Which species have cited Atipamezole dosing data?

Atipamezole dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 11 species: Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Blue-tongue Skink, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Guinea Pig, Leopard Gecko, Pet Rat, Prairie Dog, Rabbit (Domestic), Sugar Glider.

Is Atipamezole a controlled substance?

Atipamezole is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Atipamezole

US brand names:Antisedan

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Antidote

Routes

Indications

administered 45 minutesAlpha-2 antagonist reversal (dexmedetomidine reversal)Dexmedetomidine reversalMedetomidine reversalMedetomidine/dexmedetomidine reversalReversal of dexmedetomidineReversal of dexmedetomidine in skinks not recoveredReversal of DKM anesthesia (alpha-2 antagonist)

Mechanism of Action

Selective alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist. Specifically reverses sedation, bradycardia, and other effects of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine.

Side effects & warnings

IM route only (IV can cause cardiovascular excitation). Give equal volume to medetomidine or 5x volume of dexmedetomidine. Reversal within 5-10 minutes. May unmask pain.

Evidence levels across 12 dose rules

Strong×3Weak×6Moderate×2Anecdotal×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 10 published sources

· Anesthetic effects of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam and alfaxalone-ketamine-dexmedetomidine administered intramuscularly in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Am J Vet Res. 2022;83(9). doi:10.2460/ajvr.21.11.0193. PMID: 35895768. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35895768/
· Carpenter 6e
· Comparison of Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine-Midazolam and Isoflurane for Anesthesia of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci (JAALAS). DOI: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-18-000001; PMID: 30396377; PMCID: PMC6351049. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6351049/

Sample dosing (2 of 12 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 11 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	IM	Same protocol as dogs	Equal volume to medetomidine or 5x dexmedetomidine	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IM	IM only	Equal volume to medetomidine or 5x dexmedetomidine	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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D'Urso ES, Martorelli M, Bersanetti G, Selleri P, De Gennaro C. Combination of Dexmedetomidine and Low-Dose Ketamine in 4 Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) Undergoing Elective Castration. Vet Sci. 2025 Jul 25;12(8):699. doi:10.3390/vetsci12080699. PMID: 40872650. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12390597/

· Evaluating the Physiologic Effects of Alfaxalone, Dexmedetomidine, and Midazolam Combinations in Common Blue-Tongued Skinks (Tiliqua scincoides). Animals 2024, 14(18), 2636. DOI 10.3390/ani14182636; PMID 39335227; PMCID PMC11429061. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11429061/

· Fleming GJ. Capture and chemical immobilization of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in South Africa. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Rept Amph Vet; 1996:63-66. / 436. Smith JA, McGuire NC, Mitchell MA. Cardiopulmonary physiology and anesthesia in crocodilians. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Rept Amph Vet; 1998:17-21. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.236 (2026-08-01).

· Mason AK, Lee J, Perry SM, Boykin KL, Del Piero F, Lierz M, Mitchell MA. Animals (Basel). 2021 Aug 24;11(9):2477. doi:10.3390/ani11092477. PMCID: PMC8470321. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8470321/

· Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.783 (2026-08-01).

· Morissey JM, Carpenter JW. Appendix: Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.855 (2026-08-01).