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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

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

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

Frequency

Single dose; may repeat in 10–15 min if needed

Max dose

2.5 mg/dose; 5 mg/day

Duration: Single reversal dose

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist).

Yohimbine

Competitive alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist derived from Pausinystalia yohimbe bark. Reverses xylazine and other alpha-2 agonist sedation by displacing agonist from receptors. Less selective than atipamezole.

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