Dexmedetomidine
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Sedative |
| Therapy | General Anaesthesia |
| Side Effects | Atrial fibrillation (rapid and irregular heart rhythm), Dryness in the mouth, Headaches, Nausea and vomiting, Reduced blood pressure, Slow breathing, Slow heart rate |
Assurance
available
Regulated
Molecule Description
Dexmedetomidine is a prescription medication used in intensive care units to promote sedation (a condition of calmness, sleepiness, or drowsiness) in adult individuals. It can also be utilised for sedation throughout surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Uses
- Dexmedetomidine is used to:
- Promote sedation
Contraindications
When should one not use Dexmedetomidine
- If you have a known allergy to Dexmedetomidine
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Atrial fibrillation (rapid and irregular heart rhythm)
- Dryness in the mouth
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced blood pressure
- Slow breathing
- Slow heart rate
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You are suffering from liver issues.
- In some people, taking this medicine for longer than 24 hours may raise the risk of tachyphylaxis and tolerance (a decreased response to the medication).
- The safety and effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine in children under the age of 18 have not been clinically proven. The physician may, however, recommend this medication if necessary.
- You have a slow heart rate (bradycardia) or low blood pressure (hypotension).
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Dexmedetomidine activates particular chemical messengers inside the brain that reduce pain and promote sleep. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist. It suppresses the production of norepinephrine by attaching to presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors, effectively preventing pain signals from propagating.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- To avoid side effects associated with medicine interaction, it is important to inform the doctor about all medicines and health supplements you are currently taking.
- Dexmedetomidine should not be used with some benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam. Combining these medications can cause adverse symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, disorientation, and difficulties concentrating that can occur. Some people, particularly the elderly, may have difficulty thinking, judging, and physical coordination.
- Dexmedetomidine should not be used with some calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem. Combining these medications can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Dexmedetomidine should not be used with some diuretics such as furosemide. Combining these medicines can cause low blood pressure and a reduced heart rate.
- Dexmedetomidine should not be used with some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin. When phenytoin is used with Dexmedetomidine, adverse symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating may occur. Some people, particularly the elderly, may have difficulty judging, thinking, and physical coordination.
Interactions with food items
- There is no known food interaction with Dexmedetomidine.
Dosage
Overdose
The risk of an overdose is extremely minimal because this medicine is given in a hospital setting by a trained healthcare worker. If an overdose is anticipated, however, the physician will commence emergency medical care. Dexmedetomidine overdose can cause life-threatening hypotension and bradycardia, and it is also related to miosis (contraction of pupil).
Missed a Dose
Missing a dose of Dexmedetomidine is rare as it is administered in a hospital setting.
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