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One selection filters the source overview, clinical facts, reports and dose calculator. Literature references are not species-filtered.
Choose one species for its overview and dose calculator, or all species to browse the full evidence.
Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
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.
Indications2
Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures; preanesthetic
DogOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures; preanesthetic — Authorized
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures
CatOn-label (ON_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Sedation/analgesia for exams/procedures — Authorized
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Indications table · Not applicable · On-label (ON_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens4
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 effects207
Bradycardia, occasional AV block — Common, expected pharmacologic effect
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — 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. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Hypertension (initial) → hypotension — Biphasic
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Vomiting — Most common acute effect, more so in cats
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — 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. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Hyperglycemia — Effect on insulin secretion
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Rare: prolonged sedation, paradoxical excitation, apnea, death from circulatory failure — Rare
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — 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
- Lack of efficacy - NOS823 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, SEDATION762 reports
- Bradycardia594 reports
- Vomiting482 reports
- Death444 reports
- Cardiac arrest302 reports
- Diarrhoea275 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')261 reports
- Sedation233 reports
- Sedation prolonged218 reports
- Seizure NOS216 reports
- Anorexia215 reports
Cat
- Death359 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS276 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS234 reports
- Hypersalivation183 reports
- Not eating173 reports
- Dilated pupils171 reports
- Cardiac arrest169 reports
- INEFFECTIVE, SEDATION165 reports
- Hyperactivity154 reports
- Anorexia147 reports
- Vomiting145 reports
- Fever144 reports
Monitoring1
Sedation/analgesia level, heart rate/rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, pulse oximetry (higher-risk patients)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease (esp. cats), hepatic/renal disease, shock, severe debilitation, heat/cold/fatigue stress
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Seizure-prone patients (lowers threshold with some inhalants); dogs <16 wk, cats <12 wk not evaluated; geriatric patients not evaluated
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dosing table is by body surface area (m²), not simple mg/kg — always use the manufacturer's weight conversion table, especially in very small or very large dogs.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Do not treat dexmedetomidine-induced bradycardia with anticholinergics — this is a well-documented, clinically important exception to usual bradycardia management.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Can be absorbed through intact human skin — avoid accidental exposure when handling.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Atropine/glycopyrrolate — Do not co-administer to treat bradycardia — significantly increases BP/HR and can cause deleterious arrhythmias; use atipamezole instead
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Epinephrine — Do not use to treat dexmedetomidine cardiac effects (alpha-agonist interaction)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Other anesthetics/opioids/sedative-hypnotics — Additive — general anesthetic requirements reduced 30–60%
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Yohimbine — Can reverse effects but atipamezole preferred clinically
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Bioavailability — ~60% IM (dog)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~40–50 min (dog); ~1h (cat); ~8 min (horse)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic — glucuronidation, N-methylation
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Primarily renal
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Not recommended for breeding/pregnant dogs — insufficient data. No teratogenicity in rat/rabbit studies at tested doses. Human FDA category C. Excreted in rat milk; safety in nursing not established.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 372–374; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 221–224 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references13
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.
- Propofol Requirements for Induction of Anaesthesia in Dogs with Cervical or Thoracolumbar Myelopathy Due to Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- A narrative review of the clinical applications of tiletamine-zolazepam in canine and feline anesthesia.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Is dexmedetomidine effective for delirium prevention in older adults? A scoping review.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Evaluation of maropitant's analgesic and tissue relaxation effects during ovariohysterectomy in bitches.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- An evaluation of peripheral nerve damage that may develop following intraneural bupivacaine, dexmedetomidine, and lidocaine injections: multifaceted analysis in an experimental model.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: 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.