Have you ever had to undergo an operation? Or have you ever had to undergo a major medical procedure? It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious at such times. So, there are special medications that doctors use to calm you down, make you feel a little sleepy, and help you go through the process more easily. Today we're going to talk about one such injection, Dexmedetomidine, which is only used in hospitals.
Simply put, what is Dexmedetomidine?
Dexmedetomidine (DEX-mede-tom-deen) is a medicine that calms your nervous system and makes you sleepy. It is usually used to keep you relaxed before and during a medical procedure. It is given as an injection into a vein. It is not a medicine you can buy at a pharmacy and take home. It is given only in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor. You may sometimes see this medicine under the brand name Precedex.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before deciding to prescribe this medication, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | Because it is likely to lower heart rate and blood pressure. |
| High blood pressure | Because sudden changes in blood pressure can occur. |
| Liver disease | Because the process of removing the drug from the liver may be slowed down. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to dexmedetomidine or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | To consider the possible impact on the fetus. |
| Breastfeeding | To consider whether the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
The most important thing is to talk to the doctor about anything that's on your mind, no matter how small. Don't hide anything.
How to use the medicine and special considerations
This medicine is given through a tube inserted into a vein (intravenous line). It is done by a doctor or trained nurse in a hospital.
- For children: Special care is needed if this medicine is given to children. The dosage and monitoring are different from those for adults.
- People over 65: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly, so they are usually given a lower dose.
- What if the dose is increased? (Overdose): Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of a missed dose is very low. However, if you think you have received too much of the medicine, you should inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, they can inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medicines you are taking can affect the way Dexmedetomidine works. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, bought at the pharmacy, traditional medicines, vitamins, herbal products). This medicine may interact especially with the following:
| Type of substance/drug that may cause problems | Examples |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Any type of alcohol. |
| Sedatives and sleeping pills | Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Propofol. |
| Some medications for depression | Amitriptyline, Trazodone. |
| Painkillers and cough medicines | Tramadol, Morphine, etc. (Opioids) . |
| Some medications for epilepsy | Phenobarbital, Primidone. |
| Some allergy medications (Antihistamines) | Types that cause drowsiness. |
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Dexmedetomidine can cause side effects. The medical team will be monitoring you closely while you are in the hospital. But if you feel any discomfort, don't be afraid to tell them right away.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor or nurse immediately | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Characteristics |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue. |
| Fever | Persistent fever, rapid breathing or heartbeat, fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist | |
| Restlessness | Anxious, irritable. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling as if saliva has dried up in the mouth. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Things to be careful about after taking the medicine
Due to the effects of this medicine, your body's balance, reaction speed, and decision-making ability may be affected. Therefore,
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until your doctor tells you it is safe to do so again.
- When getting up from sitting or sleeping, get up slowly . If you get up suddenly, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Avoid alcohol completely for a few days after taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Dexmedetomidine is a medicine that is only given in a hospital to calm you down and make you sleepy before a medical procedure.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine is given under strict medical supervision. Your condition will be monitored regularly.
- Inform medical staff immediately if you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or allergic symptoms.
- Since this is not a take-home medicine, you don't have to worry about storing it.
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