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IV acetaminophen & IV dexmedetomidine
This combination uses acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever via COX inhibition, and dexmedetomidine to provide sedation and analgesia through alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonism.
This combination uses acetaminophen to reduce pain and fever via COX inhibition, and dexmedetomidine to provide sedation and analgesia through alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonism. Used for Perioperative analgesia and sedation, Sedation in intensive care unit patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | IV acetaminophen & IV dexmedetomidine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ofirmev, Precedex |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center |
| Drug class | Analgesic/sedative combination |
| Target | COX enzymes (acetaminophen); alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (dexmedetomidine) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia/Critical Care |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, lowering pain and fever perception. Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that produces sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system. Together, they provide multimodal analgesia and sedation for perioperative or critical care settings.
Approved indications
- Perioperative analgesia and sedation
- Sedation in intensive care unit patients
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Dry mouth
- Hepatotoxicity (acetaminophen)
Key clinical trials
- Transition From Acute to Chronic Opioid Use and Chronic Pain (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Perioperative Multimodal General AnesTHesia Focusing on Specific CNS Targets in Patients Undergoing carDiac surgERies (NA)
- Muscle Relaxation for Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy (PHASE4)
- Anesthetic Optimization in Pediatric LeFort Surgeries (NA)
- Effect of Ketorolac on Post Adenotonsillectomy Pain (PHASE4)
- Opioid-free Anesthesia as an Alternative to General Anesthesia in Abdominal Surgery (NA)
- Accelerated Recovery Following Opioid-free Anaesthesia in Supratentorial Craniotomy (NA)
- Dexmedetomine as Adjuvant for Spinal Anesthesia in Elective Cesarian Sections : a Pilot Study (PHASE3)
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 |
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