.Pharmacolibrary.Drugs.N_NervousSystem.N05C_HypnoticsAndSedatives.N05CM18_Dexmedetomidine.Dexmedetomidine

Information

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist used for sedation in intensive care settings and during procedural sedation. It is approved and widely used for sedation of mechanically ventilated adults and can be used in perioperative settings. It has sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties with minimal respiratory depression.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics reported from healthy adult subjects undergoing elective surgery; typical intravenous administration.

References

1. Weerink, MAS, et al., & Colin, P (2017). Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dexmedetomidine. Clinical pharmacokinetics 56(8) 893–913. DOI:10.1007/s40262-017-0507-7 PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28105598

2. Ashraf, MW, et al., & Saari, TI (2020). Population Modelling of Dexmedetomidine Pharmacokinetics and Haemodynamic Effects After Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration. Clinical pharmacokinetics 59(11) 1467–1482. DOI:10.1007/s40262-020-00900-3 PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32462542

3. Smith, HAB, et al., & Berkenbosch, JW (2022). 2022 Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines on Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation, Neuromuscular Blockade, and Delirium in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients With Consideration of the ICU Environment and Early Mobility. Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies 23(2) e74–e110. DOI:10.1097/PCC.0000000000002873 PUBMED:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35119438

Revisions

• 06/2025 initial generated model