Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion following dilution. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is the S-enantiomer of medetomidine and is chemically described as (+)-4-(S)-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole monohydrochloride. Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) has a molecular weight of 236.7 and the empirical formula is C₁₃H₁₆N₂•HCl and the structural formula is:

Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a white or almost white powder that is freely soluble in water and has a pKa of 7.1. Its partition coefficient in-octanol: water at pH 7.4 is 2.89. Precedex (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) is supplied as a clear, colorless, isotonic solution with a pH of 4.5 to 7.0. Each mL contains 118 mcg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride equivalent to 100 mcg of dexmedetomidine and 9 mg of sodium chloride in water. The solution is preservative?­ free and contains no additives or chemical stabilizers.