Atipamezole

Atipamezole: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Atipamezole is a selective alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist.

Uses of Atipamezole

• Reverses the sedative effects of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine to provide a quick recovery from anesthesia and sedation.
• It also reverses other effects such as the analgesic, cardiovascular and respiratory effects of alpha-2 agonists.

Dose of Atipamezole in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

•     5 times the previous medetomidine dose or 10 times the previous dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/ml solution) i.m. (i.e. equal volume of solution to medetomidine or dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml solution given). When medetomidine or dexmedetomidine has been administered at least an hour before, the dose of atipamezole can be reduced by half and repeated if recovery is slow.

• Amitraz toxicity: 25 μg (micrograms)/kg i.m. but if there is no benefit within 30 minutes this can be repeated or incrementally increased every 30 minutes up to 200 μg/kg.

Cats:

•      2.5 times the previous medetomidine or 5 times the previous dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 mg/ml solution) i.m. (i.e. half the volume of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml solution given). When medetomidine or dexmedetomidine has been administered at least an hour before, the dose of atipamezole can be reduced by half and repeated if recovery is slow.

Side Effects of Atipamezole in Dogs and Cats

• Transient over-alertness and tachycardia may be observed after overdosage.

Contraindications of Atipamezole in Dogs and Cats

• Cannot be recommended during pregnancy.

Some Notes:

• Atipamezole should not be administered until at least 30 minutes after medetomidine/ketamine combinations have been given to cats, to avoid CNS excitation in recovery.
• Routine administration of atipamezole i.v. is not recommended because rapid recovery from sedation is usually associated with excitation, although i.v. administration may be indicated in an emergency (e.g. excessive sedation from medetomidine or dexmedetomidine or cardiovascular complications).