Medetomidine

Products

Medetomidine is commercially available as an injection solution for animals. It has been approved in many countries since 1990.

Structure and properties

Medetomidine (C13H16N2, Mr = 200.3 g/mol) is an imidazole derivative that is structurally closely related to detomidine. Medetomidine is a racemate; the pure -enantiomer dexmedetomidine is also used.

Effects

Medetomidine (ATCvet QN05CM91) has sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties. The effects are due to agonism at α2 receptors.

Indications

Medetomidine is used in the dog and cat for sedation, premedication, and in combination with anesthetics to achieve general anesthesia. An antagonist such as atipamezole may be used to reverse the effects of medetomidine.