Dexmedetomidine is a sedative for ICU patients requiring intravenous sedation
Dexmedetomidine is a relatively selective alpha2-agonist which acts on the central nervous system to produce conscious sedation. It is indicated for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring a sedation level not deeper than arousal in response to verbal stimulation (corresponding to Richmond Agitation-Sedation scale [RASS] 0 to -3).
Dexmedetomidine is originated by the pharmaceutical R&D of Orion Pharma. Orion received European marketing authorisation for dexdor in September 2011, based on two extensive phase three trials, PRODEX and MIDEX. These trials showed that dexmedetomidine was not inferior to the standard sedatives midazolam and propofol in maintaining light to moderate sedation but was successful in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation compared with midazolam. In addition dexmedetomidine patients were extubated earlier compared to both propofol and midazolam patients and had improved ability to cooperate and communicate pain compared with the other drugs.1
More information is available at the Orion Pharma Website