Dexmedetomidine · Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride, Igalmi

What is Dexmedetomidine?

Dexmedetomidine is a relatively selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist with sedative properties. A sublingual film formulation is being studied for agitation in hospitalized patients with delirium, alcohol use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia.

Summary written with AI from the sources listed at the end of this page.

At a glance

Also known as

Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride, Igalmi, Precedex, MPV-1440

Drug type

Small molecule

Targets

alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A)

Mechanism

Agonist of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A)

Pathways

sedation, anxiolysis

Therapy area

Psychiatry

Developer

Hq Spclt Pharma

In trials of

BTAI

FDA status

Approved as Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride, Igalmi, Precedex (October 21, 2015), NDA206628 · FDA label

UNII

67VB76HONO

✅ FDA-approved uses

• Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients in intensive care (Precedex)
• Sedation of non-intubated adult patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures (Precedex)
• Sedation of non-intubated pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 18 years prior to and during non-invasive procedures (Precedex)

From the indications section of the FDA label (version of Jun 9, 2026). Read the full label for the exact wording, limitations and safety information.

🧪 Clinical trials

Trials of the companies BioRadar tracks, from ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced phase first.

Conditions studied

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Agitation,PsychomotorDeliriumDementia

Other drugs acting on ADRA2A

Sources

• FDA label (DailyMed)
• FDA label Precedex (2026-06-09), indications
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04251910
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04382170
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06335407
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06335407

Updated Oct 3, 2026.