Monday, June 27, 2011

On time lag between Precedex start and its effect

Loading dose of dexmedetomidine (precedex) is 1 mcg/kg loading dose, administered over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2–0.7 mcg/kg/hour.

Important pearl to remember that despite with loading dose onset of sedation occurs after 10 to 15 minutes unlike instant sedation from propofol. If a loading dose is not used, time to onset of the sedative effect may be even more extended.