Dexmedetomidine (Oromucosal)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2022.
Pharmacologic Class: Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Uses for dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine is used to treat agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar I or II disorder (manic-depressive illness).
Dexmedetomidine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using dexmedetomidine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dexmedetomidine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dexmedetomidine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of dexmedetomidine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexmedetomidine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have serious unwanted effects (eg, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat), which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving dexmedetomidine.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving dexmedetomidine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using dexmedetomidine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Mesoridazine
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ziprasidone
Using dexmedetomidine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acepromazine
- Alfentanil
- Alfuzosin
- Alprazolam
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amobarbital
- Anagrelide
- Anileridine
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Azithromycin
- Baclofen <...
