Detomidine

Detomidine

Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	International Drug Names
ATCvet code	QN05CM90 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	Veterinary use only
Pharmacokinetic data
Elimination half-life	30 min
Identifiers
IUPAC name 4-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl)methyl]-3H-imidazole
JSmol)	Interactive image
SMILES Cc2cccc(Cc1cnc[nH]1)c2C
InChI InChI=1S/C12H14N2/c1-9-4-3-5-11(10(9)2)6-12-7-13-8-14-12/h3-5,7-8H,6H2,1-2H3,(H,13,14) Y Key:RHDJRPPFURBGLQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Detomidine is an

available to veterinarians sold under various trade names.

Currently, detomidine is licensed for use only in horses in the US but it is also licensed for use in cattle in Europe and Australasia.^[1]

Properties

Detomidine is a sedative with analgesic properties.^[2] α2-adrenergic agonists produce dose-dependent sedative and analgesic effects, mediated by activation of α2 catecholamine receptors, thus inducing a negative feedback response, reducing production of excitatory neurotransmitters. Due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, detomidine also has cardiac and respiratory effects and an antidiuretic action.^[3]

Effects

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A profound lethargy and characteristic lowering of the head with reduced sensitivity to environmental stimuli (sound, pain, etc.) are seen with detomidine. A short period of reduced coordination is characteristically followed by immobility and a firm stance with front legs spread. Following administration there is an initial increase in blood pressure, followed by

, slight muscle tremors, and (rarely) penile prolapse.

Uses

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Sedation and anaesthetic

of short duration.

The drug is normally administered by the

routes. The dose range advised by the manufacturers is 20–40 µg/kg intravenous for moderate sedation, but this dose may need to be higher if given intramuscularly.

When given intravenously, detomidine usually takes effect in 2–5 minutes, and recovery is full within 30–60 minutes. However, this is highly dependent upon the dosage, environment, and the individual animal; some horses are highly resistant to sedation.

Cautions

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As detomidine is an

is considered particularly dangerous.

Anesthetic recoveries in horses that have received ketamine following a detomidine premedication are often violent with the horse having multiple failures to stand resulting in trauma to itself. Xylazine is a superior premedication with ketamine resulting in safer recoveries.

See also

• Medetomidine
• Dexmedetomidine

References

External links

• "Medication Protocols for Horses". The Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners. 2005. Archived from the original on 2007-04-17.
• Compendium of data sheets for animal medicines. National Office of Animal Health. 2005.
  ISBN 978-0-9548037-0-4
  .