Dexdor 100 micrograms/ml concentrate for solution for infusion

Each 1 ml of concentrate contains dexmedetomidine hydrochloride equivalent to 100 micrograms dexmedetomidine.

Each 2 ml ampoule contains 200 micrograms of dexmedetomidine.

Each 4 ml vial contains 400 micrograms of dexmedetomidine.

Each 10 ml vial contains 1000 micrograms of dexmedetomidine.

The concentration of the final solution after dilution is 4 micrograms/ml.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

Concentrate for solution for infusion (sterile concentrate).

The concentrate is a clear, colourless solution, pH 4.5 – 7.0

For sedation of adult ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients requiring a sedation level not deeper than arousal in response to verbal stimulation (corresponding to Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) 0 to -3).

For hospital use only. Dexdor should be administered by healthcare professionals skilled in the management of patients requiring intensive care.

Posology

Patients already intubated and sedated may switch to dexmedetomidine with an initial infusion rate of 0.7 micrograms/kg/h which may then be adjusted stepwise within the dose range 0.2 to 1.4 micrograms/kg/h in order to achieve the desired level of sedation, depending on the patient's response. A lower starting infusion rate should be considered for frail patients. Dexmedetomidine is very potent and the infusion rate is given per hour. After dose adjustment, a new steady state sedation level may not be reached for up to one hour.

The maximum dose of 1.4 micrograms/kg/h should not be exceeded. Patients failing to achieve an adequate level of sedation with the maximum dose of Dexdor should be switched to an alternative sedative agent.

Use of a loading dose of Dexdor is not recommended and is associated with increased adverse reactions. Propofol or midazolam may be administered if needed until clinical effects of Dexdor are established.

There is no experience in the use of Dexdor for more than 14 days. The use of Dexdor for longer than this period should be regularly reassessed.

Special populations

Elderly patients: No dose adjustment is normally required for elderly patients.

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic impairment: Dexdor is metabolised in the liver and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. A reduced maintenance dose may be considered (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of Dexdor in children aged 0 to 18 years has not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.

Method of administration

Dexdor must be administered only as a diluted intravenous infusion using a controlled infusion device. For instructions on dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Advanced heart block (grade 2 or 3) unless paced.

Uncontrolled hypotension.

Acute cerebrovascular conditions.

Dexdor is intended for use in an intensive care setting and use in other environments is not recommended. All patients should have continuous cardiac monitoring during Dexdor infusion. Respiration should be monitored in non-intubated patients.

Dexdor should not be used as an induction agent for intubation or to provide sedation during muscle relaxant use.

Dexdor reduces heart rate and blood pressure through central sympatholysis but at higher concentrations causes peripheral vasoconstriction leading to hypertension (see section 5.1). Dexdor normally does not cause deep sedation and patients may be easily roused. Dexdor is therefore not suitable in patients who will not tolerate this profile of effects, for example those requiring continuous deep sedation or with severe cardiovascular instability.

Since Dexdor should not be administered by loading or bolus dose, users should be ready to use an alternative sedative for acute control of agitation or during procedures, especially during the first few hours of treatment.

Caution should be exercised when administering dexmedetomidine to patients with pre-existing bradycardia. Data on the effects of Dexdor in patients with heart rate <60 are very limited and particular care should be taken with such patients. Bradycardia does not normally require treatment, but has commonly responded to anti-cholinergic medicine or dose reduction where needed. Patients with high physical fitness and slow resting heart rate may be particularly sensitive to bradycardic effects of alpha-2 receptor agonists and cases of transient sinus arrest have been reported.

The hypotensive effects of Dexdor may be of greater significance in those patients with pre-existing hypotension (especially if not responsive to vasopressors), hypovolaemia, chronic hypotension or reduced functional reserve such as patients with severe ventricular dysfunction and the elderly and special care is warranted in these cases (see section 4.3). Hypotension does not normally require specific treatment but, where needed, users should be ready to intervene with dose reduction, fluids and/or vasoconstrictors .

Patients with impaired peripheral autonomic activity (e.g. due to spinal cord injury) may have more pronounced haemodynamic changes after starting Dexdor and so should be treated with care.

Transient hypertension has been observed primarily during the loading dose in association with the peripheral vasoconstrictive effects of dexmedetomidine and a loading dose is not recommended. Treatment of hypertension has generally not been necessary but decreasing the continuous infusion rate may be advisable.

Local vasoconstriction at higher concentration may be of greater significance in patients with ischaemic heart disease or severe cerebrovascular disease who should be monitored closely. Dose reduction or discontinuation should be considered in a patient developing signs of myocardial or cerebral ischaemia.

Care should be taken if combining dexmedetomidine with other substances with sedative or cardiovascular actions as additive effects may occur.

Some patients receiving Dexdor have been observed to be arousable and alert when stimulated. This alone should not be considered as evidence of lack of efficacy in the absence of other clinical signs and symptoms.

Care should be taken in severe hepatic impairment as excessive dosing may increase the risk of adverse reactions, over-sedation or prolonged effect as a result of reduced dexmedetomidine clearance.

Dexdor does not appear to suppress seizure activity and should not be used as sole treatment in status epilepticus.

Experience of Dexdor in severe neurological disorders such as head injury and after neurosurgery is limited and it should be used with caution here, especially if deep sedation is required. Dexdor may reduce cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure and this should be considered when selecting therapy.

Alpha-2 agonists have rarely been associated with withdrawal reactions when stopped abruptly after prolonged use. This possibility should be considered if the patient develops agitation and hypertension shortly after stopping dexmedetomidine.

It is not known whether dexmedetomidine is safe to use in malignant hyperthermia-sensitive individuals therefore it is not recommended. Dexdor treatment should be discontinued in the event of a sustained unexplained fever.

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Co-administration of dexmedetomidine with anaesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids is likely to lead to an enhancement of effects. Specific studies have confirmed these effects with isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, and midazolam.

No pharmacokinetic interactions between dexmedetomidine and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with dexmedetomidine, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine or the concomitant anaesthetic, sedative, hypnotic or opioid may be required.

Inhibition of CYP enzymes including CYP2B6 by dexmedetomidine has been studied in human liver microsome incubations. In vitro study suggests that interaction potential in vivo exists between dexmedetomidine and substrates with dominant CYP2B6 metabolism.

Induction of dexmedetomidine in vitro was observed on CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, and induction in vivo cannot be excluded. The clinical significance is unknown.

The possibility of enhanced hypotensive and bradycardic effects should be considered in patients receiving other medicinal products causing these effects, for example beta blockers, although additional effects in an interaction study with esmolol were modest.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data from the use of dexmedetomidine in pregnant women.

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Dexdor should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Breastfeeding

Available data in the rat have shown excretion of dexmedetomidine or metabolites in milk. A risk to infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue dexmedetomidine therapy taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

In the rat fertility study, dexmedetomidine had no effect on male or female fertility.

Not relevant.

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions with dexmedetomidine are hypotension, hypertension and bradycardia, occurring in approximately 25%, 15% and 13% of patients respectively.

Hypotension and bradycardia were also the most frequent dexmedetomidine-related serious adverse reactions occurring in 1.7% and 0.9% of randomised Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients respectively.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The adverse reactions listed in Table 1 have been accumulated from pooled data of clinical trials in intensive care consisting of 3,137 randomised patients (1,879 treated with dexmedetomidine, 864 treated with active comparators, and 394 treated with placebo).

Adverse reactions are ranked under headings of frequency, the most frequent first, using the following convention: Very common (1/10); common (1100 to <1/10); uncommon (1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000).

Table 1. Adverse reactions

* See section on Description of selected adverse reactions

Description of selected adverse reactions

Clinically significant hypotension or bradycardia should be treated as described in section 4.4.

In relatively healthy non-ICU subjects treated with dexmedetomidine, bradycardia has occasionally led to sinus arrest or pause. The symptoms responded to leg raising and anticholinergics such as atropine or glycopyrrolate. In isolated cases bradycardia has progressed to periods of asystole in patients with pre-existing bradycardia.

Hypertension has been associated with the use of a loading dose and this reaction can be reduced by avoiding such a loading dose or reducing the infusion rate or size of the loading dose.

Paediatric population

There is limited experience in children, most data has been obtained from short term exposure. A single case of hypothermic bradycardia in a neonate has been reported in the literature.

Several cases of dexmedetomidine overdose have been reported both in the clinical trial and the post-marketing data. The reported highest infusion rates of dexmedetomidine in these cases have reached up to 60 μg/kg/h for 36 minutes and 30 μg/kg/h for 15 minutes in a 20-month-old child and in an adult, respectively. The most common adverse reactions reported in conjunction with overdose in these cases included bradycardia, hypotension, oversedation, somnolence and cardiac arrest.

In cases of overdose with clinical symptoms, dexmedetomidine infusion should be reduced or stopped. Expected effects are primarily cardiovascular and should be treated as clinically indicated (see section 4.4). At high concentration hypertension may be more prominent than hypotension. In clinical studies, cases of sinus arrest reversed spontaneously or responded to treatment with atropine and glycopyrrolate. Resuscitation was required in isolated cases of severe overdose resulting in cardiac arrest. None of the cases of overdose have resulted in death.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Psycholeptics, other hypnotics and sedatives, ATC code: N05CM18

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha-2 receptor agonist with a broad range of pharmacological properties. It has a sympatholytic effect through decrease of the release of noradrenaline in sympathetic nerve endings. The sedative effects are mediated through decreased firing of locus coeruleus, the predominant noradrenergic nucleus, situated in the brainstem. Dexmedetomidine has analgesic and anaesthetic/analgesic-sparing effects. The cardiovascular effects depend on the dose; with lower infusion rates the central effects dominate leading to decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. With higher doses, peripheral vasoconstricting effects prevail leading to an increase in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, while the bradycardic effect is further emphasised. Dexmedetomidine is relatively free from respiratory depressive effects.

In placebo controlled trials in a post-operative ICU population previously intubated and sedated with midazolam or propofol, Dexdor significantly reduced the requirement for both rescue sedative (midazolam or propofol) and opioids during sedation for up to 24 hours. Most dexmedetomidine patients required no additional sedative treatment. Patients could be successfully extubated without stopping the Dexdor infusion. Studies from outside the ICU have confirmed that Dexdor can be administered safely to patients without endotracheal intubation provided adequate monitoring is in place.

Dexmedetomidine was similar to midazolam (Ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.971, 1.176) and propofol (Ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.922, 1.075) on the time in target sedation range in a predominently medical population requiring prolonged light to moderate sedation (RASS 0 to -3) in the ICU for up to 14 days, reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation compared to midazolam and reduced the time to extubation compared to midazolam and propofol. Compared to both propofol and midazolam, patients were more easily roused, more cooperative and better able to communicate whether or not they had pain. Dexmedetomidine treated patients had more frequent hypotension and bradycardia but less tachycardia than those receiving midazolam and more frequent tachycardia but similar hypotension to propofol-treated patients. Delirium measured by the CAM-ICU scale was reduced in a study compared to midazolam and delirium-related adverse events were lower on dexmedetomidine compared to propofol. Those patients who withdrew due to insufficient sedation were switched to either propofol or midazolam. The risk of insufficient sedation was increased in patients who were difficult to sedate with standard care immediately prior to switching.

Paediatric efficacy data from well controlled ICU studies is sparse but dexmedetomidine has been used as a sedative in children (see sections 5.2 and 4.4). New-born infants may be particularly sensitive to the bradycardic effects of Dexdor in the presence of hypothermia and in conditions of heart rate-dependent cardiac output.

In double blind comparator controlled ICU studies the incidence of cortisol suppression in patients treated with dexmedetomidine (n=778) was 0.5% compared with 0% in patients treated with either midazolam (n=338) or propofol (n=275). The event was reported as mild in 1 and moderate in 3 cases.

The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine has been assessed following short term IV administration in healthy volunteers and long term infusion in ICU population.

Distribution

Dexmedetomidine exhibits a two-compartment disposition model. In healthy volunteers it exhibits a rapid distribution phase with a central estimate of the distribution half-life (t_1/2α) of about 6 minutes. The mean estimate of the terminal elimination half-life (t_1/2) is approximately 1.9 to 2.5 h (min 1.35, max 3.68 h) and the mean estimate of the steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) is approximately 1.16 to 2.16 l/kg (90 to 151 litres). Plasma clearance (Cl) has a mean estimated value of 0.46 to 0.73 l/h/kg (35.7 to 51.1 l/h). The mean body weight associated with these Vss and Cl estimates was 69 kg. Plasma pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine is similar in the ICU population following infusion >24 h. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters are: t_1/2 approximately 1.5 hours, Vss approximately 93 litres and Cl approximately 43 l/h. The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine is linear in the dosing range from 0.2 to 1.4 μg/kg/h and it does not accumulate in treatments lasting up to 14 days. Dexmedetomidine is 94% bound to plasma proteins. Plasma protein binding is constant over the concentration range of 0.85 to 85 ng/ml. Dexmedetomidine binds to both human serum albumin and Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein with serum albumin as the major binding protein of dexmedetomidine in plasma.

Metabolism and Elimination

Dexmedetomidine is eliminated by extensive metabolism in the liver. There are three types of initial metabolic reactions; direct N-glucuronidation, direct N-methylation and cytochrome P450 catalysed oxidation. The most abundant circulating dexmedetomidine metabolites are two isomeric N-glucuronides. Metabolite H-1, N-methyl 3-hydroxymethyl dexmedetomidine O-glucuronide, is also a major circulating product of dexmedetomidine biotransformation. Cytochrome P-450 catalyses the formation of two minor circulating metabolites, 3-hydroxymethyl dexmedetomidine produced by hydroxylation at the 3-methyl group of dexmedetomidine and H-3 produced by oxidation in the imidazole ring. Available data suggest that the formation of the oxidised metabolites is mediated by several CYP forms (CYP2A6, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19). These metabolites have negligible pharmacological activity.

Following IV administration of radiolabeled dexmedetomidine an average 95% of radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 4% in the faeces after nine days. The major urinary metabolites are the two isomeric N-glucuronides, which together accounted for approximately 34% of the dose and N-methyl 3-hydroxymethyl dexmedetomidine O-glucuronide that accounted for 14.51% of the dose. The minor metabolites dexmedetomidine carboxylic acid, 3-hydroxymethyl dexmedetomidine and its O-glucuronide individually comprised 1.11 to 7.66% of the dose. Less than 1% of unchanged parent drug was recovered in the urine. Approximately 28% of the urinary metabolites are unidentified minor metabolites.

Special Populations

No major pharmacokinetic differences have been observed based on gender or age.

Dexmedetomidine plasma protein binding is decreased in subjects with hepatic impairment compared with healthy subjects. The mean percentage of unbound dexmedetomidine in plasma ranged from 8.5% in healthy subjects to 17.9% in subjects with severe hepatic impairment. Subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C) had decreased hepatic clearance of dexmedetomidine and prolonged plasma elimination t_1/2. The mean plasma clearance values of unbound dexmedetomidine for subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment were 59%, 51% and 32% of those observed in the normal healthy subjects, respectively. The mean t_1/2 for the subjects with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment was prolonged to 3.9, 5.4, and 7.4 hours, respectively. Although dexmedetomidine is administered to effect, it may be necessary to consider initial/maintenance dose reduction in patients with hepatic impairment depending on the degree of impairment and the response.

The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in subjects with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min) is not altered relative to healthy subjects.

Data in children 2 months to 17 years of age are limited. Dexmedetomidine half life appears similar to that seen in adults. In the age groups 2-20 months and 2-6 years, body weight-adjusted plasma clearance appeared higher (1.2 and 1.0 l/h/kg, respectively) but decreased in older children (0.8 l/h/kg) to be comparable to adults (0.5-0.6 l/h/kg). Plasma clearance may be lower in children < 2 months due to immaturity.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, single and repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity.

In the reproductive toxicity studies, dexmedetomidine had no effect on male or female fertility in the rat, and no teratogenic effects were observed in the rat or rabbit. In the rabbit study intravenous administration of the maximum dose, 96 μg/kg/day, produced exposures that are similar to those observed clinically. In the rat, subcutaneous administration at the maximum dose, 200 μg/kg/day, caused an increase in embryofetal death and reduced the fetal body weight. These effects were associated with clear maternal toxicity. Reduced fetal body weight was noted also in the rat fertility study at dose 18 μg/kg/day and was accompanied with delayed ossification at dose 54 μg/kg/day. The observed exposure levels in the rat are below the clinical exposure range.

Sodium chloride

Water for injections

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.

Compatibility studies have shown potential for adsorption of dexmedetomidine to some types of natural rubber. Although dexmedetomidine is dosed to effect, it is advisable to use components with synthetic or coated natural rubber gaskets.

3 years

After dilution

Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 25°C.

From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to the use are the responsibility of the user and would not normally be longer than 24 hours at 2° to 8°C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions

For storage conditions of the diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3

2 ml Type I glass ampoules

5 or 10 ml Type I glass vials (with filling volumes of 4 and 10 ml), grey bromobutyl rubber closure with fluoropolymer coating

Pack sizes

5 x 2 ml ampoules

25 x 2 ml ampoules

4 x 4 ml vials

4 x 10 ml vials

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Ampoules and vials are intended for single patient use only.

Preparation of solution

Dexdor can be diluted in glucose 50 mg/ml (5%), Ringers, mannitol or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection to achieve the required concentration of 4 micrograms/ml prior to administration. Please see below in tabulated form the volumes needed to prepare the infusion.

The solution should be shaken gently to mix well.

Dexdor should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Dexdor has been shown to be compatible when administered with the following intravenous fluids and medicinal products:

Lactated Ringers, 5% glucose solution, sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection, mannitol 200 mg/ml (20%), thiopental sodium, etomidate, vecuronium bromide, pancuronium bromide, succinylcholine, atracurium besylate, mivacurium chloride, rocuronium bromide, glycopyrrolate bromide, phenylephrine HCl, atropine sulphate, dopamine, noradrenaline, dobutamine, midazolam, morphine sulphate, fentanyl citrate, and a plasma-substitute.

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Orion Corporation

Orionintie 1

FI-02200 Espoo

Finland

EU/1/11/718/001-006

Date of first authorisation: 16 September 2011

Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu