Precedex (Dexmedetomidine) - Great for pediatric imaging procedures
Alpha-2 agonist with sedative properties
No analgesic effect alone, but shown to decrease the amount of opioids required for a painful procedure
Benefits pts go to sleep and awake in a more natural state. Caregivers tend to prefer this as opposed to other sedatives. Short recovery time- about 30 minutes
Adverse effects include bradycardia and hypotension. Not recommended in any child with cardiac abnormalities. Paradoxical hypertension with loading dose has also been observed
Effective for MRI or CT scans at loading doses of 2mcg/kg over ten minutes, then maintenance of 1mcg/kg/hr
Residents can gain experience with Precedex with Peds sedation on M,W,F mornings with sedation team, contact me to arrange a time for you to participate.
