Dexmedetomidine comes two ways: a 200 mcg/2 mL concentrate (100 mcg/mL) that must be diluted, and a ready-to-use premix at 4 mcg/mL. That's a 25-fold difference in concentration. Here's how to buy the right one and keep them apart.
· 3 min read
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Fuchs, PharmD
Reviewed on
NDC: 55150-0209-02
In stockDexmedetomidine (brand: Precedex) comes in two very different forms. The concentrate is 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) and "must be diluted" with 0.9% sodium chloride before use. The premix is ready to use at 4 mcg/mL, in vials, bottles, and flexible containers (PRECEDEX label, rev. 5/2026).
That's a 25-fold difference in concentration between two products with the same drug name. Most of what purchasing needs to know follows from that.
From the PRECEDEX label (Pfizer):
| Form | Concentration | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Concentrate (must be diluted) | 100 mcg/mL | 200 mcg/2 mL single-dose vial; tray of 25 |
| Premix in 0.9% sodium chloride | 4 mcg/mL | 80 mcg/20 mL single-dose vial |
| Premix in 0.9% sodium chloride | 4 mcg/mL | 200 mcg/50 mL, 400 mcg/100 mL, 1,000 mcg/250 mL glass bottles |
| Premix in 0.9% sodium chloride | 4 mcg/mL | 200 mcg/50 mL, 400 mcg/100 mL, 1,000 mcg/250 mL flexible containers |
Generics follow the same split: concentrate vials and premix containers, each with its own NDC.
Because the concentrate is the one that needs a step before it reaches the patient. The label says the concentrate "must be diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection to achieve required concentration (4 mcg/mL)" (PRECEDEX label). The premix is already there.
Purchasing implications:
From the PRECEDEX label (Pfizer):
The label says store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions allowed between 15°C and 30°C. Don't use it if it's discolored or has particulate matter (PRECEDEX label). The presentations are single-dose. Discard the unused portion.
Premier Pharma supplies licensed surgery centers, office-based anesthesia practices, and pharmacies, and every invoice lists the lot number and expiration date for each item. We carry dexmedetomidine 200 mcg/2 mL vials, 25 per carton (Eugia). That's the concentrate form, so it needs dilution before use. See our propofol guide and anesthesia supplies purchasing guide for the rest of the cart. Open a free account. Credential review typically takes 1–2 business days.
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