Precedex/Precedex Ready To Use (Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Precedex/Precedex Ready To Use Used For?
Precedex contains dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-2-receptor agonists. It works by affecting brain chemicals to provide sedation and calmness.
Primary Uses
Precedex is used for two main purposes: 1) As a sedative for adults in the Intensive Care Unit who need to remain calm while on a breathing machine (ventilator), given as an infusion for up to 24 hours. 2) To help adults feel sleepy and calm before operations when they are not on a ventilator.
How It Works
Precedex works by its actions on brain chemicals as an alpha-2-receptor agonist, providing sedation and calming effects.
How to Take Precedex/Precedex Ready To Use
Precedex is given only by healthcare professionals in hospital settings through a slow injection (drip) into a vein.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose you receive based on your condition, weight, and other factors. The dose will be adjusted to keep you at the right depth of sleep or sedation. Only doctors or nurses can administer this medication.
Important: Precedex should only be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. You cannot take this medication yourself.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- dizziness or light-headedness
- looking pale
- feeling chills
- nausea and/or vomiting
- high temperature
- dry mouth
- constipation or diarrhea
- feelings of agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucination, depression or tiredness
- trouble with speech or understanding speech
- pain, tingling or numbness
- fluid retention or swelling in arms or legs
- changes in blood sugar levels
- increased sweating
- changes to vision/blurred vision
- reduced or increased urine output
- lack of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- dry eyes that if left untreated may cause damage
- clammy skin
- severe headaches
- slowing or quickening of heart beat or palpitations
- shortness of breath, rapid breathing, wheezing or breathing difficulties
- fainting
- loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep
- difficulty staying asleep
- pressure, tightness or pain in chest or arms that may spread to neck, jaw or back
- unusual bruising
- overheating of body that you can’t control by normal cooling methods
- excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, lack of energy, confusion, muscle twitching or spasms, restlessness, seizures
- jaundice or yellowing of skin or eyeballs, often with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine or light colored bowel movements
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before receiving Precedex.
Who Should Not Take Precedex/Precedex Ready To Use
Do not use Precedex if you are allergic to dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. Allergic reaction symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver problems. Elderly patients over 65 may be more prone to blood pressure lowering effects.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or unsure if you are pregnant. The active ingredient may affect your developing baby. Precedex passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Increased Risk Warning: An increased risk of death has been seen for patients 65 years of age and under, particularly those admitted to intensive care for reasons other than surgery, with more severe disease conditions, and who are younger than 65.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Precedex and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- medicines used to produce calmness or help you sleep during surgery (sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, midazolam)
- strong pain relievers
- medicines used to control blood pressure such as beta-blockers
Alcohol & Driving
Special precautions apply regarding movement and activities while receiving Precedex.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Precedex.
Driving and Operating Machinery
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly. Standing up slowly, especially when getting up from bed or chairs, will help your body adjust to changes in position and blood pressure.
Storage
Precedex is stored in the pharmacy or kept on the hospital ward at temperature below 25°C. Hospital staff will dispose of any leftover medication.
Overdose Information
Since Precedex is given under medical supervision, it is very unlikely you will receive too much. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, weakness or becoming unconscious. If you think you have been given too much or experience any side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Precedex works by affecting brain chemicals to provide sedation. Your doctor will adjust the dose to keep you at the right depth of sleep or sedation throughout your treatment.
The source material does not provide specific information about addiction potential for Precedex.
Elderly patients greater than 65 years old may be more prone to the blood pressure lowering effects of Precedex. An increased risk of death has been seen for patients 65 years of age and under when using this medicine, particularly in certain intensive care situations.
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you’re taking any other medicines including pain relievers or blood pressure medications.
Precedex is given by a slow injection (drip) into a vein by a doctor or nurse. It should only be administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you don’t feel well while receiving Precedex. For serious side effects like breathing difficulties, chest pain, or unusual symptoms, tell your doctor straight away.
The safety and effectiveness of Precedex in children younger than 18 years have not been established.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.