Alpha 2s Flashcards
Xylazine
Alpha 2 agonists
Premed, sedative, mild-mod analgesic, muscle relaxant, emesis in cats and dogs
Onset: 5-10 min IV, 10-30 IM
Duration: 30-60 min SA, 1-2 hrs LA
Used for sedation for minor procedures
Helps treat colic pain in horses
Not a controlled drug
What are the adverse effects of Xylazine
Emesis in dogs and cats - use in SA is controversial (vomiting)
Sedation
Mild-mod analgesic
Muscle relaxant
Dexmedetomidine
10x more potent & specific to alpha 2 receptors
Onset: 5-10 min IV, 10-30 IM
Duration: 1-2 hrs
IV IM SQ or orally in dogs n cats
What is Xylazine bad on its own
Xylazine is an alpha 2 BUT also acts on alpha 1 receptors which are excitatory - so important to use with other drugs to eliminate that
Effects of dexmedetomidine
CNS depression
Nausea & vomiting
Bradycardia
Mod analgesic
Sedation
Muscle Relaxation
What reverses the effects of dexmedetomidine & medetomidine
Atipamezole
What reverses the effects of Xylazine
Yohimbine & Tolazoline
Medetomidine
10x more specific to alpha 2 receptors
IM IV
Duration: 1-2 hrs
Effects of Medetomidine
Sedation
Mod analgesic
Muscle relaxant
Bradycardia
CNS depressant
Nausea / vomiting
Romifidine
Horses - less ataxia (fall risks/ uncoordinatation/ unpredictable )
Duration: 2-4 hrs
IV IM
Key affects of alpha 2s in general
Sedation & tranquilizer
Analgesia
Muscle relaxant
Major cardiovascular effects (cause peripheral vasoconstriction {hypertension} which results in a reflex bradycardia)
CAUTION IN ANIMALS W RENAL, HEPATIC, + HEART DZ!!
Emesis (vomiting)
Polyuria
Hyperglycaemia
Onset: 5-15 mins IV, 15-30 mins IM
Duration: 1-2hrs
*if not reversed complete recovery takes 2-4 hours
Dogs and cats with alpha 2s
Often used for sedation or pre anesthesia protocols:
Dexmedetomidine is preferred bc it’s more specific & less side effects
Horses
Romifidine & detomidine are preferred for sedation w less ataxia;
Dental work or standing sx
Cattle
Xylazine is effective but requires lower doses due to high sensitivity:
Causes rumen stasis
