Lethargy after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) in dogs

506 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in dogs given Dexmedetomidine. That is 9.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines.

506Reports

58%Marked serious

21%Recovered

25%Died or euthanised

1 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

158 39%

1–2 days

89 22%

3–7 days

66 16%

1–4 weeks

57 14%

Over a month

38 9.3%

How the animals did

Recovered

105 21%

Recovered with lasting effects

2 0.4%

Still unwell when reported

169 33%

Died

64 13%

Euthanised

62 12%

Not known

104 21%

Problems reported at the same time

259 51%

195 39%

143 28%

129 25%

122 24%

93 18%

83 16%

71 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

113

4–7 years

166

8–11 years

137

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 lethargy in dogs?: 506 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 1 day 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

Lethargy after Buprenorphine 362 reports · 23% of its reports

All reported side effects of Dexmedetomidine in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy