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Intravenous dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system.
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system. Used for Sedation of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units, Procedural sedation for awake fiberoptic intubation, Sedation during regional anesthesia procedures.
At a glance
| Generic name | Intravenous dexmedetomidine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | precedex, Propofol 2 mg/kg,, fentanyl 1 µg/kg , Cis-atracurium 0.15mg / kg and Isoflurane 1-1.5% in 50% oxygen, Precedex, Intravenous Precedex |
| Sponsor | University of Jordan |
| Drug class | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist |
| Target | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia and Critical Care |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dexmedetomidine binds with high selectivity to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors found throughout the brain and spinal cord. This activation leads to decreased norepinephrine release and reduced neuronal firing, resulting in sedation and analgesia without respiratory depression. The drug produces a unique 'cooperative sedation' where patients can be easily aroused, making it useful for procedural sedation and ICU sedation.
Approved indications
- Sedation of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units
- Procedural sedation for awake fiberoptic intubation
- Sedation during regional anesthesia procedures
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Hypertension (transient, initial)
- Dry mouth
- Tachycardia (rebound)
Key clinical trials
- The Relationship Between Opioid-Free Anesthesia and Postoperative Agitation-Delirium and Quality of Recovery in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Cases Monitored With Perioperative Bispectral Index
- Dexmedetomidine for Invasive Ventilation In the NEOnate (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Effect of CYP2D6 on Perioperative Analgesia of Oxycodone in Elderly Patients
- PENG Block Variants With Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine in Older Adults (NA)
- Three Variants of the PENG Block With and Without Perineural Adjuvants in Older Adults (NA)
- The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Cognitive Function in Open Heart Surgery (NA)
- Dexmedetomidine for Improving Emergence Quality in Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Intravenous dexmedetomidine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Intravenous dexmedetomidine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Jordan portfolio CI