The FDA approved Dexmedetomidine HCL on 12/17/1999 as a sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting.

Dexmedetomidine HCL is used to provide sedation (a state of calm, drowsiness, or sleep) for adult patients in hospital intensive care settings or awake sedation during different diagnostic or surgical procedures.

Dexmedetomidine HCL is provided in injection form with three varying strengths: 0.5ml, 1ml, and 2ml for intravenous infusion (drip). Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage tailored to your age, body weight, and specific medical condition.

Side effects are unintended reactions induced by medications, although they may not manifest in everyone. Noteworthy serious effects of dexmedetomidine HCL encompass chest pain, while more commonly occurring reactions involve abnormalities in heart rate, fluctuations in blood pressure, alterations in breathing patterns, changes in blood sugar levels, and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth. Additional common side effects include restlessness and fever. It is essential to promptly notify your healthcare provider if any of these effects are experienced during the course of medication.

Do not use dexmedetomidine HCl if you are allergic to dexmedetomidine or its components. Avoid in cases of heart rhythm disorders (heart block grade 2 or 3), very low blood pressure, unresponsive to treatment, or recent stroke. Inform your doctor of any medications taken, and be cautious with rapid intravenous administration, as it may affect both alpha1 and alpha2 receptors.

Exercise caution if pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult your doctor before use. Safety in lung and liver conditions is unknown, necessitating prior medical consultation. Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment, and refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until the effects have completely worn off. Promptly report any serious side effects such as chest pain or common side effects like abnormal heart rate, blood pressure changes, nausea, or restlessness to your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider about any symptoms occurring within 48 hours after dexmedetomidine HCl injection administration, such as nervousness, agitation, headaches (associated with infusions lasting over 6 hours), weakness, confusion, excessive sweating, weight loss, abdominal pain, salt cravings, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or light-headedness immediately.

Adhere strictly to the directed safety measures provided by your healthcare provider. It is important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits to monitor the response to dexmedetomidine HCl treatment.

1. Orion Corporation, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2021] [Accessed on Nov 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4783.pdf
2. Hospira, Inc, US, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on June 2013] [Accessed on Nov 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021038s021lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, General Anaesthetics, 7th edition, 2013, 384.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, General Anaesthetics and Therapeutic gases, 12th edition, 2011, 548-549.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.