What is Detomidine HCL?

Detomidine is an imidazole derivative and α2-adrenergic agonist,used as a large animal sedative, primarily used in horses. It is usually available as the salt Detomidine HCL. It is a prescription medication available to veterinarians sold under the trade name Dormosedan.

Currently, detomidine is only licensed for use in horses in the US but it is also licensed for use in cattle in Europe and Australasia.

Uses

Detomidine HCL is an α2-adrenergic agonist that is used as a horse sedative. Normally, it is administered in the salt form, detomidine hydrochloride. This drug is prescribed by veterinarians and is marketed as Dormosedan. Currently, it is only approved by the FDA for use in horses but has been studied for use in other large animals.

Properties

Detomidine is a sedative with analgesic properties.α2-adrenergic agonists produce dose-dependent sedative and analgesic effects, mediated by activation of α2 catecholamine receptors, thus inducing a negative feedback response, reducing production of excitatory neurotransmitters. Due to inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, detomidine also has cardiac and respiratory effects and an antidiuretic action.

Pharmacodynamics

Sedation and anaesthetic premedication in horses and other large animals, commonly combined with butorphanol for increased analgesia and depth of sedation. In conjunction with ketamine it may also be used for intravenous anaesthesia of short duration.

The drug is normally administered by the intravenous route, and is fastest and most efficient when given intravenously . However, in recalcitrant animals, detomidine may be administered by the intramuscular or sublingual routes. The dose range advised by the manufacturers is 20–40 µg/kg intravenous for moderate sedation, but this dose may need to be higher if given intramuscularly.

When given intravenously, detomidine usually takes effect in 2–5 minutes, and recovery is full within 30–60 minutes. However, this is highly dependent upon the dosage, environment, and the individual animal; some horses are highly resistant to sedation.