Drug Uses Formulations Routes of Mechanism of Action Effects Reversal

Administration
𝜶-2 Adrenergic Agonists
Xylazine Less 𝛼-2 specific Injectable IV, IM, SQ Desired central effects Sedation: 𝛼-2, 90% reduction in anesthetic requirements Yohimbine
Horses and food animals Oral transmucosal from 𝛼-2 binding Possible excitement: 𝛼-1 Give IM!
Ruminants 10x more Epidural (systemic) Analgesia: mildàmod.
sensitive than horses Undesirable Cardiovascular:
Dexmedetomidine Light à profound sedation Injectable cardiovascular effects Phase 1: bradycardia, hypertension Atipamezole
Chemical restraint Oral gel from 𝛼-1 binding Phase 2: bradycardia and norm/hypotension (Antisedan)
Minor procedures Blood pressure: Give IM!
Detomidine Small, large, and exotic Injectable Phase 1: hypertension, vasoconstriction (𝛼-1)
animals Oral gel Phase 2: norm./hypotension
Romifidine Injectable Heart rate:
Bradycardia – can be PROFOUND
Phase 1: baroreflex responding to hypertension
Phase 2: decreased sympathetic outflow
Dominant parasympathetic tone
2nd degree AV block
Cardiac output: decreases 30-60% or more!
Perfusion: reduced to many organs, BP still looks good
Respiratory:
↓ respiratory rate
Increased tidal volume
Upper airway relaxation (caution in bulldogs)
Ruminants – pulmonary intravascular macrophages
Hypoxemia
Inflammatory mediators, pulmonary edema
Reduced risk with IM administration
Drug reversal and supportive care (Furosemide)
GI System:
Emesis, ↓ GI perfusion, ↓secretions, ↓ motility,
Smooth muscle relaxation à treats colic pain
Urinary: ↑ urine production, ↓ ADH, ↓ renin, ↑ ANP
Reproductive: ↑ uterine tone, ↓ uterine O2 delivery
Endocrine: hyperglycemia, ↓ insulin, ↑ glucagon
Musculoskeletal: muscle relaxation, twitching
Acepromazine Mild, long-lasting sedation Injectable IV, IM, SQ, oral Phenothiazine CNS effects: sedation WITHOUT analgesia None
Preanesthetic with opioids Oral tablet Dopamine antagonist Previously thought to cause seizures
Calm patients in hospital 𝛼-1 antagonist Does NOT cause seizures, may reduce seizures
Oral for outpatients Muscarinic antagonist Cardiovascular:
Histamine (H1) antagonist ↓ BP – vasodilation (𝛼-1 blockade), ↓ contractility
Minimal change in HR
“Splenic sponge” - ↓ PCV (by 20-30%)
Respiratory: minimal effects
GI: anti-emetic – D2 receptors in CRTZ, reduced vomiting
if given before hydromorphone
↓ platelet function – transient
Antihistaminic effect
Azaperone Swine – reduce aggression Injectable IM Butyrophenone Vasodilation None
Elephants – tranquilizer Dopamine antagonist Similar to acepromazine
with opioids 𝛼-1 antagonist No analgesia
Muscarinic antagonist
Histamine (H1) antagonist
Benzodiazepines
Midazolam Adjunct in sedative Injectable IV, IM, SQ GABAA agonist Sedation – pocket pets, pigs, foals, calves, small Flumazenil
protocols Water Intranasal - pigs Increases inward flow of ruminants
Sedation or excitement soluble Cl- - hyperpolarizes cell Excitement – dogs, cats
Species Can mix with Muscle relaxant
Age other drugs Antiepileptic effects
Diazepam Temperament Injectable IV Minimal cardiovascular and respiratory effects
Combo with other drugs Propylene Oral – rarely used
Effects unpredictable glycol
Combo with heavy Do not mix
sedatives will override
excitement
Trazodone Oral sedation – dogs, cats Oral tablet Oral Serotonin receptor Sedation and anxiolysis None
Prior to stressful events antagonist and reuptake Paradoxical excitement possible
Keep quiet post-op inhibitor (SARI) Seizure risk
Anxiolytic, tranquilizer ↑ serotonin in synapse If combined with SSRIs or TCAs
𝛼-1 antagonist Side effects: ↓ BP, vomiting, diarrhea
Histamine (H1) antagonist