Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg
Atipamezole is dosed at 0.75 mg/kg SC not stated in source in sulcata tortoises, per Mans C, Sladky KK. Endoscopically guided removal of cloacal calculi in three African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcate). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;240:869- — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.236 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Atipamezole is used in sulcata tortoises for Alpha-2 agonist (medetomidine/dexmedetomidine) reversal. Routes documented in sulcata tortoises: SC. A typical adult sulcata tortoise weighs 1.00–40.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Atipamezole in sulcata tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Antisedan
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.75 mg/kg | not stated in source | Alpha-2 agonist (medetomidine/dexmedetomidine) reversal | Weak | Mans C, Sladky KK. Endoscopically guided removal of cloacal calculi in three African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcate). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012;240:869- — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.236 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your sulcata tortoise's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Selective alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist. Specifically reverses sedation, bradycardia, and other effects of medetomidine/dexmedetomidine.
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.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for sulcata tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Atipamezole dose range in sulcata tortoises, with cited source references: SC 0.75 mg/kg not stated in source. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Atipamezole in sulcata tortoises: SC.
Atipamezole is indicated in sulcata tortoises for: Alpha-2 agonist (medetomidine/dexmedetomidine) reversal.
These are general warnings for Atipamezole across species; consult the sulcata tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. 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.
Why a species-specific page? Atipamezole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in sulcata tortoises — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.