Atipamezole HCl

What is this medication for?

• Reversal of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine (and potentially other alpha2-agonists: xylazine, amitraz, clonidine)

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, tremors, brief excitation/apprehension (Occasional)
• Emergence excitation/aggression (Rapid un-drowsiness — protect patient and staff)
• Self-injury from falling (Ataxic recovery period)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: No absolute contraindications; caution in geriatric/debilitated; into a vein in reptiles → profound low blood pressure (into a muscle only)
• has or has had: Reversal removes ANALGESIA too — provide alternative (butorphanol) after painful procedures

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Alpha1-blockers (prazosin)
  • Other CNS drugs

Storage and handling

Room temperature. 5 mg/mL (Antisedan) vs 1 mg/mL medetomidine — the volume-matching convenience.

Good to know

• The volume-equals-volume rule works because Antisedan (5 mg/mL) is exactly 5× Domitor (1 mg/mL) — inject the same number of mL into a muscle. Understand the math, don't just memorize it.
• You reverse drowsiness AND analgesia together — plan rescue analgesia (butorphanol/buprenorphine) before the anxiety of an awake, painful patient.
• Shorter half-life than some agonists → resedation happens: keep the patient observed; redose as needed.
• Also the antidote for amitraz (tick collar/dip) toxicity — with repeat dosing since the collar keeps absorbing.