On this page
Dexmedetomidine
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride | 100 ug/mL | 1718906 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic alpha2-Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 44 members |
| Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 44 members |
| General Anesthesia [PE] | PE | All 29 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206628-001 | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SOLUTION | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | RLD | |
| 206628-002 | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SOLUTION | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | RLD RS | |
| 206628-003 | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SOLUTION | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | — | RLD | |
| 206628-004 | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SOLUTION | DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | — | RLD |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9717796 | April 20, 2036 | 003 | No | June 26, 2018 | |
| 9649296 | April 20, 2036 | 003 | No | June 26, 2018 | |
| 9717796 | April 20, 2036 | 004 | No | June 26, 2018 | |
| 9649296 | April 20, 2036 | 004 | No | June 26, 2018 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 24 | Labeling | Approved | May 1, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | March 21, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 7, 2021 | N/A |
| Supplement | 2 | Efficacy | Approved | September 19, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 9, 2016 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer | Approved | October 21, 2015 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · May 5, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · May 4, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · March 25, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · March 22, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · August 25, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · August 23, 2023
- 0 · Supplement · September 21, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · September 21, 2016
- 0 · Original application · May 27, 2016
- 0 · Original application · October 26, 2015
- 0 · Original application · October 23, 2015
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260805). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingDosage and Administration, Preparation of Solution ( 2.4 ) 08/2022 Warnings and Precautions, Hyperthermia or Pyrexia ( 5.7 ) 08/2022
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dexmedetomidine injection is an alpha 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for: • Sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients during treatment in an intensive care setting. Administer dexmedetomidine injection by continuous infusion not to exceed 24 hours. ( 1.1 ) • Sedation of non-intubated adult patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures. ( 1.2 ) • Sedation of non-intubated pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 18 years prior to and during non-invasive procedures. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Intensive Care Unit Sedation Dexmedetomidine injection is indicated for sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients during treatment in an intensive care setting. Dexmedetomidine injection should be administered by continuous infusion not to exceed 24 hours. Dexmedetomidine injection has been continuously infused in mechanically ventilated adult patients prior to extubation, during extubation, and post-extubation. It is not necessary to discontinue dexmedetomidine injection prior to extubation. 1.2 Procedural Sedation Dexmedetomidine injection is indicated for sedation of non-intubated adult patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures. Dexmedetomidine injection is indicated for sedation of non-intubated pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 18 years prior to and during non-invasive procedures .
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Individualize and titrate dosing to desired clinical effect. (2.1) • Administration duration should not exceed 24 hours. (2.1) • Administer intravenously using a controlled infusion device. (2.1) • Dexmedetomidine Injection must be diluted prior to administration. (2.1) • Dexmedetomidine Injection in 5% Dextrose 200 mcg/50 mL and 400 mcg/100 mL single-dose bags, do not require dilution prior to administration. (2.1) • To be administered only by health care providers skilled in management of patients in the intensive care or operating room setting. (2.1) • Continuously monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels during administration and as clinically appropriate after discontinuation. (2.1) • It is not necessary to discontinue Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection prior to extubation. • For Adult Intensive Care Unit Sedation : • Initiate at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes , followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/ hour . (2.2) • For Adult Procedural Sedation : Initiate at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes , followed by a maintenance infusion initiated at 0.6 mcg/kg/ hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with doses ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/ hour . (2.2) • Alternative Doses : Recommended for patients over 65 years of age and awake fiberoptic intubation patients. (2.2) • See full prescribing information for recommended dosage, reconstitution, dilution, and administration instructions. (2.2, 2.3, 2.4 ,2.5, 2.6, 2.7) 2.1 Administration Instructions • Individualize and titrate dosing to desired clinical response. • Administer by continuous intravenous infusion using a controlled infusion device. • Administration duration should not exceed 24 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.7)] . • Dexmedetomidine Injection must be diluted prior to administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . • Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection 200 mcg/50 mL and 400mcg/100mL single-dose bags do not require further dilution prior to administration. • Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection should be administered only by health care providers skilled in the management of patients in the intensive care or operating room setting . • Continuously monitor blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels during the use of Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection and as clinically appropriate after discontinuation. • Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection has been continuously infused in mechanically ventilated adult patients prior to extubation, during extubation, and post-extubation. It is not necessary to discontinue Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection prior to extubation. • Use administration components made with synthetic or coated natural rubber gaskets. Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection has the potential for absorption into some types of natural rubber. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Table 1: Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients INDICATION DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initiation of Intensive Care Unit Sedation For adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes . For adult patients being converted from alternate sedative therapy: a loading dose may not be required. For patients over 65 years of age: Consider a dose reduction [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)] . For adult patients with impaired hepatic function: Consider a dose reduction [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Maintenance of Intensive Care Unit Sedation For adult patients: a maintenance infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/ hour . The rate of the maintenance infusion should be adjusted to achieve the desired level of sedation. For patients over 65 years of age: Consider a dose reduction [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. For adult patients with impaired hepatic function: Consider …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Dexmedetomidine Injection is clear, colorless, sterile, and nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion following dilution and is available in 100 mcg/mL strength as follows: • 400 mcg/4 mL (100 mcg/mL) in a multiple-dose vial • 1000 mcg in 10 mL in a multiple-dose vial Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection is clear, colorless, sterile ready-to-use, and nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion and is available in 4 mcg/mL strength as follows: • 200 mcg/50 mL single-dose, single-port flexible plastic infusion bag • 400 mcg/100 mL single-dose, single-port flexible plastic infusion bag Injection: • 400 mcg/4 mL (100 mcg/mL) in a multiple-dose vial. (3) • 1000 mcg/10 mL (100 mcg/mL) in a multiple-dose vial. (3) • 200 mcg/50 mL (4 mcg/mL) in 5% Dextrose, single-dose, single-port flexible plastic ready-to-use infusion bag. (3) • 400 mcg/100 mL (4 mcg/mL) in 5% Dextrose, single-dose, single-port flexible plastic ready-to-use infusion bag. (3)
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Monitoring : Continuously monitor patients while receiving dexmedetomidine injection. ( 5.1 ) • Bradycardia and Sinus Arrest : Have occurred in young healthy volunteers with high vagal tone or with different routes of administration, e.g., rapid intravenous or bolus administration. ( 5.2 ) • Hypotension and Bradycardia : May necessitate medical intervention. May be more pronounced in patients with hypovolemia, diabetes mellitus, or chronic hypertension, and in the elderly. Use with caution in patients with advanced heart block or severe ventricular dysfunction. ( 5.2 ) • Co-administration with Other Vasodilators or Negative Chronotropic Agents : Use with caution due to additive pharmacodynamic effects. ( 5.2 ) • Transient Hypertension : Observed primarily during the loading dose. Consider reduction in loading infusion rate. ( 5.3 ) • Arousability : Patients can become aroused/alert with stimulation; this alone should not be considered as lack of efficacy. ( 5.4 ) • Tolerance and Tachyphylaxis : Prolonged exposure to dexmedetomidine beyond 24 hours may be associated with tolerance and tachyphylaxis and a dose-related increase in adverse events. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Drug Administration Dexmedetomidine injection should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of patients in the intensive care or operating room setting. Due to the known pharmacological effects of dexmedetomidine injection, patients should be continuously monitored while receiving dexmedetomidine injection. 5.2 Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Sinus Arrest Clinically significant episodes of bradycardia and sinus arrest have been reported with dexmedetomidine injection administration in young, healthy adult volunteers with high vagal tone or with different routes of administration including rapid intravenous or bolus administration. Reports of hypotension and bradycardia have been associated with dexmedetomidine injection infusion. Some of these cases have resulted in fatalities. If medical intervention is required, treatment may include decreasing or stopping the infusion of dexmedetomidine injection, increasing the rate of intravenous fluid administration, elevation of the lower extremities, and use of pressor agents. Because dexmedetomidine injection has the potential to augment bradycardia induced by vagal stimuli, clinicians should be prepared to intervene. The intravenous administration of anticholinergic agents (e.g., glycopyrrolate, atropine) should be considered to modify vagal tone. In clinical trials, glycopyrrolate or atropine were effective in the treatment of most episodes of dexmedetomidine injection-induced bradycardia. However, in some patients with significant cardiovascular dysfunction, more advanced resuscitative measures were required. Caution should be exercised when administering dexmedetomidine injection to patients with advanced heart block and/or severe ventricular dysfunction. Because dexmedetomidine injection decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, hypotension and/or bradycardia may be expected to be more pronounced in patients with hypovolemia, diabetes mellitus, or chronic hypertension and in elderly patients. In clinical trials where other vasodilators or negative chronotropic agents were co-administered with dexmedetomidine injection an additive pharmacodynamic effect was not observed. Nonetheless, caution should be used when such agents are administered concomitantly with dexmedetomidine injection. 5.3 Transient Hypertension Transient hypertension has been observed primarily during the loading dose in association with the initial peripheral vasoconstrictive effects of dexmedetomidine injection. Treatment of the transient hypertension has generally not been necessary, although reduction of the loading infusion rate may be desirable. 5.4 Arousability Some patients receiving dexmedetomidine injection have been observed to be arousable and alert when stimulated. This alone should not be considered …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Hypotension, bradycardia and sinus arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Transient hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • The most common adverse reactions (incidence > 2%) in adults are hypotension, bradycardia, and dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) • The most common adverse reactions (incidence > 5%) in pediatric patients aged 1 month to less than 17 years are bradypnea, bradycardia, hypertension, and hypotension. ( 6.1 ) • Adverse reactions in adults, associated with infusions > 24 hours in duration include ARDS, respiratory failure, and agitation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common treatment-emergent adverse reactions, occurring in greater than 2% of adult patients in both Intensive Care Unit and procedural sedation studies include hypotension, bradycardia and dry mouth. Intensive Care Unit Sedation Adverse reaction information is derived from the continuous infusion trials of dexmedetomidine injection for sedation in the Intensive Care Unit setting in which 1,007 adult patients received dexmedetomidine injection. The mean total dose was 7.4 mcg/kg (range: 0.8 to 84.1), mean dose per hour was 0.5 mcg/kg/hr (range: 0.1 to 6.0) and the mean duration of infusion of 15.9 hours (range: 0.2 to 157.2). The population was between 17 to 88 years of age, 43% ≥ 65 years of age, 77% male and 93% Caucasian. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of > 2% are provided in Table 3. The most frequent adverse reactions were hypotension, bradycardia and dry mouth [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Table 3: Adverse Reactions with an Incidence > 2%-Adult Intensive Care Unit Sedation Population 1% of All Dexmedetomidine-Treated Adult Patients in the Randomized Placebo-Controlled Continuous Infusion 180 mmHg or Diastolic blood pressure of > 100 mmHg or in relative terms as ≥ 30% higher than pre-study drug infusion value. 28% 42% Tachycardia Tachycardia was defined in absolute terms as > 120 bpm or in relative terms as ≥ 30% greater than pre-study drug infusion value. 25% 44% Tachycardia Requiring Intervention 10% 10% Diastolic Hypertension 12% 15% Hypertension 11% 15% Hypertension Requiring Intervention Includes any type of hypertension. 19% 30% Hypokalemia 9% 13% Pyrexia 7% 2% Agitation 7% 6% Hyperglycemia 7% 2% Constipation 6% 6% Hypoglycemia 5% 6% Respiratory Failure 5% 3% Renal Failure Acute 2% 1% Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome 2% 1% Generalized Edema 2% 6% Hypomagnesemia 1% 7% The following adverse events occurred between 2 and 5% for dexmedetomidine injection and midazolam, respectively: renal failure acute (2.5%, 0.8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (2.5%, 0.8%), and respiratory failure (4.5%, 3.3%). Table 6: Number (%) of Adult Subjects Who Had a Dose-Related Increase in Treatment Emergent Adverse Events by Maintenance Adjusted Dose Rate Range in the Dexmedetomidine Injection Group Dexmedetomidine Injection (mcg/kg/hr) Adverse Event ≤ 0.7 Average maintenance dose over the entire study drug administration. (N = 95) > 0.7 to ≤ 1.1 (N = 78) > 1.1 (N = 71) Constipation 6% 5% 14% Agitation 5% 8% 14% Anxiety 5% 5% 9% Edema Peripheral 3% 5% 7% Atrial Fibrillation 2% 4% 9% Respiratory Failure 2% 6% 10% Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome 1% 3% 9% Adult Procedural Sedation Adverse reaction information is derived from the two trials for adult procedural sedation [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] in which 318 adult patients received dexmedetomidine injection. The mean total dos …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids: Enhancement of pharmacodynamic effects. Reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine injection or the concomitant medication may be required. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids Co-administration of dexmedetomidine injection with anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids is likely to lead to an enhancement of effects. Specific studies have confirmed these effects with sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, and midazolam. No pharmacokinetic interactions between dexmedetomidine injection and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with dexmedetomidine injection, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine injection or the concomitant anesthetic, sedative, hypnotic or opioid may be required. 7.2 Neuromuscular Blockers In one study of 10 healthy adult volunteers, administration of dexmedetomidine injection for 45 minutes at a plasma concentration of one ng/mL resulted in no clinically meaningful increases in the magnitude of neuromuscular blockade associated with rocuronium administration.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Geriatric Patients: Dose reduction should be considered. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 5.2 , 8.5 ) • Hepatic Impairment: Dose reduction should be considered. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 5.9 , 8.6 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published randomized controlled trials and case reports over several decades of use with intravenously administered dexmedetomidine during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage; however, the reported exposures occurred after the first trimester. Most of the available data are based on studies with exposures that occurred at the time of caesarean section delivery, and these studies have not identified an adverse effect on maternal outcomes or infant Apgar scores. Available data indicate that dexmedetomidine crosses the placenta. In animal reproduction studies, fetal toxicity that lower fetal viability and reduced live fetuses occurred with subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine to pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses 1.8 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 17.8 mcg/kg/day. Developmental toxicity (low pup weights and adult offspring weights, decreased F1 grip strength, increased early implantation loss and decreased viability of second-generation offspring) occurred when pregnant rats were subcutaneously administered dexmedetomidine at doses less than the clinical dose from late pregnancy through lactation and weaning (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Increased post-implantation losses and reduced live fetuses in the presence of maternal toxicity (i.e., decreased body weight) were noted in a rat embryo-fetal development study in which pregnant dams were administered subcutaneous doses of dexmedetomidine 200 mcg/kg/day (equivalent to 1.8 times the intravenous MRHD of 17.8 mcg/kg/day based on body surface area [BSA]) during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Day [GD] 6 to 15). No malformations were reported. No malformations or embryo-fetal toxicity were noted in a rabbit embryo-fetal development study in which pregnant does were administered dexmedetomidine intravenously at doses of up to 96 mcg/kg/day (approximately half the human exposure at the MRHD based on AUC) during the period of organogenesis (GD 6 to 18). Reduced pup and adult offspring birth weights, and grip strength were reported in a rat developmental toxicology study in which pregnant females were administered dexmedetomidine subcutaneously at doses of 8 mcg/kg/day (0.07 times the MRHD based on BSA) during late pregnancy through lactation and weaning (GD 16 to postnatal day [PND] 25). Decreased viability of second generation offspring and an increase in early implantation loss along with delayed motor development occurred in the 32 mcg/kg/day group (equivalent to less than the clinical dose based on BSA) when first generation offspring were allowed to mate. This study limited dosing to hard palate closure (GD 15 to 18) through weaning instead of dosing from implantation (GD 6 to 7) to weaning (PND 21). In a study in the pregnant rat, placental transfer of dexmedetomidine was observed when radiolabeled dexmedetomidine was administered subcutaneously. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Available published literature reports the presence of dexmedetomidine in human milk following intravenous administration (see Data ) . There is no information regarding the effects of dexmedetomidine on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Advise women to monitor the breastfed infant for irritability. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along wit …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Dexmedetomidine is a relatively selective centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist with sedative properties. Alpha 2 selectivity was observed in animals following slow intravenous infusion of low and medium doses (10 mcg/kg to 300 mcg/kg). Both alpha 1 and alpha 2 activity is observed following slow intravenous infusion of high doses (greater than or equal to 1000 mcg/kg) or with rapid intravenous administration.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Dexmedetomidine Injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion following dilution. Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection is a sterile ready-to-use, nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion. Dexmedetomidine Injection and Dexmedetomidine in Dextrose Injection contains the dexmedetomidine as active pharmaceutical ingredient in the form of the hydrochloride salt form. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Structurally it is the S -enantiomer of medetomidine and is chemically described as 4-[( S )-α,2,3-Trimethylbenzyl]imidazole monohydrochloride. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has a molecular weight of 236.74 and the empirical formula is C 13 H 16 N 2 • HCl and the structural formula is: Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a white or almost white powder that is freely soluble in water and has a pKa of 7.1. Its partition coefficient in-octanol: water at pH 7.4 is 2.89. Dexmedetomidine Injection is supplied as a clear, colorless, isotonic solution with a pH of 4.5 to 7. Each mL contains 118 mcg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride USP, equivalent to 100 mcg (0.1 mg) of dexmedetomidine, 1.6 mg of methylparaben NF and 0.2 mg of propylparaben NF, as preservatives and 9 mg of sodium chloride USP, as tonicity agent in water for injection. Dexmedetomidine in 5% Dextrose Injection is supplied as a clear, colorless, isotonic solution with a pH of 4.5 to 7. Each mL contains 4.72 mcg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride USP, equivalent to 4 mcg of dexmedetomidine, and 50 mg dextrose monohydrate USP, as tonicity agent, in water for injection. structural formula
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE The tolerability of dexmedetomidine injection was studied in one study in which healthy adult subjects were administered doses at and above the recommended dose of 0.2 mcg/kg/hr to 0.7 mcg/kg/hr. The maximum blood concentration achieved in this study was approximately 13 times the upper boundary of the therapeutic range. The most notable effects observed in two subjects who achieved the highest doses were first degree atrioventricular block and second-degree heart block. No hemodynamic compromise was noted with the atrioventricular block and the heart block resolved spontaneously within one minute. Five adult patients received an overdose of dexmedetomidine injection in the intensive care unit sedation studies. Two of these patients had no symptoms reported; one patient received a 2 mcg/kg loading dose over 10 minutes (twice the recommended loading dose) and one patient received a maintenance infusion of 0.8 mcg/kg/hr. Two other patients who received a 2 mcg/kg loading dose over 10 minutes, experienced bradycardia and/or hypotension. One patient who received a loading bolus dose of undiluted dexmedetomidine injection (19.4 mcg/kg), had cardiac arrest from which he was successfully resuscitated.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Dexmedetomidine Injection, USP is supplied as follows: NDC Dexmedetomidine Injection, USP (100 mcg per mL) Package Factor 83634-600-02 200 mcg per 2 mL Single-Dose Vial 25 vials per carton Dexmedetomidine Injection, USP is clear and colorless. The strength is based on the dexmedetomidine base. Storage Conditions Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Discard unused portion. Do not use if product is discolored or if precipitate matter is present. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83634-600-02 | 83634-600 | Avenacy Inc. | 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (83634-600-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (83634-600-41) | March 15, 2024 |
| 67457-251-02 | 67457-251 | Mylan Institutional LLC | 25 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (67457-251-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (67457-251-00) | August 18, 2014 |
| 44567-600-04 | 44567-600 | WG Critical Care, LLC | 4 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-600-04) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL | January 26, 2017 |
| 44567-601-04 | 44567-601 | WG Critical Care, LLC | 4 VIAL in 1 CARTON (44567-601-04) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL | January 26, 2017 |
| 83634-600 | 83634-600 | Avenacy Inc. | — | March 15, 2024 |
| 67457-251 | 67457-251 | Mylan Institutional LLC | — | August 18, 2014 |
| 44567-600 | 44567-600 | WG Critical Care, LLC | — | April 19, 2016 |
| 44567-601 | 44567-601 | WG Critical Care, LLC | — | April 19, 2016 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.