Indications and Doses:
- Sedation and analgesic (dogs/cats): best if used in conjunction with other agents
- 2-5 mcg/kg IV lasting approximately 20-30 minutes
- 5-15 mcg/kg IM 30-45 minutes, but may take up to 15 minutes to take full effect
- Constant rate infusion for anxious/fractious patients: 0.5-2 mcg/kg bolus, then 0.5-3 mcg/kg/hr
- Oromucosal gel can be used if given 30-60 minutes prior to inciting event
- Dose available in gel dots and given according to packaging based on weight
- Emetic agent (cats):
- 7 mcg/kg IM or 3.5 mcg/kg IV
Reversal: Atipamezole intramuscularly
Mechanism of Action:
- α2-agonist in CNS causing sedation
- also binds to alpha receptors in cardiovascular system leading to bradycardia, transient hypertension
Precautions:
- Dose-reduction in patients with cardiac or renal disease
- May cause transient hyperglycemia
- May induce second degree AV block
- Not recommended for use in volume-depleted patients
