Antagonism of Medetomidine Sedation by Atipamezole in Pigs

Abstract

The efficacy of atipamezole as a medetomidine antagonist was evaluated in pigs. The atipamezole doses (intramuscularly) were 80, 160, 320 and 480 μg/kg of body weight, which were one, two, four and six times higher than the preceding medetomidine dose (80 μg/kg, intramuscularly). Atipamezole effectively reversed medetomidine-induced sedation, and the optimal action was seen at doses of 160 and 320 μg/kg. Recovery from sedation was quick and smooth, and adverse effects such as hyperactivity or tachycardia were minimal with either dose.