Constipation after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) in cats

28 reports to the FDA describe constipation in cats given Dexmedetomidine. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.6% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

28Reports

39%Marked serious

25%Recovered

11%Died or euthanised

3 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

8 31%

1–2 days

5 19%

3–7 days

3 12%

1–4 weeks

7 27%

Over a month

3 12%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 25%

Still unwell when reported

14 50%

Euthanised

3 11%

Not known

4 14%

Problems reported at the same time

17 61%

6 21%

6 21%

6 21%

Anuria

5 18%

Urinary retention

4 14%

Hiding

4 14%

Not sleeping

4 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Dexmedetomidine sedation and pain relief (also an oral gel for noise anxiety).

Products with this ingredient include Dexdomitor, Sileo. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Dexmedetomidine cause constipation in cats?: 28 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 3 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Constipation with similar medicines

Constipation after Buprenorphine 137 reports · 2.4% of its reports

All reported side effects of Dexmedetomidine in cats · Medicines most reported with constipation