Dexmedetomidine Injection

What is this medication?

DEXMEDETOMIDINE (deks MED e toe mi deen) is used to cause drowsiness before and during a procedure. It works by helping your nervous system calm down.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Precedex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dexmedetomidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed

People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam
• Certain antihistamines
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
• Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
• Medications that help you fall asleep
• Medications that relax muscles
• Opioids for pain or cough
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fever that does not go away, fast breathing or heartbeat, fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

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

• Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
• Dry mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.