Dexmedesed (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) Injectable Solution (0.5-mg/mL, 10-mL vial)

Sedative and Analgesic Injection for Dogs and Cats

Product Description

Dexmedesed® is a sterile injectable solution that contains dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. It is meant to provide reliable sedation, pain relief, and preanesthetic support for dogs and cats. It makes clinical examinations, minor procedures, and anesthesia preparation easier while lowering the need for anesthetics. With a predictable start and controlled duration, this medication, prescribed by veterinarian,s helps ensure safer handling and improves efficiency during procedures in clinical settings.

Benefits

• Reliable Sedation: Produces dose-dependent sedation and analgesia to support examinations, minor procedures, and clinical handling in veterinary settings.
• Anesthetic Reduction: Significantly lowers induction and maintenance anesthetic requirements when used as a preanesthetic, improving procedural efficiency and control.
• Predictable Onset: Sedation typically occurs within 5 to 15 minutes with peak effects around 30 minutes after administration.
• Reversible Effects: Effects in dogs can be rapidly reversed using atipamezole, allowing flexible recovery management when clinically appropriate.

Ingredients

Composition Table

How to Use

Recommended-Dosage Chart

Dosage & Administration Instructions

• Veterinary Prescription Only: Federal law restricts this medication to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• Pre-Procedure Fasting: Dogs and cats should not eat for about 12 hours before treatment to reduce potential complications.
• Quiet Environment: Let the animal rest quietly for 10 to 15 minutes after the injection to ensure the best sedative effects.
• Onset Monitoring: Sedation and pain relief usually happen within 5 to 15 minutes, with the strongest effects around 30 minutes after administration.
• Temperature Support: Keep the body temperature stable during procedures and recovery since hypothermia may last longer than the effects of sedation.

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Health Screening: Do not use in animals with cardiovascular, respiratory, liver, or kidney disease, or those experiencing shock or severe debilitation.
• Cardiovascular Monitoring: Only healthy animals should receive treatment. Frequent monitoring of cardiovascular function and body temperature is necessary.
• Respiratory Risk Cats: It is not recommended to sedate cats with respiratory disease using dexmedetomidine due to possible complications.
• Drug Interactions: Regular use of anticholinergic drugs at the same time or after administration is not advised because of cardiovascular risks.
• Handling Safety: Sedated animals may react defensively to sudden stimuli. Therefore, careful handling and minimal disturbance are important.

Possible Side Effects

• Cardiovascular Changes: Bradycardia, arrhythmias, and changes in blood pressure may happen due to the effects on the cardiovascular system.
• Respiratory Depression: A decreased respiratory rate or apnea may occur, which could require oxygen support and veterinary monitoring when needed.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Vomiting often happens in cats, while a decrease in gastrointestinal motility may occur from a drop in smooth muscle activity.
• Temperature Reduction: Hypothermia is likely after administration and may continue beyond sedation, which requires external warming during recovery.
• Rare Pulmonary Events: Rare cases of severe difficulty breathing or fluid in the lungs have been reported in cats following administration.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature between 68°F and 77°F for product stability.
• Protect From Freezing: Avoid freezing the solution because freezing may compromise product integrity and effectiveness.
• In-Use Shelf Life: Once opened, the vial should be used within 28 days when stored at recommended temperature conditions.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy. 

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Dexmedetomidine used for in dogs and cats?

Ans: Dexmedetomidine is used in dogs and cats to provide sedation and analgesia for clinical examinations, minor surgical or dental procedures, and as a preanesthetic before general anesthesia. It also helps reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs required during procedures when administered appropriately by a veterinarian.

Q2: How long does Dexmedetomidine take to work, and how long does it last?

Ans: Sedation and analgesic effects typically begin within 5 to 15 minutes after administration, with peak effects around 30 minutes. The duration varies by species and route, generally lasting up to two hours in dogs intravenously and about three hours when given intramuscularly in dogs and cats.

Q3: Can Dexmedetomidine be reversed if needed?

Ans: Yes, the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs can be reversed using atipamezole when clinically indicated, allowing controlled recovery after procedures. However, reversal is not routinely recommended in cats due to potential risks such as breathing complications, so veterinary judgment is essential.

Q4: Is IsDexmedetomidine safe for all pets?

Ans: Dexmedetomidine should only be used in clinically healthy animals and is not recommended for pets with cardiovascular, respiratory, liver, or kidney disease, or those experiencing shock or severe debilitation. A veterinarian must evaluate the animal’s health status before administration to ensure safety.

Q5: Does Dexmedetomidine reduce anesthesia requirements during procedures?

Ans: Yes, when used before anesthesia, Dexmedetomidine significantly reduces the amount of injectable and inhalant anesthetics needed during procedures. This effect helps improve procedural management and can lead to smoother anesthesia control under veterinary supervision.