Dexmedetomidine

Introduction To Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine is a prescription medicine used to provide sedation (a state of calm, drowsiness, or sleep) for adult patients in intensive care settings. It may also be used for awake sedation during diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Dexmedetomidine is given as an infusion (drip) into a vein under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is important to inform your doctor if you are suffering from any medical conditions like slow heart rate, low blood pressure, neurological disorder, severe liver problems, or have ever developed a serious fever after some medicines, especially after taking anesthesia. Your doctor will monitor the cardiac and respiratory state after providing this injection.

Common side effects of this medicine include dryness in the mouth, decreased blood pressure, and slow heart rate. Consult your doctor if these side effects do not improve with time or worsen. They may be able to suggest ways to prevent or reduce the side effects.

Uses of Dexmedetomidine

  • Sedative

Benefits of Dexmedetomidine

Sedative
Dexmedetomidine helps to calm the activity of the nerves and helps induce a deep state of sleep called sedation. Therefore this medicine acts as a sedative and is used in intensive care units (ICUs) to provide relief to patients and to keep them stress-free. It can also be used to carry out some diagnostic or minor surgical procedures. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setup.

Side effects of Dexmedetomidine

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Medetofix

  • Dryness in mouth
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate

How to use Dexmedetomidine

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Dexmedetomidine works

Dexmedetomidine works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that relieves pain and induces sleep.

Quick tips

  • Dexmedetomidine is given as an infusion into the veins by healthcare professionals only.
  • Your doctor will closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and oxygen level during the treatment.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Dexmedetomidine if I’m pregnant?

Dexmedetomidine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Dexmedetomidine if I’m breastfeeding?

Dexmedetomidine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Dexmedetomidine safe?

Dexmedetomidine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

sdsDrivingNOT RELEVANT

Can I drive after taking Dexmedetomidine?

Not relevant, as Dexmedetomidine is intended for use in hospitalised patients.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Dexmedetomidine if I have/had kidney diseases?

Dexmedetomidine is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Dexmedetomidine is recommended.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Dexmedetomidine if I have/had liver diseases?

Dexmedetomidine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Dexmedetomidine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Dexmedetomidine used for?

Dexmedetomidine is used to provide sedation (a state of calm, drowsiness, or sleep) for adult patients in intensive care settings (i.e. in initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients or non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures).

Q. Is Dexmedetomidine a controlled substance?

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative that belongs to a class of drugs called centrally active selective 2A agonists.It is not a controlled drug/substance

Q. Is Dexmedetomidine approved by FDA?

Yes, Dexmedetomidine approved by FDA

Q. Does Dexmedetomidine cause amnesia?

Dexmedetomidine is given as an infusion (drip) into veins. It may cause pain at the injection site and low heart rate (bradycardia). It does not cause amnesia.

Q. How does Dexmedetomidine work?

Dexmedetomidine activates the central 2A receptors which causes sedation and analgesia.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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