Precedex (Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Precedex

Sleep Disorder Drugs »

Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Precedex

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Precedex Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) is used for short-term intravenous sedation. It is an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with sedative properties. Common side effects include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or dry mouth.

Precedex is only used in controlled settings and is administered intravenously (IV). Dosing of Precedex is individualized and adjusted to desired clinical response. It is not indicated for infusions lasting longer than 24 hours. Precedex may interact with anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, or opioids. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. During pregnancy, Precedex should only be used if prescribed. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Precedex may produce withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.

Our Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Precedex Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Intensive Care Unit Sedation

Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) ® is indicated for sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients during treatment in an intensive care setting. Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) should be administered by continuous infusion not to exceed 24 hours.

Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) has been continuously infused in mechanically ventilated patients prior to extubation, during extubation, and post-extubation. It is not necessary to discontinue Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) ...

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