ICU Drugs · α₂-adrenergic agonist
Dexmedetomidine
Dose
Loading 1 mcg/kg over 10 min (often omitted); maintenance 0.2–1.4 mcg/kg/h
Mechanism
Central α₂ → sedation, analgesia, sympatholysis without respiratory depression
Indications
- • ICU sedation (light sedation, weaning)
- • Procedural sedation
- • Awake fibre-optic intubation
Use
Co-operative sedation; reduces delirium vs benzodiazepines.
Monitoring
BP, HR (bradycardia), sedation depth.
Side effects
- • Bradycardia
- • Hypotension
- • Hypertension during loading
- • Withdrawal if >24 h then abruptly stopped
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
