Lake Zurich's Fresenius Kabi debuts drug

Global health care company Fresenius Kabi announced Monday it has introduced Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection in the United States.

The drug is available immediately in 200mcg per 2mL single dose vials.

The injection was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September. It is the equivalent to Precedex and used for sedation of patients before or during surgical and other procedures, the company said.

"Dexmedetomidine is a welcome addition to our anesthesia portfolio, further enhancing the breadth and depth of the medications we provide for sedation in hospital and surgery-center settings," said John Ducker, president and CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA, based in Lake Zurich.