Dexmedetomidine injection

What is dexmedetomidine injection?

DEXMEDETOMIDINE (Precedex®) is an anesthetic agent used to reduce anxiety and tension, and promote relaxation and sedation in patients needing a mechanical ventilator. Dexmedetomidine is administered to patients only by health care professionals in an intensive care or surgical area. Generic dexmedetomidine injections are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive dexmedetomidine?

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

• adrenal insufficiency

• blood vessel disease

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• previous heart attack or stroke

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Dexmedetomidine is for injection into a vein. It is given by trained health care professionals in an intensive care or surgical area.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with dexmedetomidine?

• alcohol

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

• muscle relaxants

• some medicines for hay fever and other allergies (antihistamines)

• some medicines for depression or mental illness (antidepressants, phenothiazines)

• some medicines for pain (narcotic analgesics, tramadol)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dexmedetomidine?

You will be closely monitored in an intensive care or surgical area during the administration of dexmedetomidine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving dexmedetomidine?

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

• confusion

• decreased amount of urine passed

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing

• dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells

• slow heartbeat

• fast or irregular heartbeat

• fever, chills

• palpitations

• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

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

• anxiety, nervousness

• blurred vision or other change in vision

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth or thirst

• headaches

• increased sweating

• nausea or vomiting

• pain or irritation at the injection site

• stomach pain or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

This medicine is administered only by a health care professional and you will not use this medicine at home.