in ICU settings, procedural sedation, and as a component of balanced anesthesia. It is particularly useful when mild sedation without respiratory depression is desired.
Acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist in the central nervous system. By stimulating these receptors, it reduces norepinephrine release, decreases sympathetic outflow, and produces sedation, anxiolysis, and an opioid-sparing effect.
Requires close monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate due to potential for hypotension and bradycardia. Should not be used in patients with certain cardiac conditions. Dose-dependent effects; alpha-2 selectivity is more pronounced at lower doses.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy