Precedex for sedation

We usually start Precedex about 12-24 hrs before we plan to extubate and the patient has been on our sedation protocol.

I'm ambivalent about Precedex. My experience is it really works or it really, really doesn't work - the child is lying there in misery.

When it is shut off is up to the attending - we have 6 attendings and there are about that many or more opinions about the timing. Generally, we shut off just before extubation.

We have started using quite frequently. If fentanyl and versed are not doing the trick we usually add precedex. We have kiddos that are on precedex for a while. We are able to stop other sedation meds and keep precedex running for extubations. It takes awhile to take effect and lowers the heart rate significantly. Boluses need to be done at least over 20 minutes or there can be side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension. It has been a great drug for us!

we also have been useing precidex quite often in the post

cv surgical pts. must say that i am not a big fan. our intensivist will only use it short time (48-72 hrs.) seem to be giving more fentanyl bolus' when the kids are on precidex. what are your docs saying?

oh, Pretendex? i agree with most of the previous posters....i never saw it work quite well. and we tended to use it when versed/fent combo didn't work/couldn't use or maxed on Propofol.....i dunno...just didn't find it all that effective....