Xylazine

Description

Xylazine is recognized as a short-acting tranquilizer or sedative that provides significant pain relief. Acting as a muscle relaxant through its effects on the central nervous system, it is commonly used for short-term sedation, and treatment and management of colic.

Usage

Xylazine has several important uses, including short-term sedation, and treatment and management of colic. In combination with butorphanol and other drugs, xylazine is used as a chemical restraint for many veterinary procedures, and as a preoperative drug . A xylazine-ketamine combination is considered by some veterinarians to have advantages over other current forms of sedatives.

Dosage and Administration

Side Effects

Xylazine initially slows the heart rate and can change the heart rhythm in some horses. Moderate loss of coordination and sweating are common, and horses may drop their heads and appear very sedate.

Precautions

With any form of sedation, horses may react suddenly and unexpectedly, despite appearing to be sedated. Extreme caution should be taken by individuals working with sedated horses.

Although xylazine blocks pain, horses will respond to painful stimulation.

Xylazine should not be used in horses with heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms, and should be used with extreme caution in horses with major health problems, including shock, liver and kidney problems, or respiratory disease.

Xylazine reduces the body's ability to regulate temperature.

When sedating a horse using xylazine, it is important to wait until the drug has taken effect before beginning any procedure. With IV injection, sedation usually occurs within three to five minutes. With IM injection, sedation occurs within 10 to 15 minutes.

Xylazine is FDA-approved for use with horses, and is a prescription drug restricted to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Xylazine is a prohibited substance in most sanctioned competitions. It is important to check with the individual regulatory group.

Interactions

Xylazine has additive effects when combined with other tranquilizers and anesthetic drugs.

Overdose

Overdose causes heart arrhythmias, low blood pressure, and respiratory and central nervous system depression. Yohimbine is a drug that can be used to reverse some of the effects of xylazine.