dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine is used to provide short-term sedation (you are relaxed, sleepy or in some cases asleep) for adults in intensive care units that are receiving mechanical ventilation (a machine that takes over the work of breathing). It is also used to provide sedation in adults and children and infants 1 month of age and older during surgical and other procedures. Dexmedetomidine is in a class of medications called alpha2 receptor agonists. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.