Dexmedetomidine is a specific and selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist. By binding to the presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors, it inhibits the release if norepinephrine, therefore, terminate the propagation of pain signals. Activation of the postsynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors inhibits the sympathetic activity decreases blood pressure and heart rate.

Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist indicated for sedation of non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures

Dilute in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to concentration of 4 mcg/mL prior to administration.

To be administered only by health care providers skilled in the management of patients in the operating room setting.

Administer intravenously using a controlled infusion device. Administration duration should not exceed 24 hours.

Continuously monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels during administration and as clinically appropriate after discontinuation.

Initiation of Procedural Sedation:

• More invasive procedures or awake fiberoptic intubation: 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes
• Less invasive procedures such as ophthalmic surgery: 0.5 mcg/kg over 10 minutes

Maintenance of Procedural Sedation

• All procedures except awake fiberoptic intubation: Generally, initiate at 0.6 mcg/kg/hour and titrate to achieve desired clinical effect with dosages ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/hour. 
• Awake fiberoptic intubation: Administer 0.7 mcg/kg/hour until the endotracheal tube is secured 

None

The most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than 10%) were hypotension, respiratory depression, and bradycardia.

Bradycardia and Sinus Arrest: Consider decreasing or stopping dexmedetomidine HCl infusion; decreasing or stopping other medications that depress sinus node function; administering anticholinergic agents (e.g., glycopyrrolate, atropine); and/or administering pressor agents.  

Hypotension: Consider decreasing or stopping dexmedetomidine HCl infusion; increasing rate of intravenous fluid administration; elevating lower extremities, and/or administering pressor agents.

Transient Hypertension: Observed primarily during administration of loading dose. Consider reducing loading infusion rate.

Arousability: Patients can become aroused/alert with stimulation; this alone should not be considered as lack of efficacy.

Prolonged exposure to dexmedetomidine beyond 24 hours may be associated with tolerance and tachyphylaxis and a dose-related increase in adverse events.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: There are no studies conducted with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks.

Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production.