Dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It possesses sedative, anxiolytic, and some analgesic properties, uniquely providing 'cooperative sedation' where patients remain easily arousable and interactive. It is primarily administered intravenously in critical care and anesthesia settings, and does not typically cause respiratory depression at clinical doses.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered only by healthcare professionals skilled in the management of patients in intensive care or outpatient sedation settings. Dosage is highly individualized and titrated to clinical effect. Typically initiated with a loading infusion (optional) followed by a continuous maintenance infusion calculated in micrograms per kilogram of body weight (mcg/kg/hr).
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.2 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Not routinely recommended in neonates. Use with extreme caution under strict ICU supervision. High risk of bradycardia.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate slowly in increments of 0.1 mcg/kg/hr. Monitor hemodynamics closely.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.2 to 1.0 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid rapid bolus loading doses in pediatric patients to minimize the risk of transient hypertension.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.2 to 1.4 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate to achieve desired level of sedation. Ensure continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.2 to 1.4 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion
- Frequency
- Continuous IV infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Assess patient arousal and pain level regularly. Adjust dose dynamically to reduce prolonged sedation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.05 to 0.2 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion | Continuous IV infusion | Not routinely recommended in neonates. Use with extreme caution under strict ICU supervision. High risk of bradycardia. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate slowly in increments of 0.1 mcg/kg/hr. Monitor hemodynamics closely. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.2 to 1.0 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion | Continuous IV infusion | Avoid rapid bolus loading doses in pediatric patients to minimize the risk of transient hypertension. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.2 to 1.4 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion | Continuous IV infusion | Titrate to achieve desired level of sedation. Ensure continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.2 to 1.4 mcg/kg/hour continuous infusion | Continuous IV infusion | Assess patient arousal and pain level regularly. Adjust dose dynamically to reduce prolonged sedation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care setting; sedation of non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures (procedural sedation); and acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder (sublingual form).
Generic Name
Dexmedetomidine HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Dexmedetomidine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.