Formulary
Dexmedetomidine: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Dexmedetomidine clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Dexmedetomidine: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Dexmedetomidine clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Maintenance of sedation during intensive care**
- **Adult** (By Intravenous Infusion): 0.7 microgram/kg/hour, adjusted according to response; usual dose 0.2-1.4 micrograms/kg/hour.
Cautions
Abrupt withdrawal after prolonged use; bradycardia; elderly (risk of hypotension); ischaemic heart disease (especially at higher doses); malignant hyperthermia; severe cerebrovascular disease (especially at higher doses); severe neurological disorders; spinal cord injury
Contraindications
Acute cerebrovascular disorders; second- or third-degree AV block (unless pacemaker fitted); uncontrolled hypotension
Side effects
Common or very common Agitation; arrhythmias; dry mouth; hyperglycaemia; hypertension; hyperthermia; hypoglycaemia; hypotension; myocardial infarction; myocardial ischaemia; nausea; respiratory depression; vomiting Uncommon Abdominal distension; apnoea; atrioventricular block; dyspnoea; hallucination; hypoalbuminaemia; metabolic acidosis; thirst
Interactions
**Other interactions (1):**
- Catecholamine-depleting agents Catecholamine-depleting agents or antisympathotonic agents (e.g., reserpine, clonidine, dexmedetomidine) may have an additive effect when concomitantly administered...
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk-toxicity in animal studies.
Breast feeding
Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk-present in milk in animal studies.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution (increased risk of toxicity due to decreased clearance). Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises consider dose reduction.
Medicinal forms
Solution
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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