• Brand Names: U.S.: Precedex®
• Brand Names: Canada: Precedex®
• Mexican Brand Names: Precedex
• Pharmacologic Category: Alpha2-Adrenergic Agonist;Sedative

• It is used to put you to sleep for surgery.
• Dexmedetomidine lowers the body's release of adrenaline and other hormones that raise blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.

How to take

• It is given into a vein for a period of time.

Storage

• This drug will be given to you in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to dexmedetomidine or any other part of this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Precautions

• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor.
• If you have heart disease, talk with your doctor.
• If you have liver disease, talk with your doctor.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

• High or low blood pressure.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Trouble breathing.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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