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Xylazine

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

Mechanism of action

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (less selective than medetomidine/dexmedetomidine; alpha-2:alpha-1 ratio ~160:1 vs >1600:1). Causes dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Also emetic in cats. Reversed by yohimbine or atipamezole.

At a glance

Class

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist / Sedative-Analgesic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Largely replaced by dexmedetomidine in small animal practice (better selectivity

Dose

0.5–1.1 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM

Frequency

Single dose

🐈

Cat

Used as emetic in cats when apomorphine fails (apomorphine less reliable in cats

Dose

0.5–1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single 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

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate and ECGBlood pressureSpO2Body temperatureBlood glucose (diabetics)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Acepromazine

major

Both cause profound CNS depression and cardiovascular depression (xylazine: bradycardia/hypertension then hypotension; acepromazine: alpha-1 blockade/hypotension). Combined: severe unpredictable cardiovascular collapse.

Management: Do not combine. Use one sedative class only.

Moderate — 1

Ketamine

moderate

Standard sedation/anesthesia combination. Xylazine provides sedation and analgesia; ketamine provides dissociative anesthesia. Additive cardiovascular effects — xylazine causes bradycardia while ketamine increases sympathetic tone.

Management: Common clinical combination. Adjust doses based on intended effect. Monitor heart rate. Xylazine reversible with yohimbine or atipamezole.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Rompun

AnaSed

Sedazine

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Xylazine?

Xylazine is a alpha-2 adrenergic agonist / sedative-analgesic used in pets. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (less selective than medetomidine/dexmedetomidine; alpha-2:alpha-1 ratio ~160:1 vs >1600:1). Causes dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Also emetic in cats. Reversed by yohimbine or atipamezole.

›What is Xylazine used for in pets?

Xylazine is used in veterinary medicine for: Largely replaced by dexmedetomidine in small animal practice (better selectivity; Used as emetic in cats when apomorphine fails (apomorphine less reliable in cats.

›What is the Xylazine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Xylazine is typically dosed as follows — Largely replaced by dexmedetomidine in small animal practice (better selectivity: 0.5–1.1 mg/kg IV/IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Xylazine dose for cats?

For cats, Xylazine is typically dosed as follows — Used as emetic in cats when apomorphine fails (apomorphine less reliable in cats: 0.5–1 mg/kg IM Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Xylazine need a prescription?

Yes. Xylazine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Xylazine hcl

M/s Indian Immunological · Approved 1990- November

Used as a sedative analgesic and muscle relaxant properties for use in horses dogs and cattles

Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

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