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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
1

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
IM
Frequency
Single dose

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)

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.

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.

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

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 →