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Dexmedetomidine

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Dexmedetomidine
Generic name
Dexmedetomidine
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Piramal Critical Care Inc
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
9
Packages
9
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride 100 ug/mL 1718906 View
Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride 200 ug/2mL 1718906 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
18

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
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
Application number
202126
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
August 20, 2015
Sponsor
GLAND
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
6
Products approved under application 202126.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
202126-001 DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTABLE DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What 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.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 202126.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved March 20, 2026 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved March 20, 2026 Standard
Supplement 5 Labeling Approved February 19, 2021 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved August 25, 2017 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved August 25, 2017 Standard
Original application 1 Not Applicable Approved August 20, 2015 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260803). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260803 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260720 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260626 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260603

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Dosage and Administration, Preparation of Solution ( 2.4 ) 08/2022 Warnings and Precautions, Hyperthermia or Pyrexia ( 5.7 ) 08/2022

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dexmedetomidine injection is a alpha2-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.

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 Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Individualize and titrate dexmedetomidine injection dosing to desired clinical effect. ( 2.1 ) • Administer dexmedetomidine injection using a controlled infusion device. ( 2.1 ) • Dilute the 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) vial contents in 0.9% sodium chloride solution to achieve required concentration (4 mcg/mL) prior to administration. ( 2.4 ) • For Adult Intensive Care Unit Sedation : Initiate at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes , followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2 mcg/kg/ hour 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 mcg/kg/ hour to 1 mcg/kg/ hour . ( 2.2 ) • For Sedation of Pediatric Patients During Non-invasive Procedures : Patients 1 month to less than 2 years old initiate at 1.5 mcg/kg over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 1.5 mcg/kg/hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with dosage ranging from 0.5 mcg/kg/hour to 1.5 mcg/kg/hour; patients 2 to less than 18 years old initiate at 2 mcg/kg over 10 minutes followed by a maintenance infusion of 1.5 mcg/kg/hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with dosage ranging from 0.5 mcg/kg/hour to 1.5 mcg/kg/hour. ( 2.2 ) • Alternative Doses : Recommended for patients over 65 years of age and awake fiberoptic intubation patients. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Administration Instructions • Dexmedetomidine injection dosing should be individualized and titrated to desired clinical response. • Dexmedetomidine injection is not indicated for infusions lasting longer than 24 hours. • Dexmedetomidine injection should be administered using a controlled infusion device. 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 mcg/kg/ hour 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 a dose reduction [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] Initiation of Procedural Sedation For adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes. For less invasive procedures such as ophthalmic surgery, a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg given over 10 minutes may be suitable. For awake fiberoptic intubation in adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes . For patients over 65 years of age: a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg over 10 minutes [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 Procedural Sedation For adult patients: the maintenance infusion is generally initiated at 0.6 mcg/kg/ hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with doses ranging from 0.2 mcg/kg/ hour to 1 mcg/kg/ hour . Adjust the rate of the maintenance infusion to achieve the targeted level of sedation. For awake fiberoptic intubation in adult patients: a maintenance infusion of 0.7 mcg/kg/ hour is recommended until the endotracheal tube is secured. For patients over 65 years of age: Consider a dose reduction [see Us …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Dexmedetomidine Injection, USP Presentations Requiring Dilution: Dexmedetomidine injection, USP is a clear and colorless solution, to be used after dilution. It is available as: 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) single-dose vial. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Presentations that are Ready To Use: Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection is a clear and colorless solution, ready to use. It is available as: Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 200 mcg/50 mL (4 mcg/mL) single-dose flexible container. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 400 mcg/100 mL (4 mcg/mL) single-dose flexible container. Dexmedetomidine injection, 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) in a single-dose vial. To be used after dilution. ( 3 ) Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 200 mcg/50 mL and 400 mcg/100 mL (4 mcg/mL) in single-dose flexible containers. Ready to use. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients while receiving dexmedetomidine. ( 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 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, patients should be continuously monitored while receiving dexmedetomidine. 5.2 Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Sinus Arrest Clinically significant episodes of bradycardia and sinus arrest have been reported with dexmedetomidine 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 infusion. Some of these cases have resulted in fatalities. If medical intervention is required, treatment may include decreasing or stopping the infusion of dexmedetomidine, increasing the rate of intravenous fluid administration, elevation of the lower extremities, and use of pressor agents. Because dexmedetomidine 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-induced bradycardia. However, in some patients with significant cardiovascular dysfunction, more advanced resuscitative measures were required. Caution should be exercised when administering dexmedetomidine to patients with advanced heart block and/or severe ventricular dysfunction. Because dexmedetomidine 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 an additive pharmacodynamic effect was not observed. Nonetheless, caution should be used when such agents are administered concomitantly with dexmedetomidine. 5.3 Transient Hypertension Transient hypertension has been observed primarily during the loading dose in association with the initial peripheral vasoconstrictive effects of dexmedetomidine. 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 have been observed to be arousable and alert when stimulated. This alone should not be considered as evidence of lack of efficacy in the absence of other clinical signs and symptoms. 5.5 Withdrawal Intensive Care Unit Sedation With administration up to 7 days, regardl …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 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 Gland Pharma at 866-770-7144, 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 for sedation in the Intensive Care Unit setting in which 1,007 adult patients received dexmedetomidine. 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. 4 Tachycardia was defined in absolute terms as >120 bpm or in relative terms as ≥30% greater than pre-study drug infusion value. The following adverse events occurred between 2 and 5% for Dexmedetomidine 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 Group Dexmedetomidine (mcg/kg/hr) Adverse Event ≤0.7* (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% * Average maintenance dose over the entire study drug administration. 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. The mean total dose was 1.6 mcg/kg (range: 0.5 to 6.7), mean dose per hour was 1.3 mcg/kg/hr (range: 0.3 to 6.1) and the mean duration of infusion of 1.5 hours (range: 0.1 to 6.2). The population was between 18 to 93 years of age, ASA I-IV, 30% ≥65 years of age, 52% male and 61% Caucasian. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions occurring in adults at an incidence of >2% are provided in Table 7. The most frequent adverse reactions were hypotension, bradycardia, and dry mouth [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pre-specified criteria …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids: Enhancement of pharmacodynamic effects. Reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine or the concomitant medication may be required. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids Co-administration of dexmedetomidine 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 and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with dexmedetomidine, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine 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 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.

7.1 Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids Co-administration of dexmedetomidine 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 and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with dexmedetomidine, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine 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 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 Labeling

8 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) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. 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 to 4% and 15 to 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 sh …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a relatively selective centrally acting alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist with sedative properties. Alpha 2 selectivity is observed in animals following slow intravenous infusion of low and medium doses (10 to 300 mcg/kg). Both alpha 1 and alpha 2 activity is observed following slow intravenous infusion of high doses (≥1,000 mcg/kg) or with rapid intravenous administration.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Dexmedetomidine injection, USP (100 mcg/mL) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution suitable for intravenous infusion following dilution. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (4 mcg/mL) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic ready to use solution suitable for intravenous infusion. Dexmedetomidine injection, USP contains dexmedetomidine hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a central alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is the S-enantiomer of medetomidine. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride chemical name is (+)-4-(S)-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole monohydrochloride. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has a molecular weight of 236.7 and the molecular formula is C 13 H 16 N 2 • HCl and the structural formula is: Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, USP is a white to off 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, USP is intended to be used after dilution. It is supplied as a clear, colorless, isotonic solution with a pH between 4.5 to 7.0. Each mL contains 118 mcg of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 100 mcg or 0.1 mg of dexmedetomidine) and 9 mg of sodium chloride in water for injection. The solution is preservative-free and contains no additives or chemical stabilizers. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is ready to be used. It is supplied as a clear, colorless, isotonic solution with a pH between 4.5 to 7.0. Each mL contains 4.72 mcg of dexmedetomidine (equivalent to 4 mcg or 0.004 mg of dexmedetomidine) and 9 mg sodium chloride in water for injection. The solution is preservative-free and contains no additives or chemical stabilizers. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Chemical Stucture

10 OVERDOSAGE The tolerability of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride (19.4 mcg/kg), had cardiac arrest from which he was successfully resuscitated.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not Freeze. Do not use if product is discolored or if precipitate matter is present. Dexmedetomidine injection, USP is supplied as follows: Dexmedetomidine Injection, USP Dexmedetomidine injection USP, 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) is clear and colorless. The strength is based on the dexmedetomidine base. Discard unused portion. 200 mcg per 2 mL (100 mcg/mL): 2 mL single-dose vials packaged in a Carton of 25 Vials NDC 55150-209-02 Preservative Free The vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (4 mcg/mL) is clear and colorless. The strength is based on the dexmedetomidine base. Discard unused portion. 200 mcg per 50 mL (4 mcg/mL) 50 mL Single-Dose Flexible Containers packaged in a Carton of 10 NDC 55150-296-10 400 mcg per 100 mL (4 mcg/mL) 100 mL Single-Dose Flexible Containers packaged in a Carton of 10 NDC 55150-297-10 Preservative Free

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
2,951
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed 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
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
16729-239-93 16729-239 Accord Healthcare Inc. 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (16729-239-93) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL (16729-239-30) December 21, 2016
55150-209-02 55150-209 Eugia US LLC 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (55150-209-02) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL March 17, 2016
68083-527-25 68083-527 Gland Pharma Limited 25 VIAL in 1 CARTON (68083-527-25) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL June 28, 2021
71872-7323-1 71872-7323 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC 1 VIAL, GLASS in 1 BAG (71872-7323-1) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS January 22, 2024
71288-505-03 71288-505 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. 25 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (71288-505-03) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (71288-505-02) January 18, 2019
66794-230-42 66794-230 Piramal Critical Care Inc 25 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (66794-230-42) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (66794-230-02) January 19, 2021
66794-233-42 66794-233 Piramal Critical Care Inc 25 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (66794-233-42) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (66794-233-02) May 1, 2021
84549-230-42 84549-230 ProPharma Distribution 2 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (84549-230-42) October 10, 2025
84549-505-03 84549-505 ProPharma Distribution 2 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (84549-505-03) October 10, 2025
16729-239 16729-239 Accord Healthcare Inc. — December 21, 2016
55150-209 55150-209 Eugia US LLC — March 17, 2016
68083-527 68083-527 Gland Pharma Limited — June 28, 2021
71872-7323 71872-7323 Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC — January 19, 2021
71288-505 71288-505 Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc. — January 18, 2019
66794-230 66794-230 Piramal Critical Care Inc — January 19, 2021
66794-233 66794-233 Piramal Critical Care Inc — May 1, 2021
84549-230 84549-230 ProPharma Distribution — January 19, 2021
84549-505 84549-505 ProPharma Distribution — January 18, 2019

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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 · 12 sections on this page.