Dexmedetomidine injection

What is this medicine?

DEXMEDETOMIDINE (deks MED e toe mi deen) is a sedative. This medicine is used to produce relaxation and sleep before or during surgery and other procedures. It is also used in patients on a ventilator.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• confusion

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• salt cravings

• stomach pain

• sweating

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• general anesthetics like isoflurane, propofol, sevoflurane

• local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmedetomidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.