What is the drug Precedex used for?

What is the drug Precedex used for?

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

How does Precedex work for sedation?

Dexmedetomidine works at α2-receptors both peripherally and centrally; however, the sedative and anxiolytic effects of the drug are mediated through stimulation of central α2-receptors. Activation of these receptors attenuates central nervous system excitation, especially in the locus coeruleus.

Is Precedex a narcotic?

Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) is not a controlled substance.

What class of medication is Precedex?

Precedex belongs to a class of drugs called Sedatives.

Why is Precedex used in ICU?

Dexmedetomidine is indicated for sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients during treatment in an intensive care setting by continuous IV infusion for up to 24 hours.

Is precedex better than propofol?

We found no difference between dexmedetomidine and propofol in the number of days alive without delirium or coma (adjusted median, 10.7 vs. 10.8 days; odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 1.26), ventilator-free days (adjusted median, 23.7 vs.

Does Precedex help with pain?

A large number of clinical studies have shown that intraoperative dexmedetomidine can significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid use, and the incidence of opioid-related adverse events.

How fast does Precedex wear off?

The terminal elimination half-life of intravenous dexmedetomidine ranged 2.1 to 3.1 hours in healthy adults and 2.2 to 3.7 hours in ICU patients.

Why is precedex used in ICU?

Why is precedex limited to 24 hours?

The FDA states that if used for >24 hours, dexmedetomidine can cause tolerance and tachyphylaxis. The FDA also states that prolonged exposure can cause a dose-related increase in adverse events such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure and agitation.