ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/detomidine
Detomidine
Dormosedan
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist providing deep sedation and visceral analgesia. More potent and longer acting than xylazine.
Side effects & warnings
Primarily equine. Profound bradycardia and AV block. Sublingual gel (Dormosedan Gel) for standing sedation in horses. Reversible with atipamezole. Handle with gloves.
Species with Detomidine dosing data (3 dose rules)
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Evidence levels across 3 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 2 published sources
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IM | 0.01–0.04 mg/kg | Single dose | Extrapolated | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| Cat (Domestic) | IM | 0.01–0.04 mg/kg | Single dose | Extrapolated | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.