Last reviewed 2026-06-02 · How we verify

Precedex (Dexmedetomidine)

Precedex (Dexmedetomidine) is a Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist Small molecule drug developed by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. It is currently FDA-approved for Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care settings, Sedation and analgesia for procedural use (e.g., awake fiberoptic intubation, regional anesthesia). Also known as: Dexmedetomidine, Precedex.

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 initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care settings, Sedation and analgesia for procedural use (e.g., awake fiberoptic intubation, regional anesthesia).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

By binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, dexmedetomidine reduces norepinephrine release and decreases neuronal firing in the locus coeruleus and other brain regions, resulting in sedation without respiratory depression. This mechanism also provides analgesic and anxiolytic effects, making it useful for procedural sedation and ICU sedation in mechanically ventilated patients.

Approved indications

• Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care settings
• Sedation and analgesia for procedural use (e.g., awake fiberoptic intubation, regional anesthesia)

Common side effects

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Hypertension (transient, initial)
• Dry mouth
• Tachycardia (rebound)

Key clinical trials

• Effect of Lidocaine Infusion Versus Dexmedemidine Infusion on the Neurocognitive Function of Elderly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP): a Randomized, Controlled Trial. (NA)
• Dexmedotomidine for Acute Pain Control in Patients With Multiple Rib FracturesRandomized Controlled Trial (PHASE4)
• Using Lidocaine or Dexmedetomidine to Help Control Blood Pressure Spikes From a Tourniquet During Knee Surgery (PHASE2)
• The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Cognitive Function in Open Heart Surgery (NA)
• Dexmedetomidine Use in Infants Undergoing Cooling Due to Neonatal Encephalopathy (DICE Trial) (PHASE2)
• PENG Block With Dexmedetomidine in Older Adults (NA)
• Comparison Between Total Intravenous Anesthesia With Magnesium Sulphate Versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia With Dexmedetomidine in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgeries (PHASE3)
• Dexmedetomidine-Midazolam vs. Ketamine-Midazolam on Emergence Delirium (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Precedex (Dexmedetomidine) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Precedex (Dexmedetomidine) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Precedex (Dexmedetomidine)

Related

• Drug class: All Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor
• Manufacturer: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Anesthesia/Sedation
• Indication: Drugs for Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care settings
• Indication: Drugs for Sedation and analgesia for procedural use (e.g., awake fiberoptic intubation, regional anesthesia)
• Also known as: Dexmedetomidine, Precedex

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing