MDose · Veterinary drug reference
XYLAZINE
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications7
Sedation/restraint/analgesia; pre-anesthesia before ketamine (field anesthesia); epidural
HorseOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/restraint/analgesia; pre-anesthesia before ketamine (field anesthesia); epidural — Authorized (label)
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Standing restraint/analgesia (extreme sensitivity — dose discipline); local-procedure sedation
CattleOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cattle · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Standing restraint/analgesia (extreme sensitivity — dose discipline); local-procedure sedation — Authorized (label)
- Cattle · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sedation/analgesic/premed (largely displaced by dexmedetomidine); emetic in cats (reliable at label doses)
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesic/premed (largely displaced by dexmedetomidine); emetic in cats (reliable at label doses) — Label/extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesic/premed (largely displaced by dexmedetomidine); emetic in cats (reliable at label doses) — Label/extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
INDICATIONS: Cervidae Rompun (xylazine injection) should be used in horses and(Fallow Deer, Mule Deer, Sika Deer, White-Tailed Deer and Elk) when it is desirable to produce a state of sedation accompanied by a shorter period of analgesia.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34067-9 (INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
INDICATIONS: ® AnasedEquine Injection should be used in horses when it is desirable to produce a state of sedation. It has been successfully used when conducting various diagnostic, orthopedic and dental procedures of short duration. It may also be used as a preanesthetic to local or general anesthesia.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34067-9 (INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens8
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects210
Bradycardia + partial AV block, respiratory ↓, muscle tremors — Expected physiology — monitor
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Horses may kick after auditory stimulus despite sedation — The classic warning sign
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sweating, ↑ICP — Additional
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Emesis (then sedation) — Expected sequence
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Bloat from aerophagia (dogs), increased urination — Species notes
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Death69 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, SEDATION35 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS35 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, ANESTHESIA26 reports
- Vomiting25 reports
- Apnoea18 reports
- Anorexia16 reports
- Bradycardia15 reports
- Seizure NOS15 reports
- Death by euthanasia14 reports
- Cardiac arrest13 reports
- Convulsion13 reports
Cat
- Death47 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS16 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, ANESTHESIA16 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS16 reports
- Recovery prolonged16 reports
- Ataxia15 reports
- Cardiac arrest14 reports
- Hypothermia14 reports
- Anorexia12 reports
- Death by euthanasia12 reports
- Fever12 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')10 reports
Monitoring1
HR/rhythm (bradycardia/AV block), RR, depth of sedation; cattle: continuous observation
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications2
Epinephrine co-use/active ventricular arrhythmias; debilitated/dehydrated ruminants; UT obstruction; last-trimester cattle
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CONTRAINDICATIONS: ® AnasedEquine Injection should not be used in conjunction with neuroleptics or tranquilizers.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34070-3 (CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions9
Cardiac dysfunction, hypotension/shock, respiratory disease, severe hepatic/renal, seizures; intestinal-impaction patients; laminitis vasoconstrictive phase
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
The order IS the safety: xylazine → deep sedation → ketamine; skipping the wait invites rigidity/seizures (see ketamine.md horse row).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cattle sensitivity scale: what sedates a horse deeply can drop a cow — ruminant doses are fractions of equine.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
The kick warning: a "sleeping" horse is a hearing-intact horse — auditory startle → kick without warning.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cat-emetic property doubles as a toxicology tool (pre-activated-charcoal induction) where apomorphine is dog-only.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Epinephrine — Contraindicated combo (arrhythmias)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Ketamine — The deliberate field-anesthesia pair (xylazine first!)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Butorphanol/opioids — Dose-sparing sedation combos
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Yohimbine/tolazoline/atipamezole — Reversal
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Mechanism — Central α2-adrenergic agonism → sedation + visceral analgesia (somato-analgesia weaker)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Species sensitivity — Cattle ≫ horses > dogs/cats (ruminants: never debilitated/dehydrated/UT-obstructed)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Reversal — Yohimbine 0.1 mg/kg IV (dogs/cats), tolazoline (equine/cattle per label), atipamezole
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
PHARMACOLOGY: Rompun, a non-narcotic compound, is a sedative and analgesic as well as muscle relaxant. Its sedative and analgesic activity is related to central nervous system depression. Its muscle-relaxant effect is based on inhibition of the intraneural transmission of impulses in the central nervous system. The principal pharmacological activities develop within 10 to 15 minutes after intramuscular injection, and within 3 to 5 minutes following intravenous administration in horses. A sleeplike state, the depth of which is dose-dependent, is usually maintained for 1 to 2 hours, while analgesia lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. The centrally-acting muscle relaxant effect causes relaxation of the skeletal musculature, complementing sedation and analgesia. Cervidae 1, 2, 3, 4 In horses andunder the influence of Rompun the respiratory rate is reduced as in natural sleep. Following treatment with Rompun the heart rate is decreased and a transient change in the conductivity of the cardiac muscle may occur, as evidenced by a partial atrioventricular block. This resembles the atrioventricular block often observed in normal horses.Although a partial A-V block may occasionally occur following intramuscular injection of Rompun (xylazine injection), the incidence is less than when it is administered intravenously. Intravenous administration of Rompun (xylazine injection) causes a transient rise in blood pressure, followed by a slight decrease. Rompun has no effect on blood clotting time or other hematologic parameters.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34090-1 (CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Xylazine Injection is pharmacologically classified as a non-narcotic sedative. The drug causes sedation by acting upon alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to prevent the release of norepinephrine. Xylazine Injection also produces muscle relaxation by inhibiting the intraneural transmission of impulses in the central nervous system. Deep sedation develops in the horse within 10 to 15 minutes after intramuscular injection, and within 3 to 5 minutes following intravenous administration. Deep sedation lasts 15 to 20 minutes, while a sleep-like state, the depth of which is dose-dependent, is usually maintained for 1 to 2 hours following intramuscular administration of the drug at the recommended dosage. Recovery is complete with 30-40 minutes following intravenous injection. In animals under the influence of Xylazine Injection, the respiratory and pulse rates are reduced as in a natural sleep. The intramuscular injection of Xylazine produces only negligible effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. However, intravenous administration in the horse may cause transient changes in the conductivity of the cardiac muscle, evidenced by partial AV blocks, bradycardia, decreased cardiac output and a rise in arterial blood pressure. These actions are transient and can be counteracted to a large degree by the administration of atropine prior to or following Xylazine Injection. Xylazine Injection has no effect on blood clotting time or other hematologic parameters.
Species not recordedOn-label (ON_LABEL)United States1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · SPL section 34090-1 (CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION) · United States · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Avoid late-trimester (especially cattle — label contraindication).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1175–1178 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references3
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Xylazine-induced diuresis in rats is attenuated by κ-opioid receptor and α2-adrenoceptor antagonists.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Integrating 3D video tracking with the standard WHO tunnel assay: a proof-of-concept to support improving insecticide-treated nets for mosquito control.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Comparative efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles, MSC-derived microvesicles, and platelet-rich fibrin in rabbit tendon regeneration.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine; PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.
Available products
Products listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for this active ingredient. A listing does not establish that a product is authorized for the clinical uses described on this page.