dexmedetomidine

What is the most important information I should know about dexmedetomidine?

Before dexmedetomidine is given, the doctor should know about all the patient's medical conditions or allergies, and all other medicines the patient is using. Also make sure the doctor knows if the patient is pregnant or breast-feeding.

What is dexmedetomidine?

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative that is used to sedate a patient who is under intensive medical care and needs a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).

Before a ventilator is used, a breathing tube must be inserted through the mouth and into the patient's airway, a procedure called intubation. The tube is then attached to the ventilator, which pumps air slowly into the lungs to control the patient's breathing. Sedation with dexmedetomidine can help keep the patient relaxed and comfortable while the ventilator and tube are in place.

Dexmedetomidine is also used during anesthesia to get a patient ready for a surgery or other medical procedure.

Dexmedetomidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dexmedetomidine?

To make sure dexmedetomidine is safe to give, tell the doctor if the patient has:

• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• a serious heart condition such as severe heart block, or "AV block";
• a heart rhythm disorder; or
• low blood pressure, or if the patient may be dehydrated.

How is dexmedetomidine given?

Dexmedetomidine is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Dexmedetomidine is given using a continuous infusion device that slowly injects the medicine into the body. This type of infusion keeps the patient sedated around the clock.

When dexmedetomidine is discontinued after long-term use over several days, the patient may have withdrawal symptoms. The most common withdrawal symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and agitation. The patient may also have rapid heartbeats and increased blood pressure.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because dexmedetomidine is given in a controlled clinical setting, a missed dose is not likely.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

In the event of an overdose, medical care providers in an intensive care setting are able to quickly treat any symptoms that may occur.

What should I avoid after receiving dexmedetomidine?

Follow the doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of dexmedetomidine?

• agitation, signs of waking up, or any change in level of consciousness;
• slow heartbeats;
• weak or shallow breathing, cough;
• feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• muscle weakness; or
• pale or blue-colored skin.

• headache, confusion, anxiety, feeling nervous or agitated;
• weakness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation;
• excessive sweating;
• weight loss;
• blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears;
• severe chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats; or
• an unusual craving for salt.

Common side effects may include:

• slowed breathing;
• slow or irregular heartbeats;
• anemia;
• dry mouth, nausea;
• fever; or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dexmedetomidine?

Other drugs may affect dexmedetomidine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of the patient's health care providers about all medicines in use now and any medicine the patient starts or stops using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about dexmedetomidine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision date: 11/9/2018.