Dexmedetomidine, Transmucosal
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Dexmedetomidine, Transmucosal during a consultation by Dr Noor. Dexmedetomidine, Transmucosal for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine is a calming medicine that can make a dog sleepy.
- It comes as a gel.
- The gel is placed on the gums so it can soak in through the gum tissue (this is what “transmucosal” means).
- The gel is supplied in a syringe.
- The amount is measured by counting the dot marks on the syringe plunger.
Other common names
Sileo
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to treat noise-related fear in dogs.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use):
- May be used to help lower fear and anxiety in dogs before veterinary appointments.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines, vitamins, or other products your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had with medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have had an allergic reaction to it.
- That have serious disease affecting the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.
- That are extremely weak or in very poor condition.
- That are under strain from very hot weather, very cold weather, or extreme tiredness.
- That are already sleepy from an earlier dose of this same medicine.
Use with extra care in:
- Dogs under 16 weeks old.
- Older animals or animals that are weak.
- Animals with problems involving the teeth or gums.
- Animals that are taking other medicines that cause sleepiness.
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing.
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is receiving this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Dexmedetomidine is used in dogs to help with fear and anxiety caused by loud or sudden sounds.
- The medicine is provided in a syringe, and the dose is set by counting the dot marks on the plunger.
- Put the gel along your dog’s gums. The gel must soak in through the gums and must not be swallowed.
- Put on gloves when you handle the syringe, when you give the dose, and if you might touch your animal’s mouth after the dose is given.
- Do not handle this medicine if you are pregnant.
- Common unwanted effects in dogs include throwing up, loose stool, sleepiness, and reduced energy.
Dexmedetomidine gel can enter the body if it touches skin, eyes, or the mouth.
- If it gets on skin: take off any clothing that has the medicine on it, then wash the skin with soap and water.
- If it gets in the eyes: rinse the eyes with water for 15 minutes. If contact lenses are worn, rinse the eyes before taking the lenses out, then keep rinsing. Get medical advice right away.
- If it is swallowed by a person: get medical advice right away. Swallowing it can cause sleepiness and changes in blood pressure.
- Bring the package information to your doctor.
- Some people may have an allergic reaction after exposure.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time. If you are unsure how to use the syringe, contact your veterinarian.
- Give the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before the noise is expected.
IMPORTANT: This gel works by soaking in through the gums and must not be swallowed. If it is swallowed, it may not work.
Steps to give the dose:
- Hold the syringe so the dot marks are visible.
- With one hand, hold the plunger. With the other hand, turn the dosing ring on the plunger until the number of dots showing between the ring and the syringe barrel matches the dose that was prescribed. The side of the ring-stop closest to the barrel should line up with the black line on the plunger.
- Hold the syringe barrel. Pull the cap straight off (do not twist). Put the cap aside. The cap fits very tightly and may take a strong pull.
- Place the syringe tip between your dog’s cheek and gum. Push the plunger until the ring stops it, spreading the gel along the gumline. If the prescribed amount is more than 6 dots, split the dose and give part on each side of the mouth.
- Put the cap back on the syringe and return it to the box. Take off the gloves and throw them away.
If your veterinarian told you to give more than one dose during a noise event:
- Wait at least 2 hours between doses.
- Only give another dose if your animal is still afraid or anxious and is not sleepy from the earlier dose.
- Do not give more than 5 doses during a single noise event.
- If the gel is swallowed, wait at least 2 hours before giving another dose.
Feeding and drinking around dosing:
- Do not give a meal, treats, or water within 15 minutes of giving the gel.
Side effects of Dexmedetomidine, Transmucosal
Common — contact your veterinarian if these are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Throwing up or loose stool.
- Sleepiness, being very calm, or having low energy.
Severe — contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that look pale.
- Breathing that is slower than normal.
- Weakness.
- Collapse.
- Not being able to wake your animal.
How will I know it's working?
- Your animal should seem calmer within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects usually last 2 to 3 hours.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s liver does not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine is meant to be used only for specific situations and is not meant for continuous, ongoing use.
- During one noise event, no more than 5 doses may be given.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions.
Overdose
If you see or think there may have been an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee may apply). If possible, have the product or label available.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, give it when you remember. Then wait at least 2 hours before giving another dose. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Throw away any unused gel left in the syringe 4 weeks after the syringe is first opened.
- Do not pour this medicine into a sink and do not flush it down a toilet.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is preferred when available. To find a location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”