DEXMEDETOMIDINE (deks MED e toe mi deen) is a sedative. This medicine is used to produce relaxation and sleep before or during surgery and other procedures. It is also used in patients on a ventilator.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

This medicine is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)
• low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious
• constipation
• dry mouth
• fever
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes (high blood sugar)
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dexmedetomidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• narcotic medicines for pain
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

This does not apply. This medicine is not for regular use.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.