Red Light, Green Light: Rapid Sedation for Diagnostics & Procedures
Sponsored by Dechra
Canine patients may require sedation to safely undergo physical examination, diagnostics, and/or other minor procedures. Although alpha-2 agonists are commonly used in small animal sedation and anesthesia, the binding of these agonists to peripheral receptors can have undesirable cardiovascular effects. Zenalpha® (medetomidine and vatinoxan hydrochlorides injection) is an alpha-2 agonist-antagonist that can be used in dogs when rapid sedation and fast recovery are ideal while minimizing veterinary team stress surrounding the undesirable effects of alpha-2 agonists. Medetomidine acts as an alpha-2 agonist with sedative and analgesic properties, and vatinoxan is a peripherally selective alpha-2 antagonist. The vatinoxan partially counteracts medetomidine’s cardiovascular depressive effects at peripheral alpha-2 adrenoreceptors without crossing the blood–brain barrier, meaning central effects of sedation and pain relief are maintained.1-3 Zenalpha® can provide veterinarians with a fast, effective option for canine sedation.
INDICATION
Zenalpha is indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs to facilitate clinical examination, clinical procedures and minor surgical procedures. Zenalpha is not intended for use in cats.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. For use in dogs only. Not intended for use in cats. Not for use in humans. Avoid skin, eye or mucosal contact. In case of accidental oral intake or self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package insert to the physician. DO NOT DRIVE as sedation, loss of consciousness, and changes in blood pressure may occur. People with cardiovascular disease and pregnant women should exercise special caution to avoid exposure. Uterine contractions and decreased fetal blood pressure may occur after accidental systemic exposure. As with all alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, onset of sedation may be delayed or may be inadequate in some dogs. The analgesic effect of Zenalpha will not last longer than the sedative effects. Additional analgesic(s) should be administered as needed. Do not use Zenalpha in dogs with cardiac disease, respiratory disorders, shock, severe debilitation, that have hypoglycemia or are at risk of developing hypoglycemia, or are stressed due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue. Zenalpha should not be administered in the presence of pre-existing hypotension, hypoxia or bradycardia. Due to the pronounced cardiovascular effects of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, only clinically healthy dogs (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classes I and II) should be administered Zenalpha. Dogs should be monitored frequently during sedation for changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and body temperature. Tachycardia may occur in some dogs after recovery from sedation. The following adverse reactions have been reported: diarrhea, muscle tremors and colitis. Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.
Dechra is a registered trademark of Dechra Pharmaceuticals Limited. Zenalpha is a registered trademark of Dechra Limited.
