Dexmedetomidine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 13, 2020.
In Summary
Commonly reported side effects of dexmedetomidine include: bradycardia, hypotension, agitation, hypertension, nausea, and tachycardia. Other side effects include: vomiting, and xerostomia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
For the Consumer
Applies to dexmedetomidine: parenteral injection concentrate, parenteral premixed injection in 0.9% sodium chloride injection
Side effects include:
Short-term (<24 hours) infusions for ICU sedation: Hypotension, hypertension, nausea, bradycardia, fever, vomiting, hypovolemia, atelectasis, atrial fibrillation, hypoxia, tachycardia, hemorrhage, anemia, dry mouth.
Long-term (>24 hours) infusions for ICU sedation: Hypotension, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, hypokalemia, agitation, hyperglycemia, constipation, hypoglycemia, respiratory failure.
Procedural sedation: Hypotension, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, dry mouth.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to dexmedetomidine: intravenous solution
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (56%), bradycardia (42%), systolic hypertension (28%), hypotension requiring intervention (28%), tachycardia (25%), hypertension requiring intervention (19%), hypertension (16%), diastolic hypertension (12%), tachycardia requiring intervention (10%)
Common (1% to 10%): Atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, myocardial ischemia or infarction, bradycardia requiring intervention
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block first degree, decreased cardiac output
Frequency not reported: Sinus arrest
Postmarketing reports: Arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, cardiac disorder, extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, electrocardiogram T wave inversion, prolonged QT, blood pressure fluctuation, heart block[Ref]
Respiratory
Very common (10% or more): Respiratory depression (37%)
Common (1% to 10%): Atelectasis, hypoxia, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bradypnea, pneumonia, pharyngolaryngeal pain
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Wheezing, dyspnea, apnea
Frequency not reported: Decreased respiratory rate
Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, hypercapnia, hypoventilation, pulmonary congestion, respiratory acidosis[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Decubitus ulcer
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
Postmarketing reports: Hyperhidrosis[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Anemia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hypovolemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypernatremia, hypophosphatemia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Metabolic acidosis, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte imbalance
Postmarketing reports: Hyperkalemia, acidosis[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Postmarketing reports: Convulsion, dizziness, neuralgia, neuritis, speech disorder[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, hyperthermia, chills, post-procedural hemorrhage, withdrawal event/syndrome, rigors, hyperpyrexia, pain, thirst, generalized edema, peripheral edema, sepsis, septic shock
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ineffective drug
Frequency not reported: Tolerance, tachyphylaxis
Postmarketing reports: Light anesthesia[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Agitation, anxiety
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hallucination
Postmarketing reports: Confusional state, delirium, illusion[Ref]
Renal
Common (1% to 10%): Acute renal failure, decreased urine output, oliguria
Postmarketing reports: Increased blood urea, polyuria[Ref]
Hepatic
Postmarketing reports: Abnormal hepatic function, hyperbilirubinemia, increased ALT, increased AST, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase[Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Reduced lacrimation
Postmarketing reports: Photopsia, abnormal vision, visual impairment[Ref]
References
1. "Product Information. Precedex (dexmedetomidine)" Abbott Pharmaceutical, Abbott Park, IL.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
More about dexmedetomidine
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Pricing & Coupons
- En Español
- Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
- FDA Alerts (2)
Consumer resources
- Other brands
- Precedex
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.