Dexmedetomidine HCl

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection is a relatively selective alpha 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for: Sedation of non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures. (1.1) 1.1 Procedural Sedation Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection is indicated for sedation of non-intubated patients prior to and/or during surgical and other procedures.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Individualize and titrate dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection dosing to desired clinical effect. (2.1) Administer dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection using a controlled infusion device. (2.1) Dilute the 200 mcg/2mL (100 mcg/mL) vial contents in 0.9% sodium chloride solution to achieve required concentration (4 mcg/mL) prior to administration. (2.4) For Adult Procedural Sedation: Generally initiate at one mcg/kg over 10 minutes , followed by a maintenance infusion initiated at 0.6 mcg/kg/ hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with doses ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/ hour . (2.2) Alternative doses : recommended for patients over 65 years of age and awake fiberoptic intubation patients. (2.2) 2.1 Dosing Guidelines Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection dosing should be individualized and titrated to desired clinical response. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection is not indicated for infusions lasting longer than 24 hours. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection should be administered using a controlled infusion device. 2.2 Dosage Information Table 1: Dosage Information INDICATION DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initiation of Procedural Sedation For adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes . For less invasive procedures such as ophthalmic surgery, a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg given over 10 minutes may be suitable. For awake fiberoptic intubation in adult patients: a loading infusion of one mcg/kg over 10 minutes . For patients over 65 years of age : a loading infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg over 10 minutes [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . For adult patients with impaired hepatic function: a dose reduction should be considered [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ]. Maintenance of Procedural Sedation For adult patients: the maintenance infusion is generally initiated at 0.6 mcg/kg/ hour and titrated to achieve desired clinical effect with doses ranging from 0.2 to 1 mcg/kg/ hour . The rate of the maintenance infusion should be adjusted to achieve the targeted level of sedation. For awake fiberoptic intubation in adult patients: a maintenance infusion of 0.7 mcg/kg/ hour is recommended until the endotracheal tube is secured. For patients over 65 years of age: a dose reduction should be considered [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . For adult patients with impaired hepatic function: a dose reduction should be considered [ see Use in Specific Populations (8.6 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.3 Dosage Adjustment Due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection or other concomitant anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics or opioids may be required when co-administered [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Dosage reductions may need to be considered for adult patients with hepatic impairment, and geriatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Use in Specific Populations (8.6 ), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )]. 2.4 Preparation of Solution Strict aseptic technique must always be maintained during handling of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Injection, 200 mcg/2 mL (100 mcg/mL) Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection must be diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection to achieve required concentration (4 mcg/mL) prior to administration. Preparation of solutions is the same, whether for the loading dose or maintenance infusion. To prepare the infusion, withdraw 2 mL of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection and add to 48 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a total of 50 mL. Shake gently to mix well. 2.5 Administration with Other Fluids Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection infusion should not be co-administered through the same intravenous catheter with blood or plasma because physical compatibility has not been established. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection has been shown to be incompatible when administered with the following drugs: amphotericin B, diazepam. Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection has been shown to be compatible when administered with the following intravenous fluids: 0.9% sodium chloride in water 5% dextrose in water 20% mannitol Lactated Ringer’s solution 100 mg/mL magnesium sulfate solution 0.3% potassium chloride solution 2.6 Compatibility with Natural Rubber Compatibility studies have demonstrated the potential for absorption of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection to some types of natural rubber. Although dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection is dosed to effect, it is advisable to use administration components made with synthetic or coated natural rubber gaskets.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None. (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients while receiving dexmedetomidine HCl. (5.1) Bradycardia and Sinus Arrest: Have occurred in young healthy volunteers with high vagal tone or with different routes of administration, e.g., rapid intravenous or bolus administration. (5.2) Hypotension and bradycardia: May necessitate medical intervention. May be more pronounced in patients with hypovolemia, diabetes mellitus, or chronic hypertension, and in the elderly. Use with caution in patients with advanced heart block or severe ventricular dysfunction. (5.2) Co-administration with other Vasodilators or Negative Chronotropic Agents: Use with caution due to additive pharmacodynamic effects. (5.2) Transient hypertension: Observed primarily during the loading dose. Consider reduction in loading infusion rate. (5.3) Arousability: Patients can become aroused/alert with stimulation; this alone should not be considered as lack of efficacy (5.4) Prolonged exposure to dexmedetomidine beyond 24 hours may be associated with tolerance and tachyphylaxis and a dose-related increase in adverse events (5.6 ) 5.1 Drug Administration Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of patients in the operating room setting. Due to the known pharmacological effects of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, patients should be continuously monitored while receiving dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. 5.2 Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Sinus Arrest Clinically significant episodes of bradycardia and sinus arrest have been reported with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride administration in young, healthy adult volunteers with high vagal tone or with different routes of administration including rapid intravenous or bolus administration. Reports of hypotension and bradycardia have been associated with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride infusion. Some of these cases have resulted in fatalities. If medical intervention is required, treatment may include decreasing or stopping the infusion of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, increasing the rate of intravenous fluid administration, elevation of the lower extremities, and use of pressor agents. Because dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has the potential to augment bradycardia induced by vagal stimuli, clinicians should be prepared to intervene. The intravenous administration of anticholinergic agents (e.g., glycopyrrolate, atropine) should be considered to modify vagal tone. In clinical trials, glycopyrrolate or atropine were effective in the treatment of most episodes of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride-induced bradycardia. However, in some patients with significant cardiovascular dysfunction, more advanced resuscitative measures were required. Caution should be exercised when administering dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients with advanced heart block and/or severe ventricular dysfunction. Because dexmedetomidine hydrochloride decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, hypotension and/or bradycardia may be expected to be more pronounced in patients with hypovolemia, diabetes mellitus, or chronic hypertension and in elderly patients. In clinical trials where other vasodilators or negative chronotropic agents were co-administered with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride an additive pharmacodynamic effect was not observed. Nonetheless, caution should be used when such agents are administered concomitantly with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. 5.3 Transient Hypertension Transient hypertension has been observed primarily during the loading dose in association with the initial peripheral vasoconstrictive effects of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. Treatment of the transient hypertension has generally not been necessary, although reduction of the loading infusion rate may be desirable. 5.4 Arousability Some patients receiving dexmedetomidine hydrochloride 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. 5.5 Withdrawal Procedural Sedation In adult subjects, withdrawal symptoms were not seen after discontinuation of short term infusions of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (<6 hours). 5.6 Tolerance and Tachyphylaxis Use of dexmedetomidine beyond 24 hours has been associated with tolerance and tachyphylaxis and a dose-related increase in adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] . 5.7 Hepatic Impairment Since dexmedetomidine hydrochloride clearance decreases with severity of hepatic impairment, dose reduction should be considered in patients with impaired hepatic function [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids: Enhancement of pharmacodynamic effects. Reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride or the concomitant medication may be required. (7.1) 7.1 Anesthetics, Sedatives, Hypnotics, Opioids Co-administration of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride with anesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids is likely to lead to an enhancement of effects. Specific studies have confirmed these effects with sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil, and midazolam. No pharmacokinetic interactions between dexmedetomidine hydrochloride and isoflurane, propofol, alfentanil and midazolam have been demonstrated. However, due to possible pharmacodynamic interactions, when co-administered with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, a reduction in dosage of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride or the concomitant anesthetic, sedative, hypnotic or opioid may be required. 7.2 Neuromuscular Blockers In one study of 10 healthy adult volunteers, administration of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for 45 minutes at a plasma concentration of 1 ng/mL resulted in no clinically meaningful increases in the magnitude of neuromuscular blockade associated with rocuronium administration.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than 2%) are hypotension, bradycardia, and dry mouth. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-845-0689, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Use of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride has been associated with the following serious adverse reactions: Hypotension, bradycardia and sinus arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )] Transient hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 )] Most common treatment-emergent adverse reactions, occurring in greater than 2% of patients in procedural sedation studies include hypotension, bradycardia and dry mouth. Procedural Sedation Adverse reaction information is derived from the two trials for procedural sedation [ see Clinical Studies (14.1)] in which 318 adult patients received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. The mean total dose was 1.6 mcg/kg (range: 0.5 to 6.7), mean dose per hour was 1.3 mcg/kg/hr (range: 0.3 to 6.1) and the mean duration of infusion of 1.5 hours (range: 0.1 to 6.2). The population was between 18 to 93 years of age, ASA I-IV, 30% > 65 years of age, 52% male and 61% Caucasian. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of >2% are provided in Table 2. The most frequent adverse reactions were hypotension, bradycardia, and dry mouth [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )] . Pre-­specified criteria for the vital signs to be reported as adverse reactions are footnoted below the table. The decrease in respiratory rate and hypoxia was similar between dexmedetomidine hydrochloride and comparator groups in both studies. Table 2. Adverse Reactions With an Incidence >2%— Procedural Sedation Population Adverse Event Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride N = 318 (%) Placebo N = 113 (%) Hypotension 1 54% 30% Respiratory depression 2 37% 32% Bradycardia 3 14% 4% Hypertension 4 13% 24% Tachycardia 5 5% 17% Nausea 3% 2% Dry mouth 3% 1% Hypoxia 6 2% 3% Bradypnea 2% 4% 1 Hypotension was defined in absolute and relative terms as Systolic blood pressure of <80 mmHg or < 30% lower than pre-study drug infusion value, or Diastolic blood pressure of <50 mmHg 2 Respiratory depression was defined in absolute and relative terms as respiratory rate (RR) <8 beats per minute or >25% decrease from baseline 3 Bradycardia was defined in absolute and relative terms as <40 beats per minute or < 30% lower than pre-study drug infusion value. 4 Hypertension was defined in absolute and relative terms as Systolic blood pressure >180 mmHg or > 30% higher than pre-study drug infusion value or diastolic blood pressure of >100 mmHg. 5 Tachycardia was defined in absolute and relative terms as >120 beats per minute or > 30% greater than pre-study drug infusion value. 6 Hypoxia was defined in absolute and relative terms as SpO 2 <90% or 10% decrease from baseline. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hypotension and bradycardia were the most common adverse reactions associated with the use of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride during post approval use of the drug. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Experienced During Post-approval Use of Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride System Organ Class Preferred Term Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders Anemia Cardiac Disorders Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac disorder, extrasystoles, myocardial infarction, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia Eye Disorders Photopsia, visual impairment Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Chills, hyperpyrexia, pain, pyrexia, thirst Hepatobiliary Disorders Hepatic function abnormal, hyperbilirubinemia Investigations Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood urea increased, electrocardiogram T wave inversion, gammaglutamyltransferase increased, electrocardiogram QT prolonged Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Acidosis, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, hypernatremia Nervous System Disorders Convulsion, dizziness, headache, neuralgia, neuritis, speech disorder Psychiatric Disorders Agitation, confusional state, delirium, hallucination, illusion Renal and Urinary Disorders Oliguria, polyuria Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Apnea, bronchospasm, dyspnea, hypercapnia, hypoventilation, hypoxia, pulmonary congestion, respiratory acidosis Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Hyperhidrosis Surgical and Medical Procedures Light anesthesia Vascular Disorders Blood pressure fluctuation, hemorrhage, hypertension, hypotension

8.1 Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride use in pregnant women. In an in vitro human placenta study, placental transfer of dexmedetomidine occurred. In a study in the pregnant rat, placental transfer of dexmedetomidine was observed when radiolabeled dexmedetomidine was administered subcutaneously. Thus, fetal exposure should be expected in humans, and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus. Teratogenic effects were not observed in rats following subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine during the period of fetal organogenesis (from gestation day 5 to 16) with doses up to 200 mcg/kg (representing a dose approximately equal to the maximum recommended human intravenous dose based on body surface area) or in rabbits following intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine during the period of fetal organogenesis (from gestation day 6 to 18) with doses up to 96 mcg/kg (representing approximately half the human exposure at the maximum recommended dose based on plasma area under the time-curve comparison). However, fetal toxicity, as evidenced by increased post-implantation losses and reduced live pups, was observed in rats at a subcutaneous dose of 200 mcg/kg. The no-effect dose in rats was 20 mcg/kg (representing a dose less than the maximum recommended human intravenous dose based on a body surface area comparison). In another reproductive toxicity study when dexmedetomidine was administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats at 8 and 32 mcg/kg (representing a dose less than the maximum recommended human intravenous dose based on a body surface area comparison) from gestation day 16 through weaning, lower offspring weights were observed. Additionally, when offspring of the 32 mcg/kg group were allowed to mate, elevated fetal and embryocidal toxicity and delayed motor development was observed in second generation offspring.