Neonatal Intensive Care Drug Manual

ECMO: Reduce dose to 0.24 microgram/kg/hour for neonates and 0.29 microgram/kg/hour for infants aged ≥3 months. [4, 5,27]

Renal: Not applicable.

Hepatic: Clearance decreases in impairment; consider reducing the dose and titrating carefully.

NOT FOR IV BOLUS ADMINISTRATION.

Add 25 microgram/kg dexmedetomidine to sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% to make a final volume of 50 mL with a concentration of 0.5 microgram/kg/mL. Gently mix the solution.

1 mL/hour = 0.5 microgram/kg/hour.
Consider higher concentrations if fluid restriction is required:
High concentration (consider this for an infusion dose higher than 0.5 microgram/kg/hour)

Add 50 microgram/kg dexmedetomidine to sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% to make a final volume of 50 mL with a concentration of 1.0 microgram/kg/mL. Gently mix the solution.

1 mL/hour = 1 microgram/kg/hour.
Very high concentration (consider this for an infusion dose of 1 microgram/kg/hour or in fluid restricted infants)

Add 100 microgram/kg dexmedetomidine to sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% to make a final volume of 50 mL with a concentration of 2.0 microgram/kg/mL. Gently mix the solution.

1 mL/hour = 2 microgram/kg/hour.
Precedex Ready to Use® solution (4 microgram/mL) can be diluted if required (as per consensus).

Infusion should not be placed on any infusion line where boluses may be given.

Continuous or frequent temperature monitoring.

Monitor infant pain and comfort when used for sedation in ventilated patients.