Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Dexmedetomidine has been associated with hypotensive and negative chronotropic effects. Coadministration with other agents causing these effects, especially vasodilators and alpha-2 agonists, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Data have been conflicting. Additive pharmacodynamic effects were not observed in some clinical studies.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and monitoring of the patient's hemodynamic status are recommended during coadministration.

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.