What is dexmedetomidine (Precedex) used for?

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) is used in the hospital setting for [sedation](https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/types-of-anesthesia/ivmonitored-sedation/) before and during surgery and other procedures. It can only be used for people who aren't intubated (when a tube is placed to keep airways open in people who have trouble breathing on their own).

What are common side effects of dexmedetomidine (Precedex)?

[Common side effects](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8fb7886c-7762-4b72-989b-0fe8e963b4b8) during dexmedetomidine (Precedex) treatment include low blood pressure, slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, and dry mouth. Your provider will monitor you while you receive dexmedetomidine (Precedex) and might give you medications to treat these side effects. If you've received dexmedetomidine (Precedex) for longer than 6 hours, you might experience nervousness, agitation, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or sweating for up to 2 days after the injection. Let your provider know if this happens to you.

How quickly does dexmedetomidine (Precedex) work?

For most people, dexmedetomidine (Precedex) starts to work in [less than 5 minutes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4173414/) after it's injected into the vein.

dexmedetomidine / sodium chloride

Q: How does dexmedetomidine (Precedex) work?

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) is an alpha~2~-adrenergic agonist that works as a sedative. It turns on proteins called alpha~2~ receptors in the brain to [slow down nerve signaling](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1291306/), which helps make you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Q: How is dexmedetomidine (Precedex) given, and how much will I receive?

The [dose](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8fb7886c-7762-4b72-989b-0fe8e963b4b8) of dexmedetomidine (Precedex) will depend on your body weight, individual condition, and response to the medication. The typical dose given in adults before a procedure is 0.5 mcg/kg to 1 mcg/kg of body weight given as an injection through your veins (intravenously or IV) over 10 minutes. During a procedure, a dose of 0.2 mcg/kg to 1 mcg/kg of body weight per hour is typically given. Your dose might differ if you're over 65 years of age or have liver problems.

Q: Is dexmedetomidine (Precedex) safe to use in pregnancy?

There isn't enough information to know if dexmedetomidine (Precedex) is safe to use during pregnancy. In animals, dexmedetomidine (Precedex) caused harm to unborn babies, including lower weights and death. Make sure your provider knows if you're pregnant before receiving dexmedetomidine (Precedex) so you can discuss the risks and benefits for you and your unborn baby.

Generic Precedex

Used for Sedation

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) is an injectable sedative given through the vein by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting. It's typically used before and during surgery and other procedures so you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 24, 2022

What is Dexmedetomidine (Precedex)?

Are you looking for information on chlorhexidine (Peridex) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Precedex
Drug Class	Sedative
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Precedex

Drug Class

Sedative

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride

Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride is used in the hospital setting for sedation before and during surgery and other procedures. It can only be used for people who aren't intubated (when a tube is placed to keep airways open in people who have trouble breathing on their own).

Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride is an alpha~2~-adrenergic agonist that works as a sedative. It turns on proteins called alpha~2~ receptors in the brain to slow down nerve signaling, which helps make you feel calmer and more relaxed.

The dose of Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride will depend on your body weight, individual condition, and response to the medication. The typical dose given in adults before a procedure is 0.5 mcg/kg to 1 mcg/kg of body weight given as an injection through your veins (intravenously or IV) over 10 minutes. During a procedure, a dose of 0.2 mcg/kg to 1 mcg/kg of body weight per hour is typically given. Your dose might differ if you're over 65 years of age or have liver problems.

Common side effects during Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride treatment include low blood pressure, slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, and dry mouth. Your provider will monitor you while you receive Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride and might give you medications to treat these side effects. If you've received Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride for longer than 6 hours, you might experience nervousness, agitation, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or sweating for up to 2 days after the injection. Let your provider know if this happens to you.

For most people, Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride starts to work in less than 5 minutes after it's injected into the vein.

There isn't enough information to know if Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride is safe to use during pregnancy. In animals, Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride caused harm to unborn babies, including lower weights and death. Make sure your provider knows if you're pregnant before receiving Dexmedetomidine/Sodium Chloride so you can discuss the risks and benefits for you and your unborn baby.