Our CICU has been using Precedex for at least a 1-1/2 years now for post-op CAB's. At first we had problems with the bolus doses causing hypotension so we do not give bolus doses anymore. When I receive a patient post op that is borderline hypertensive (SBP 140's), I start Precedex a the 0.5mg/kg/hr rate. No bolus. Our CVT orders read to start Nipride for SPB > 150, Precedex usually helps me to advert starting Nipide.