Name
- Atipamezole hydrochloride.
Class of drug
- Apha-2 adrenergic antagonist.
Uses
Action
- Selective alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist.
Indications
- Antagonism of alpha-2 agonist mediated sedation (and side effects).
- Specifically for antagonism of medetomidine
sedation, but has been administered to antagonize detomidine , and rarely xylazine sedation in horses. - Usually reserved for horses experiencing extended recovery times following general anesthesia, where alpha-2 agonists have been administered as part of a balanced anesthetic technique.
- May also be administered to antagonize unacceptable cardiovascular side effects following alpha-2 agonist administration.
- Has been advocated for lameness examination following sedation with detomidine to perform locoregional anesthesia of the limbs; atipamezole facilitates return to normal behavior such that lameness evaluation can be carried out.
- Has been used to antagonize medetomidine in a medetomidine and ketamine combination in a Przewalski's Horse.
Listed within the Substances Essential for the Treatment of Equidae (Commission Regulation 1950/2006), therefore can be administered to horses intended for human consumption within the EU.
Adverse reactions
Effects of overdosage
- Over-alertness and tachycardia are suggested as possible consequences of overdosage in dogs and cats.
Other reported reactions
- CNS excitement.
- Headshaking .
- Sweating.
- Vasodilation and tachycardia.
- Intravenous administration may result in histamine release due to the preservative present manifesting as hypotension.
- Vomiting, panting, defecation and muscle tremors have been reported in dogs.
Reporting of reactions
- Use Suspect Adverse Reaction Surveillance Scheme (SARSS) in the UK.
Treatment
- Cardiovascular support as necessary if histamine release is suspected.
