Indications & Uses
Detomax contains dexmedetomidine, a relatively selective alpha2-adrenergic agonist used for sedation in two settings. In an intensive care unit, it sedates patients who have already been intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator; for this use, it is given as a continuous infusion lasting no more than 24 hours. It is also used to sedate patients who are not intubated, either before or during surgical and other procedures.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Individualize and titrate dexmeditomidine dosing to the desired clinical effect. Administer dexmeditomidine using a controlled infusion device. Dilute the 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) vial contents in 0.9% sodium chloride solution to reach the required concentration of 4 mcg/mL before administration. The 200 mcg/50 mL single-use bottles do not need further dilution before administration. For adult intensive care unit sedation: generally start at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/hour. For adult procedural sedation: generally start at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion started at 0.6 mcg/kg/hour and titrated to the desired clinical effect, with doses ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/hour. Alternative doses are recommended for patients over 65 years of age and for awake fiberoptic intubation patients.
Side Effects
Body as a Whole: Fever, hyperpyrexia (very high fever), low blood volume, lighter-than-intended anesthesia, pain, and shivering/rigors. Cardiovascular Disorders, General: Blood pressure swings, heart problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and heart attack. Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: Dizziness, headache, nerve pain, nerve inflammation, speech difficulties, and seizures. Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Liver and Biliary System Disorders: Raised gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (a liver enzyme), abnormal liver function, and elevated bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia). Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Acidosis (including the respiratory type), high blood potassium, thirst, and low blood sugar. Psychiatric Disorders: Agitation, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, and illusions. Red Blood Cell Disorders: Anemia. Renal Disorders: Raised blood urea nitrogen and reduced urine output. Respiratory System Disorders: Shallow/reduced breathing, low blood oxygen, and fluid congestion in the lungs. Skin Disorders: Increased sweating. Vascular Disorders: Bleeding. Vision Disorders: Flashes of light in vision (photopsia) and blurred or otherwise abnormal vision.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Continuous monitoring is required while the patient is receiving Detomax.