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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

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

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.

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.

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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