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PRECEDEX: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

PRECEDEX - General Information

An agonist of receptors, adrenergic alpha-2 that is used in veterinary medicine for its analgesic and sedative properties. It is the racemate of dexmedetomidine. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of PRECEDEX

PRECEDEX activates 2-adrenoceptors, and causes the decrease of sympathetic tone, with attenuation of the neuroendocrine and hemodynamic responses to anesthesia and surgery; it reduces anesthetic and opioid requirements; and causes sedation and analgesia.

 

PRECEDEX for patients

PRECEDEX should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of patients in the intensive care setting. Due to the known pharmacological effects of PRECEDEX, patients should be continuously monitored while receiving PRECEDEX.

Reports of hypotension and bradycardia have been associated with Precedex infusion. If medical intervention is required, treatment may include decreasing or stopping the infusion of Precedex, increasing the rate of IV fluid administration, elevation of the lower extremities, and use of pressor agents.

 

PRECEDEX Interactions

General

In vitro studies in human liver microsomes demonstrated no evidence of cytochrome P450-mediated drug interactions that are likely to be of clinical relevance.

Anesthetics/Sedatives/Hypnotics/Opioids

Co-administration of PRECEDEX with anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids is likely to lead to an enhancement of effects. Specific studies have confirmed these effects with sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, and midazolam. No pharmacokinetic interactions between dexmedetomidine and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with PRECEDEX, a reduction in dosage of PRECEDEX on the concomitant anesthetic, sedative, hypnotic or opioid may be required.

Neuromuscular Blockers

In one study of 10 healthy volunteers, administration of PRECEDEX for 45 minutes at a plasma concentration of 1 (one) ng/mL resulted in no clinically meaningful increases in the magnitude or neuromuscular blockade associated with rocuronium administration.

 

PRECEDEX Contraindications

No specific information available.

 

Additional information about PRECEDEX

PRECEDEX Indication: For sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients during treatment in an intensive care setting, also used in pain relief; anxiety reduction and analgesia Mechanism Of Action: PRECEDEX is a specific and selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist. By binding to the presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors, it inhibits the release if norepinephrine, therefore, terminate the propagation of pain signals. Avtivation of the postsynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors inhibits the sympathetic activity decreases blood pressure and heart rate. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Dexmedetomidine Synonyms: Medetomidina [Spanish]; Medetomidine; Medetomidinum [Latin] Drug Category: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Analgesics; Hypnotics and Sedatives Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Dexmedetomidine: PRECEDEX; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: 94% Biotransformation: Hepatic Half Life: 2 hours Dosage Forms of PRECEDEX: Injection, solution Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-3H-imidazole Chemical Formula: C13H16N2 Dexmedetomidine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexmedetomidine Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals