Dexmedetomidine

What is this medication for?

• Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures; preanesthetic
• Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• Dosing table is by body surface area (m²), not simple mg/kg — always use the manufacturer's weight conversion table, especially in very small or very large dogs.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Bradycardia, occasional AV block (Common, expected pharmacologic effect)
• Hypertension (initial) → low blood pressure (Biphasic)
• Vomiting (Most common acute effect, more so in cats)
• Hyperglycemia (Effect on insulin secretion)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Rare: prolonged drowsiness, paradoxical excitation, stopped breathing, death from circulatory failure (Rare)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease (esp. cats), hepatic/renal disease, shock, severe debilitation, heat/cold/fatigue stress
• has or has had: Seizure-prone patients (lowers threshold with some inhalants); dogs <16 wk, cats <12 wk not evaluated; geriatric patients not evaluated

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Atropine/glycopyrrolate
  • Epinephrine
  • Other anesthetics/opioids/sedative-hypnotics
  • Yohimbine

Storage and handling

Room temperature (15–30°C), do not freeze. May be mixed with butorphanol and/or ketamine in same syringe per manufacturer.

Good to know

• Dosing table is by body surface area (m²), not simple mg/kg — always use the manufacturer's weight conversion table, especially in very small or very large dogs.
• Do not treat dexmedetomidine-induced unusually slow heart rate with anticholinergics — this is a well-documented, clinically important exception to usual unusually slow heart rate management.
• Can be absorbed through intact human skin — avoid accidental exposure when handling.