Description

Romifidine is a newer tranquilizer or sedative that has been available in Europe for some time, but has been marketed in the U.S. only recently. Romifidine is from the same chemical family as xylazine and detomidine. Romifidine is effective for longer periods, and horses appear less ataxic or wobbly when this drug is used, in comparison to horses given xylazine or detomidine. When combined with butorphanol, it is effectively used in pain management.

Usage

Romifidine is used as a tranquilizer or sedative by veterinarians during radiographs or lameness examinations. It is also used as a pre-anesthetic drug to calm the horse before injectable or gas inhalation anesthesia is given. Combined with butorphanol, it is often used in pain management.

Dosage and Administration

Romifidine
Method	Dosage (click row for calculator)	Concentration	Period	Duration
Sedation and analgesia dose
Intravenous injection (slow)	0.04-0.120 mg/kg	10 mg/ml	Treatment	NA
Preanesthesia dose
Intravenous injection (slow)	0.1 mg/kg	10 mg/ml	Treatment	NA
Notes: The animal should be allowed to rest quietly for several minutes prior to and following injection. The duration of analgesia is shorter than the duration of sedation. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Extra-label use of drugs in treating animals is allowable only by licensed veterinarians within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and does not include drug use in treating animals by the layman (except under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian). The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your equine appears to feel better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse. This medication may be available in forms and concentrations not noted in the above table. Always check the label and literature provided with the medication about the form and concentration and DO NOT USE the calculator if the information differs. Calculator is for educational purposes only. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding use of this, or any medication.

Side Effects

Common side effects are a slowing of the heart rate and a change in heart rhythm in some horses. Romifidine causes a decrease in gastrointestinal motility and mild colic has been observed after use.

Precautions

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

On rare occasions, an individual horse may respond to the drug with excitement instead of the usual sedated effect.

Horses may drop their heads and appear very sedate. Some loss of coordination and sweating are common. Horses can act suddenly and unexpectedly when given sedatives and caution should be taken at all times when working around a sedated horse.

Romifidine reduces the horse's body's ability to regulate temperature.

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

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

Interactions

Romifidine has additive effects when combined with other tranquilizers or anesthetic drugs and should be used only by veterinarians who are experienced with the use of these drugs.

Trimethoprim sulfa should not be used in horses sedated with romifidine.

Chloramphenicol can interfere with the metabolism of alpha-2-agonist drugs, such as romifidine.

Overdose

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