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Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist sedative that Bayview compounds to a prescriber's order.
Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a relatively selective, centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist with sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, and sympatholytic properties.[1][2] It is FDA-approved for sedation of initially intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care setting and for sedation of non-intubated patients before and during surgical and other procedures.[1] It does not produce significant respiratory depression at recommended doses.[1][2]
Patients sedated with dexmedetomidine can remain comfortable and cooperative while staying arousable.[2]
In addition to its sedative effects, dexmedetomidine has anxiolytic and analgesic properties.[2] It has an opioid-sparing effect, reducing requirements for propofol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, and doses of dexmedetomidine or concomitant sedatives, anesthetics, or opioids may need to be reduced when they are used together.[1][2] The most common adverse reactions in adults are hypotension, bradycardia, and dry mouth.[1]
Dexmedetomidine undergoes almost complete biotransformation in the liver, and the FDA label states that dose reduction should be considered in patients with impaired hepatic function.[1]
Bayview compounds dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on a prescriber's order.
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
No. Its use in palliative care is emerging and investigational. Reports in the literature describe subcutaneous and intravenous infusion for refractory agitation and as an opioid-sparing adjunct, but the evidence base is limited and it is not an established standard of care.
Bradycardia and hypotension are the dose-limiting effects reported. Bayview compounds it on a patient-specific prescription; whether it is appropriate for a given patient is the prescriber's judgment.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
