Community data Updated 2 months ago

Dexmedetomidine

Miscellaneous sedatives & hypnotics Prescription

Indications

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.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Dexmedetomidine works by specifically and selectively stimulating alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Binding to alpha-2 receptors on the presynaptic nerve terminal blocks the release of norepinephrine, which in turn stops pain signals from being carried further along the nerve pathway. At the same time, stimulating alpha-2 receptors on the postsynaptic side dampens sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to a drop in both blood pressure and heart rate.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Category C.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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.