An imidazoline derivative alpha2-adrenergic agonist, used as a large animal sedative,primarily used in horses. Usually available as Detomidine Hydrochloride. This is a prescription medication available to veterinarians A sedative is a substance which depresses the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, slowed breathing, slurred speech, staggering gait, poor judgment, and slow, uncertain reflexes. ... horse, see Horse (disambiguation). ... Prescription drug - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

Properties

Detomidine is a sedative with analgesic properties. Alpha2-adrenergic agonists produce dose-dependant sedative and analgesic effects, mediatated by activation of alpha-2 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. An analgesic (colloquially known as a painkiller) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). ... tyrosine epinephrine norepinephrine dopamine Synthesis This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Grays FIG. 838– The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. ... This article, image, template or category should belong in one or more categories. ...

Effects

A profound lethargy and characteristic lowering of the head with reduced sensitivity to environmental stimuli (sounds, etc.) are seen with detomidine. A short period of in-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 bradycardia and second degree atrioventricular block (this is not pathologic in horses). The horse commonly sweats to excess, especially on the flanks and neck. Other side effects reported include pilo erection (hair standing erect), ataxia, salivation, slight muscle tremors, and (rarely) penile prolapse. Bradycardia, as applied in adult medicine, is defined as a heart rate of under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50 beat/min [1]. It is also less commonly known as brachycardia. ... A heart block denotes a disease in the electrical system of the heart. ... Pathology (in ancient Greek pathos = pain/pation and logos = word) is the study of diseases. ... SWEAT is an OLN/TSN show hosted by Julie Zwillich that aired in 2003-2004. ... Ataxia (from Greek ataxiā, meaning failure to put in order) is unsteady and clumsy motion of the limbs or torso due to a failure of the gross coordination of muscle movements. ... For the band, see Saliva (band). ...

Uses

Sedation and anaesthetic premedication in horses and other large animals, commonly combined with butorphanol for increased analgesia and depth of sedation. In conjunction with ketamine it may also be used for intravenous anaesthesia of short duration. Detomidine is only licenced for use in horses at the present time. The drug is normally administered by the intravenous route, and is fastest and most efficient when given i/v (usually 2-5 minutes to take effect, although this is highly dependant upon the individual and the environment. Some horses are highly resistant to sedation!). However, in recalcitrant animals, detomidine may be administered by the intramuscular or sublingual routes. The dose range advised by the manufacturers is 20-40mcg/kg i/v for moderate sedation. This dose may need to be higher if given i/m. Premedication refers to a drug treatment given to a patient before a (surgical or invasive) medical procedure. ... Butorphanol (INN) is a morphinan-type synthetic opioid analgesic marketed in the U.S. under the trade name Stadol. ... Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic for human and veterinary use. ... Anesthesia (AE), also anaesthesia (BE), is the process of blocking the perception of pain and other sensations. ... An intravenous drip in a hospital Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the administration of liquid substances directly into a vein. ... Intramuscular injection is an injection of a substance directly into a muscle. ... Sublingual, literally under the tongue, from Latin, refers to a pharmacological route of administration in which certain drugs are entered directly into the bloodstream via absorption under the tongue. ...

Cautions

As detomidine is an arrhythmogenic agent, extreme care should be exercised in horses with cardiac disease, and in the concurrent administration of other arrhythmogenics. The concurrent use of potentiated sulphonamide antibiotics is considered particularly dangerous. Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the muscle contraction of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. ... Sulfonamides, also known as sulfa drugs, are synthetic antimicrobial agents derived from sulfonic acid. ... An antibiotic is a drug that kills or slows the growth of bacteria. ...

References

The Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Medication Protocols for Horses 2005 <http://www.oaep.on.ca/MedsSheets/MainPage.htm>

NOAH Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines 2005