Manufacturers report flumazenil injection shortage

Some products may be available this month

Dentists may have trouble accessing flumazenil because of an ongoing shortage.

Flumazenil is a drug that is used to reverse overdosages in oral sedation situations with benzodiazepines, and some state laws may require it to be on hand when performing these procedures.

The affected products include flumazenil injections manufactured by Baxter, Fresenius Kabi and Hikma, according to a Sept. 21 drug shortage bulletin from the University of Utah Drug Information Service and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Hikma’s flumazenil injection in a 5-milliliter vial was still available as of Sept. 21.

While Fresenius Kabi and Hikma did not provide a reason for the shortage, Baxter attributed it to manufacturing delays from a third-party supplier.

Baxter has reported its 5- and 10-milliliter vials are on back order, and the company cannot estimate when they will be available again. Fresenius Kabi’s 5- and 10-milliliter vials are also on back order, with estimated release dates of mid-October for the 5-milliliter vials and early October for the 10-milliliter vials. Hikma has 10-milliliter vials on back order as well and estimates they will be released in mid- to late October.

For guidelines and other information on sedation from the American Dental Association, visit the ADA’s Oral Health Topics webpage on anesthesia and sedation.