ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/dexmedetomidine
Dexmedetomidine
Dexdomitor, Sileo
Drug Class
Routes
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Produces dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation via CNS depression.
Side effects & warnings
Profound cardiovascular effects: initial hypertension then hypotension, bradycardia. Avoid in animals with cardiac disease, hepatic or renal disease. Reversible with atipamezole. Vomiting common after IM injection.
Species with Dexmedetomidine dosing data (12 dose rules)
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Evidence levels across 12 dose rules
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Backed by 2 published sources
- · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
- · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Constant rate infusion (CRI)
Dexmedetomidine CRI dose rule from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.0005–0.002 mg/kgper hour (CRI) | CRI for sedation/analgesia | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
- Dog (Domestic)IV0.0005–0.002 mg/kgper hour (CRI)
CRI for sedation/analgesia
StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Sample dosing (2 of 12 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 7 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.
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View PlansArticles mentioning Dexmedetomidine
- Anesthesia in Exotic Companion Animals: A Practical OverviewInhalational and injectable anesthesia choices for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and reptiles — and what species-specific physiology should change in your protocol.
- Rabbit Drug Dosing: A Vet's Quick ReferenceAntibiotic, analgesic, and antiparasitic dosing for domestic rabbits — and the oral antibiotics you must never reach for.
- Reptile Sedation: Why Temperature Is The Variable, Not The DrugMost failed reptile inductions, prolonged recoveries, and 'the snake just isn't going under' episodes trace back to one cause: the patient is too cold for the drug to do what it does in a mammal. Practical sedation protocols built around POTZ as the master variable.
- Bearded Dragon Drug Dosing: Vet Reference GuideAntibiotic, antiparasitic, and analgesic dosing notes for Pogona vitticeps — and what reptile physiology means for the drugs you reach for first.
More Anesthetic drugs
Source citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.