rxstat › Shortages › Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Sep 25, 2026

Some Dexmedetomidine products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 10 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Oct 30, 2026.

A sedative used to calm and sedate patients, often in intensive care or during procedures.

Products affected
1 / 10
In shortage since
Sep 11, 2026
Est. full return
Oct 30, 2026
Reports on file
23
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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION
4MCG · SOLUTION · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02537109 · since Sep 11, 2026, est. end Oct 30, 2026 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
100MCG · SOLUTION · ACCORD HEALTHCARE INC
DIN 02477327 · ended Mar 31, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
100MCG · SOLUTION · EUGIA PHARMA INC.
DIN 02528886 · ended Nov 19, 2025 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION
4MCG · SOLUTION · HIKMA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02537109 · ended Nov 12, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Discontinued
PRECEDEX
100MCG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02339366
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
100MCG · SOLUTION · AURO PHARMA INC
DIN 02464381 · ended Feb 18, 2025 · Please be informed DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION is now available under Eugia. DIN: 02528886
Resolved
PRECEDEX
100MCG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02339366 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION, USP
100MCG · SOLUTION · BAXTER CORPORATION
DIN 02513978 · ended Oct 23, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
PRECEDEX
100MCG · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02339366 · ended Aug 7, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION
200MCG · SOLUTION · JUNO PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
DIN 02487365 · ended Jul 15, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE FOR INJECTION
100MCG · SOLUTION · AURO PHARMA INC
DIN 02464381 · ended Apr 29, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
DEXMEDETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION
200MCG · SOLUTION · JUNO PHARMACEUTICALS CORP.
DIN 02487365 · ended Oct 31, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

Showing 12 of 23 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Dexmedetomidine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by HIKMA CANADA LIMITED.

The reported cause is: delay in shipping of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.

If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.

Dexmedetomidine is classified under “HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES” (ATC N05CM).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Dexmedetomidine used for?

A sedative used to calm and sedate patients, often in intensive care or during procedures.

When will Dexmedetomidine be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Oct 30, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Dexmedetomidine in shortage?

See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.

What can my pharmacist do about it?

Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.

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Possible alternatives in the same class (hypnotics and sedatives)

Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.