Tolazoline
Also known as: Tolazine, Priscol, Priscoline, Vaso-Dilatan
Tolazoline is a medication administered exclusively by veterinary professionals to "wake up" (reverse the sedation of) your animal after a procedure or examination. * **What to Expect**: As your animal wakes up, you may notice temporary side effects such as sweating, lip smacking or licking, anxiety, or muscle twitching. * **Duration**: These effects are generally mild and should diminish and disappear within 2 hours of dosing. * **Safety**: Because of the rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure that can occur, your animal will be closely monitored by the veterinary team during the recovery period.
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 xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- For reversal of xylazine effects (Emergency)
- For reversal of xylazine effects
- As a reversal agent for alpha2-adrenergic agonists (e.g., xylazine, detomidine, etc.)
- For reversal of xylazine effects
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Transient tachycardia
- Peripheral vasodilation (sweating, injected mucous membranes of gingiva and conjunctiva)
- Hyperalgesia of the lips (licking, flipping of lips)
- Piloerection
- Clear lacrimal and nasal discharge
- Muscle fasciculations
- Apprehensiveness and anxiety
- Gastrointestinal hypermotility (flatulence, diarrhea, mild colic)
Cautions & contraindications
- Horses exhibiting signs of stress, debilitation, or shock
- Cardiac disease or coronary artery disease
- Sympathetic blockage
- Hypovolemia
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Known hypersensitivity to the drug
- Foals (relative contraindication; adverse reactions and fatalities reported)
- > **WARNING: Rapid IV Administration** > Acute death and cardiac asystole have been reported after rapid IV administration of tolazoline at high dosages, particularly in camelids and cattle. Always administer IV slowly (e.g., 1 mL/second) or consider the IM route. * **High Concentration Risk**: The veterinary formulation is highly concentrated (100 mg/mL), making accurate dosing difficult in small animals (dogs/cats). Yohimbine or atipamezole are generally safer alternatives for small animals. * **Human Safety**: Humans with coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease should use extra caution when handling this agent.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: Accumulation of acetaldehyde can occur if tolazoline and alcohol are given simultaneously.
- Epinephrine: If large doses of tolazoline are given with epinephrine, a paradoxical drop in blood pressure can occur followed by a precipitous increase in blood pressure.
- Norepinephrine: If large doses of tolazoline are given with norepinephrine, a paradoxical drop in blood pressure can occur followed by a precipitous increase in blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tolazoline used for in pets?
Tolazoline is a medication administered exclusively by veterinary professionals to "wake up" (reverse the sedation of) your animal after a procedure or examination. * **What to Expect**: As your animal wakes up, you may notice temporary side effects such as sweating, lip smacking or licking, anxiety, or muscle twitching. * **Duration**: These effects are generally mild and should diminish and disappear within 2 hours of dosing. * **Safety**: Because of the rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure that can occur, your animal will be closely monitored by the veterinary team during the recovery period.
Is Tolazoline 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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