Dormosedan

Dormosedan for Horses, 20 cc is a powerful, non-narcotic equine sedative and analgesic containing detomidine hydrochloride. This injectable solution is specifically formulated for use in horses, providing safe, reliable sedation and pain relief during minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. Dormosedan offers veterinarians predictable results and ease of dosing, making it a trusted choice for equine sedation.

Key Benefits

• Provides predictable and effective sedation for horses
• Non-narcotic formulation with a wide margin of safety
• Simple dosing: 1–2 mL per 1,100 lb horse
• 80 to 100 times more potent than xylazine
• Long-lasting effects—up to 2 hours of sedation and analgesia

Indications

Dormosedan is indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in mature horses and yearlings to facilitate minor surgical and diagnostic procedures, including dental exams, hoof care, radiographs, and endoscopy.

Download Dormosedan Injection Product Label (PDF)

Dosage and Administration

Sedation in Horses

Administer Dormosedan via intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection at 20 or 40 mcg of detomidine hydrochloride per kilogram of body weight (equivalent to 0.2 or 0.4 mL per 100 kg or 220 lb). Sedation typically begins within 2–4 minutes (IV) or 3–5 minutes (IM). A 20 mcg/kg dose provides 30–90 minutes of sedation, while 40 mcg/kg offers approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Analgesia in Horses

Dormosedan may be administered IV or IM at 20 or 40 mcg/kg. Analgesia onset occurs within 2–4 minutes, lasting 30–45 minutes for the lower dose and 45–75 minutes for the higher dose.

Combined Sedation and Analgesia

For both effects, administer Dormosedan intravenously at 20 or 40 mcg/kg (0.2 or 0.4 mL per 100 kg body weight). Always allow the horse to rest quietly before and after injection for optimal effect.

Storage Instructions

Store Dormosedan at controlled room temperature: 15–30°C (59–86°F). Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Overdosage

Detomidine hydrochloride is generally tolerated up to 200 mcg/kg (10x the low dose). At 400 mcg/kg for 3 days, microscopic myocardial necrosis has been observed in some cases.

Human Safety Warning

Dormosedan is not for use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for human use. Keep this product out of reach of children.

Precautions

• Use caution in horses under stress or with liver, kidney, cardiovascular, or respiratory disease.
• Protect sedated horses from extreme temperatures.
• Allow 5 minutes of rest before administration and 10–15 minutes afterward for best response.
• Avoid combining with other sedatives unless directed by a veterinarian, as Dormosedan is a potent α₂-agonist and may cause additive effects.
• Withhold food and water until sedation wears off completely.

Contraindications

• Do not use in horses with AV or SA block, coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, or chronic renal failure.
• Do not administer intravenous potentiated sulfonamides to sedated horses—this may cause fatal arrhythmias.

Possible Side Effects

• Bradycardia and hypertension may occur shortly after injection.
• Common effects include sweating, salivation, piloerection, mild tremors, and penis prolapse.
• Partial AV and SA blocks, decreased heart rate, and respiratory rate may also be observed.
• Head lowering can cause nasal discharge or facial swelling—elevate the head to minimize this.
• Incoordination may occur for the first few minutes after administration.
• Urination is commonly observed during the recovery period (45–60 minutes post-treatment).