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Sedator 1.0mg/ml solution for injection for Cats & Dogs.
Indications for use
Dogs: For restraint, sedation and analgesia associated with clinical examinations and procedures, minor surgery, pre-anaesthesia and as a premedication before thiopentone-halothane general anaesthesia and as a premedicant before general anaesthesia with propofol. In combination with butorphanol for sedation, analgesia and as a premedicant to thiopentone anaesthesia.
Cats: For restraint and sedation. In combination with ketamine for induction of general anaesthesia prior to surgical procedures in the cat. In combination with butorphanol for sedation and analgesia, and combined with both butorphanol and ketamine for general anaesthesia. As a premedication before alphaxalone/alphadolone for general anaesthesia.
Contraindications
Do not use in conjunction with sympathomimetic amines. Care should be taken with the use of medetomidine in animals with cardiovascular disease or in poor general health.
Before using any combinations consult the contraindications and warnings that appear on the other products' data sheets.
Medetomidine should not be used with thiopentone or propofol in animals with cardiac or respiratory disease (see also Overdose).
Special warnings for each target species
An appropriately graduated syringe must be used to allow accurate administration of the required dose volume. This is particularly important when injecting small volumes.
MEDETOMIDINE WITH KETAMINE IN CATS
Medetomidine and ketamine are metabolised in the liver and excreted mainly via the kidneys, therefore any pre-existing hepatic or renal pathology must be carefully evaluated before considering this method of anaesthesia. Vomiting prior to onset of anaesthesia occurs in approximately 10% of cases. Laryngeal and pharyngeal reflexes are retained during anaesthesia. The combination is reported to elicit a pain response in some cats when administered intramuscularly. Heart rates will generally fall to approximately 50% of pre-anaesthetic levels and in some cats very slow respiratory rates are observed (4-6 breaths per minute). Where procedures are prolonged it may be helpful to apply an eye preparation at regular intervals to lubricate the cornea. During and after anaesthesia, treated animals should be kept in a warm and even temperature.
Medetomidine must not be mixed with other ketamine products, with the exception of Vetalar.
MEDETOMIDINE AS A PREMEDICANT BEFORE THIOPENTONE IN DOGS
Anaesthesia being maintained with halothane (with or without nitrous oxide). This regime should not be used in animals with cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Medetomidine and thiopentone are metabolised in the liver and excreted via the kidneys; any pre-existing hepatic or renal pathology must be carefully evaluated before considering this method of anaesthesia.
Medetomidine has marked anaesthetic sparing effects. Therefore, it should be ensured that the dose of thiopentone and halothane is reduced accordingly and is administered with care to minimise the possibility of inadvertent overdosage. Respiratory rates may fall by up to 30% of pre-dose values following administration of medetomidine. Heart rates will fall following the administration of medetomidine and they will not return to pre-sedation levels following induction. Occasionally there will be a transient rise in heart rate associated with induction followed by bradycardia.
During and after anaesthesia, treated animals should be kept in a warm and even temperature.
MEDETOMIDINE AS A PREMEDICANT BEFORE PROPOFOL IN DOGS
This regime should not be used in animals with cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Medetomidine and propofol are metabolised in the liver and excreted via the kidneys; any pre-existing hepatic or renal pathology must be carefully evaluated before considering this method of anaesthesia. Medetomidine has marked anaesthetic sparing effects, therefore it should be ensured that the dose of propofol is reduced accordingly and is administered with care to minimise the possibility of inadvertent overdosage.
Transient apnoea and movement of the forelegs may occur during induction of anaesthesia and in some cases at higher dosages, a decline in arterial oxygen tension may occur. When using this regime dogs should be intubated and oxygen administered during anaesthesia.
During and after anaesthesia, treated animals should be kept in a warm and even temperature.
Special precautions for use in animals
Care should be taken with the use of medetomidine in animals with cardiovascular disease or in poor general health.
Medetomidine, ketamine and thiopentone are metabolised in the liver and excreted mainly via the kidneys. Pre-existing liver or kidney pathology should be carefully evaluated prior to using these products (see also Use during pregnancy and lactation and Overdose).
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
In the case of accidental oral intake or self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet to the doctor, but DO NOT DRIVE as sedation and changes in blood pressure may occur.
Avoid skin, eye or mucosal contact.
Immediately after exposure, wash the exposed skin with large amounts of fresh water.
In the case of accidental contact of the product with eyes, rinse with large amounts of fresh water. If symptoms occur, seek the advice of a doctor.
If pregnant women handle the product, special caution should be observed not to self inject as uterine contractions and decreased foetal blood pressure may occur after accidental systemic exposure.
Advice to doctors: Medetomidine is an alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist. Symptoms after absorption may involve clinical effects including dose-dependent sedation, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, a dry mouth, and hyperglycaemia. Ventricular arrhythmias have also been reported. Respiratory and haemodynamic symptoms should be treated symptomatically.
Adverse reactions
By virtue of this a2-adrenergic activity, medetomidine causes bradycardia and hypothermia. It may also affect cardiac conductivity. Treated animals should be kept in a warm and even temperature during the procedures and for 12 hours after sedation.
Blood pressure will increase initially and then return to normal or slightly below. Some dogs and most cats vomit 5-10 minutes after injection.
Some cats may also vomit on recovery.
In some dogs and cats very slow respiratory rates may be seen (see also Overdose).
Diuresis may be associated with recovery.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
The use of medetomidine in pregnancy has not been monitored in a sufficient number of animals. It is therefore not recommended.
Interactions
Medetomidine should not be used in conjunction with sympathomimetic amines. The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants should be expected to potentiate the effect of either product and appropriate dose adjustment should be made.
Medetomidine has marked anaesthetic sparing effects. The dose of compounds such as thiopentone, halothane and propofol should be reduced accordingly.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Intended for injection by intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous routes in the dog, and by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route in the cat.
| Dog: | ||
| Dose | Effect | Volume |
| µg/kg | ml/10 kg | |
| 10-30 | Slight | 0.1-0.3 |
| sedation | ||
| 30-80 | Moderate to | 0.3-0.8 |
| deep sedation | ||
| and analgesia | ||
| 10-20 | Pre-anaesthesia | 0.1-0.2 |
| Cat: | ||
| Dose µg/kg | Effect | Volume ml/5 kg |
| 50-100 | Moderate sedation | 0.25-0.5 |
| 100-150 | Deep sedation | 0.5-0.75 |
Maximal effect is obtained within 10-15 minutes. The clinically useful effect is dose-dependent, lasting 30-180 minutes, but may be repeated if necessary.
Animals should be fasted for 12 hours prior to anaesthesia.
An appropriately graduated syringe must be used to allow accurate administration of the required dose volume. This is particularly important when injecting small volumes.
Premedication dosing guide: Medetomidine has marked anaesthetic-sparing effects. It is essential to reduce appropriately the dose of anaesthetic induction and maintenance agents in animals that have been given the product.
Dosing guide
Medetomidine as a premedicant before thiopentone in dogs
Anaesthesia is maintained with halothane, with or without nitrous oxide.
Medetomidine is administered at least 20 minutes before thiopentone (inducing agent) to allow sedation to develop. Guideline doses of thiopentone are as follows:
| Medetomidine | Thiopentone | |
| Dose in µg/kg | Volume of product in ml/10 kg | Dose of thiopentone in mg/kg |
| 10 20 40 | 0.1 0.2 0.4 | 6.9 4.5 2.4 |
| Medetomidine | Propofol (Induction) | |
| Dose in µg/kg | Volume of product in ml/10 kg | Dose of propofol in mg/kg |
| 10 20 40 | 0.1 0.2 0.4 | 1.5 1.1 1.0 |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.05 |
| (dose of medetomidine | |||
| 10 µg/kg) | |||
| Butorphanol 10 mg/ml (dose of butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg) | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.05 cont... |
| 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 |
| 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.40 |
| 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.40 |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml | 0.03 | 0.08 | 0.13 |
| (dose of medetomidine | |||
| 25 µg/kg) | |||
| Butorphanol 10 mg/ml (dose of butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg) | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.05 cont... |
| 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 |
| 0.25 | 0.38 | 0.50 | 0.63 | 0.75 | 0.88 | 1.00 |
| 0.10 | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.40 |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml | 0.05 | 0.08 | 0.10 |
| (dose of medetomidine | |||
| 50 µg/kg) | |||
| Butorphanol 10 mg/ml (dose of butorphanol 0.4 mg/kg) | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.08 cont... |
| 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 0.13 | 0.15 | 0.18 | 0.20 | 0.23 | 0.25 |
| 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.20 |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml | 0.08 | 0.12 | 0.16 |
| (dose of medetomidine | |||
| 80 µg/kg) | |||
| Butorphanol 10 mg/ml (dose of butorphanol 0.4 mg/kg) | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.08 |
| Ketamine 100 mg/ml (dose of ketamine 5 mg/kg) | 0.05 | 0.075 | 0.10 cont... |
| 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 0.20 | 0.24 | 0.28 | 0.32 | 0.36 | 0.40 |
| 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.20 |
| 0.125 | 0.15 | 0.175 | 0.20 | 0.225 | 0.25 |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.08 |
| (dose of medetomidine | |||
| 40 µg/kg) | |||
| Butorphanol 10 mg/ml (dose of butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| EITHER Ketamine 100 mg/ml (dose of ketamine 1.25 mg/kg) | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| OR Ketamine 100 mg/ml (dose of ketamine 2.5 mg/kg) | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.05 cont... |
| 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 0.10 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.20 |
| 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| 0.06 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.10 | 0.11 | 0.13 |
| Ketamine dose | Time to re- cum- bency | Time to loss of pedal reflex | Time to return of pedal reflex | Time to sternal recumbency | Time to stand- ing |
| 1.25 mg/kg | 32 secs | 62 secs | 26 mins | 54 mins | 74 mins |
| 2.5 mg/kg | 22 secs | 39 secs | 28 mins | 62 mins | 83 mins |
| Weight (kg) | 1 | 1.5 | |
| Sedator 1 mg/ml (medetomidine) | 80 µg/kg | 0.08 | 0.12 |
| Alphaxalone 9 mg/ml /Alphadolone 3 mg/ml | minimum dose = 2.5 mg/kg | 0.21 | 0.31 |
| Alphaxalone 9 mg/ml /Alphadolone 3 mg/ml | maximum dose = 5 mg/kg | 0.42 | 0.63 cont... |
| 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 |
| 0.16 | 0.20 | 0.24 | 0.28 | 0.32 | 0.36 | 0.40 |
| 0.42 | 0.52 | 0.63 | 0.73 | 0.83 | 0.94 | 1.04 |
| 0.83 | 1.04 | 1.25 | 1.46 | 1.67 | 1.88 | 2.08 |
Withdrawal periods
Not applicable
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: sedative and analgesic.
ATCvet code: QN05CM91
Medetomidine is a potent and highly selective ?2-adrenoreceptor agonist with both central and peripheral activity, and acting both presynaptically and postsynaptically. Its primary effects are sedative and analgesic resulting from its central depressant activity.
It has no local anaesthetic properties. Like other compounds of its class there are secondary effects, including bradycardia. Blood pressure is increased but then returns to normal or just below. Body temperature is decreased in a dose dependent manner and intestinal motility is also reduced.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
List of excipients
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E 218)
Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E 216)
Sodium chloride
Sodium hydroxide
Hydrochloric acid
Water for injections
Incompatibilities
Medetomidine must not be mixed with other products with the exception of Vetalar and Torbugesic injection.
Shelf life
Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years
Shelf-life after first opening the container: 28 days
Special precautions for storage
Keep vial in carton.
Nature and composition of immediate packaging
Clear colourless, sterile aqueous solution and presented in a Type I (Ph. Eur.) clear glass vials of 5, 10 and 20 ml capacity. Vials are fitted with a teflon coated halogenated rubber stopper and sealed with an aluminium cap. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal products or waste materials
Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such
veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local
requirements'.


*Images are for illustrative purposes only


*Images are for illustrative purposes only
Item no: SEDATOR