ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/xylazine
US brand names:Rompun, AnaSed
Xylazine is dosed at 5–10 mg/kg IM Once in pet rats, per Mitchell MA, Tully Jr. TN, eds. Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2009. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-0119-5.x5001-x — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.788 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist causing dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Also activates peripheral alpha-2 receptors causing vasoconstriction and bradycardia.
Profound bradycardia and vomiting (especially cats). Cats more sensitive than dogs. Reversible with atipamezole or yohimbine. Avoid in horses with colic (ileus). 100mg/ml for large animals only.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Goat (Caprine) drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Sheep (Ovine) drugsAll Swine (Pig) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 8 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 | 0.5–1 mg/kg | Single dose | Strong | Hartsfield S. Preanesthetic drugs in small animal anesthesia. Presented at: ACVC; 2007. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1348 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | IM | 0.5–1 mg/kg | Single dose | Strong | Hartsfield S. Preanesthetic drugs in small animal anesthesia. Presented at: ACVC; 2007. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1348 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.