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Medetomidine

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

Mechanism of action

Potent and selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation by reducing norepinephrine release centrally; racemic mixture (dexmedetomidine is the active enantiomer)

At a glance

Class
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (sedative/analgesic)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication, minor procedure restraint
Dose
10–40 mcg/kg
Route
IV, IM
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
2 mg
Duration: 30–60 min sedation; reversible with atipamezole
🐈

Cat

Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication
Dose
10–40 mcg/kg
Route
IV, IM
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
0.5 mg
Duration: 30–60 min sedation; reversible with atipamezole
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
1mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Severe cardiac disease, heart block
    Causes profound bradycardia and initial hypertension
  • Severe hepatic or renal disease

Use with caution

  • Geriatric, debilitated, or pediatric patients
    Profound respiratory depression when combined with opioids; reduce doses

Adverse effects

Common
Bradycardia
Initial hypertension then hypotension
Hypothermia
Vomiting (cats)
Serious
Severe bradycardia (AV block)
Respiratory depression
Cardiac arrest (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate and rhythm (ECG)Blood pressureBody temperatureRespiratory rate and SpO2Sedation depth
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 →

Interactions

Major — 1

Acepromazine
major
Both cause profound sedation and cardiovascular depression via different mechanisms. Severe hypotension risk.
Management: Do not combine.

Moderate — 1

Morphine Sulfate
moderate
Synergistic sedation and analgesia. Additive bradycardia. Standard premedication combination at reduced doses.
Management: Intended combination. Reduce individual doses by 30-50%. Monitor heart rate. Reverse medetomidine with atipamezole when appropriate.
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 →

Brands

International

Domitor
Zoetis
Medetor
Virbac

India

Domitor
Zoetis India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Medetomidine?
Medetomidine is a alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (sedative/analgesic) used in pets. Potent and selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation by reducing norepinephrine release centrally; racemic mixture (dexmedetomidine is the active enantiomer)
›What is Medetomidine used for in pets?
Medetomidine is used in veterinary medicine for: Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication, minor procedure restraint; Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication.
›What is the Medetomidine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Medetomidine is typically dosed as follows — Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication, minor procedure restraint: 10–40 mcg/kg IV/IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Medetomidine dose for cats?
For cats, Medetomidine is typically dosed as follows — Sedation, pre-anesthetic medication: 10–40 mcg/kg IV/IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Medetomidine?
Common: Bradycardia, Initial hypertension then hypotension, Hypothermia, Vomiting (cats). Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe bradycardia (AV block), Respiratory depression, Cardiac arrest (rare).
›Does Medetomidine need a prescription?
Yes. Medetomidine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Medetomidine not be used?
Do not use Medetomidine if: Severe cardiac disease, heart block; Severe hepatic or renal disease.
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 →

References

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 agonist).

Brimonidine
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Selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist that decreases aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow, reducing intraocular pressure. Also has neuroprotective effects on the optic nerve.
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Clonidine
Rx
Stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure. Also has sedative and anxiolytic properties.
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Dexmedetomidine
Rx
Highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist; produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and anxiolysis by inhibiting noradrenaline release in the CNS (locus coeruleus)
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