Dexmedetomidine
Brand names: Precedex, Dexdor
Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist used for sedation of intubated and ventilated patients in intensive care and for procedural sedation, providing sedation with relative preservation of respiratory drive.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It stimulates central alpha-2 adrenoceptors, reducing sympathetic outflow and noradrenaline release to produce dose-dependent sedation, anxiolysis and analgesia.
Prescribing in practice
- It commonly causes bradycardia and hypotension, which can be pronounced, so close haemodynamic monitoring is essential and a loading approach may need to be avoided in vulnerable patients.
- It provides cooperative, rousable sedation with less respiratory depression than many alternatives, which can facilitate weaning and assessment.
- Abrupt withdrawal after prolonged infusion may cause rebound hypertension, agitation and tachycardia, so tapering should be considered.
Monitoring
Continuously monitor heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, sedation level and respiratory status throughout the infusion.
Counselling the patient
- Reassure conscious patients that they may feel calm but can still be roused and communicate.
- Alert the team to watch for and treat bradycardia and hypotension.
Evidence & guidelines
Its sedative role is supported by critical-care evidence and practice, with administration by appropriately monitored, experienced teams.
Reference: MENDS2 trial (NEJM 2021); ESICM Sedation Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.