Atipamezole
Also known as: Antisedan, Revertidine, Alzane, Atipam, Revertor, Sedastop, Tipafar
Atipamezole is a reversal agent used to wake your pet up after sedation or anesthesia. It should be administered by veterinary professionals only. **What to watch for at home:** * Occasionally, pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, drooling (hypersalivation), excitation, or tremors after receiving this medication. * Because the medication rapidly removes pain relief along with sedation, your pet may seem anxious or uncomfortable if they had a painful procedure. Ensure you give any prescribed pain medications as directed. * If any side effects are severe, or if your pet seems excessively agitated or re-sedated after leaving the clinic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For reversal of alpha2-adrenergic agonists in caprine species
- Small ruminants
- For reversal of alpha2-adrenergic agonists in ovine species
- Small ruminants
- For reversal of medetomidine
- For reversal of medetomidine
- For reversal of dexmedetomidine
- For treatment of amitraz toxicity
- Reversal of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine
- Amitraz toxicity
- As a reversal agent for alpha2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., xylazine, detomidine, etc.)
- For reversal of medetomidine as part of a medetomidine/butorphanol or buprenorphine/ketamine/carprofen or meloxicam anesthesia/analgesia injectable combination
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Tremors
- Brief excitation or apprehensiveness
- Aggression upon rapid waking
- Profound hypotension (if given IV in reptiles)
- Loss of analgesia
Cautions & contraindications
- Reptiles (Intravenous administration is contraindicated due to profound hypotension)
- > **Pregnancy/Lactation:** Not recommended in pregnant or lactating animals, or animals intended for breeding due to lack of safety data. * **Rapid Emergence:** Because reversal can occur rapidly, care should be exercised as animals emerging from sedation and analgesia may exhibit apprehensive or aggressive behaviors. Protect animals from falling or self-harm. * **Loss of Analgesia:** Additional analgesia (e.g., butorphanol, buprenorphine) should be considered, particularly after painful procedures. * **Relapse of Sedation:** When used as an antidote for alpha-2 agonist toxicity (e.g., amitraz), atipamezole's effects may subside before non-toxic levels of the offending agent are reached; repeat dosing may be necessary. * **Geriatric/Debilitated Patients:** Caution should be used in administration of anesthetic agents to elderly or debilitated animals. * **Reptiles:** Do NOT give IV to reptiles as profound hypotension can occur.
Drug interactions
- Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers (e.g., prazosin): Atipamezole can partially block alpha-1 receptors and reduce the effects of prazosin.
- Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (e.g., detomidine, clonidine, brimonidine, xylazine, amitraz): Atipamezole can reduce the effects (toxic or therapeutic) of these agents.
- Medetomidine: Reverses sedative, analgesic, and cardiovascular effects (intended therapeutic interaction)
- Dexmedetomidine: Reverses sedative, analgesic, and cardiovascular effects (intended therapeutic interaction)
- Ketamine: If atipamezole is given less than 30 minutes after a medetomidine/ketamine combination in cats, it can cause severe CNS excitation during recovery.
- Other alpha-2 antagonists: Additive antagonistic effects
- Hypotensive agents: May exacerbate transient hypotension
Frequently asked questions
What is Atipamezole used for in pets?
Atipamezole is a reversal agent used to wake your pet up after sedation or anesthesia. It should be administered by veterinary professionals only. **What to watch for at home:** * Occasionally, pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, drooling (hypersalivation), excitation, or tremors after receiving this medication. * Because the medication rapidly removes pain relief along with sedation, your pet may seem anxious or uncomfortable if they had a painful procedure. Ensure you give any prescribed pain medications as directed. * If any side effects are severe, or if your pet seems excessively agitated or re-sedated after leaving the clinic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Atipamezole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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