Dexmedetomidine Side Effects

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

Side effects include:

Hypotension, hypertension, nausea, bradycardia, fever, vomiting, hypoxia, tachycardia, anemia.

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]

Not all side effects for dexmedetomidine may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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