Malaise after Dexmedetomidine (Dexdomitor) in dogs

The FDA has received 23 reports of malaise in dogs after Dexmedetomidine. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines.

23Reports
65%Marked serious
17%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
15 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
2 11%
1–2 days
3 16%
3–7 days
3 16%
1–4 weeks
2 11%
Over a month
9 47%

How the animals did

Recovered
3 13%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 4.3%
Still unwell when reported
5 22%
Died
2 8.7%
Euthanised
2 8.7%
Not known
10 43%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
1
1–3 years
1
4–7 years
12
8–11 years
5
12+ years
2

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 malaise in dogs?
23 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 15 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).

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