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Atipamezole

Prescription
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist (reversal agent)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Selective and potent alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist that competitively reverses the sedative, analgesic, and cardiovascular effects of alpha-2 agonists such as medetomidine and dexmedetomidine

At a glance

Class
Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist (reversal agent)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine sedation
Dose
50–200 mcg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Single dose; may repeat in 10–15 min if needed
Max dose
10 mg/dose; 20 mg/day
Duration: Single reversal dose
🐈

Cat

Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine sedation
Dose
50–250 mcg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Single dose; may repeat in 10–15 min if needed
Max dose
2.5 mg/dose; 5 mg/day
Duration: Single reversal dose

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 1

Strength
5mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Use with caution

  • Animals relying on alpha-2 agonist analgesia without alternative analgesic
    Reversal removes both sedation and analgesia; provide alternative pain management
  • No prior alpha-2 agonist administration
    Use as reversal agent only

Adverse effects

Common
Transient excitation on recovery
Vomiting
Tachycardia
Serious
Hypotension (if no alpha-2 agonist on board)
Re-sedation if alpha-2 agonist outlasts atipamezole

Monitoring parameters

Recovery qualityHeart rateBlood pressureRespiratory rateRe-sedation for 30 min post-reversal

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Dexmedetomidine
moderate
Atipamezole reverses all dexmedetomidine effects including analgesia. If ketamine was co-administered, removing alpha-2 sedation may unmask ketamine excitation.
Management: Give IM (not IV) for smooth reversal. Provide alternative analgesia after reversal. Monitor for resedation if dexmedetomidine dose was high.

Brands

International

Antisedan
Zoetis
Alzane
Dechra

India

Atipamezole
Virbac India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Atipamezole?
Atipamezole is a alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist (reversal agent) used in pets. Selective and potent alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist that competitively reverses the sedative, analgesic, and cardiovascular effects of alpha-2 agonists such as medetomidine and dexmedetomidine
›What is Atipamezole used for in pets?
Atipamezole is used in veterinary medicine for: Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine sedation.
›What is the Atipamezole dose for dogs?
For dogs, Atipamezole is typically dosed as follows — Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine sedation: 50–200 mcg/kg IM Single dose; may repeat in 10–15 min if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Atipamezole dose for cats?
For cats, Atipamezole is typically dosed as follows — Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine sedation: 50–250 mcg/kg IM Single dose; may repeat in 10–15 min if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Atipamezole?
Common: Transient excitation on recovery, Vomiting, Tachycardia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypotension (if no alpha-2 agonist on board), Re-sedation if alpha-2 agonist outlasts atipamezole.
›Does Atipamezole need a prescription?
Yes. Atipamezole is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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