Description
Medetomidine is a synthetic compound used as a surgical anesthetic and analgesic. It is normally found as its hydrochloride salt, medetomidine hydrochloride. Medetomidine is an intravenously available alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. The drug has been developed by Orion Pharma. In the United States, it is currently approved for its veterinary use in dogs and distributed by Pfizer Animal Health. In Canada, medetomidine is distributed by Novartis Animal Health. The marketed product is a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers from which dexmedetomidine is the main active isomer.
Uses
Analgesic
(veterinary); sedative (veterinary).
Definition
ChEBI: Medetomidine is a member of imidazoles.
Indications
Medetomidine Hydrochloride is indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs over 12 weeks of age to facilitate clinical examinations, clinical procedures, minor surgical procedures not requiring muscle relaxation, and minor dental procedures where intubation is not required. The IV route of administration is more efficacious for dental care.
Clinical Use
Medetomidine is a potent non-narcotic α2-adrenoreceptor agonist which produces sedation and analgesia. These effects are dose dependent in depth and duration. Profound sedation and recumbency, with reduced sensitivity to environmental stimuli (sounds, etc.), are seen with medetomidine.
Side effects
Bradycardia with occasional atrioventricular blocks will occur together with decreased respiratory rates. Body temperature is slightly or moderately decreased. Urination typically occurs during recovery at about 90 to 120 minutes posttreatment. In approximately 10% of treated dogs, occasional episodes of vomiting occur between 5 to 15 minutes posttreatment. An increase in blood glucose concentration is seen due to α2-adrenoreceptor-mediated inhibition of insulin secretion.
Veterinary Drugs and Treatments
Medetomidine is labeled for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs
over 12 weeks of age to facilitate clinical examinations and procedures,
minor surgical procedures not requiring muscle relaxation,
and minor dental procedures not requiring intubation. The manufacturer
recommends the IV route of administration for dental
procedures.
Medetomidine has also been used in cats, primarily in Europe.
But there is apparently much less data available to evaluate its use;
caution is advised.
Precautions
In extremely nervous or excited dogs, levels of endogenous catecholamines are high due to the animal’s state of agitation. The pharmacological response elicited by α2-agonists (e.g., medetomidine) in such animals is often reduced, with depth and duration of sedative/analgesic effects ranging from slightly diminished to nonexistent. Highly agitated dogs should therefore be put at ease and allowed to rest quietly prior to receiving Medetomidine Hydrochloride. Allowing dogs to rest quietly for 10 to 15 minutes after injection may improve the response to Medetomidine Hydrochloride. In dogs not responding satisfactorily to treatment with Medetomidine Hydrochloride, repeat dosing is not recommended.
