General Drug Information and Indications

Romifidine (alpha-2 agonist) for sedation and preanesthetic medication in horses. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (romifidine HCl). Mechanism: selective alpha-2 agonist → dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation in horses via central norepinephrine suppression. Produces less ataxia than xylazine at equipotent sedative doses. No approved reversal agent for horses. IV or IM administration. Key information Romifidine — alpha-2 agonist for horses. Reversal: atipamezole. Cardiovascular depression — monitor. IV administration only for horses. Do not use in pregnant mares (may induce premature labor).

How to Give this Medication

Injectable (horses): administer IV or IM. IV onset: 2–5 min; IM onset: 20–40 min. Oral gel (Dormosedan Gel): apply to gum space between cheek and teeth; onset 40 min. Do not re-dose prematurely. Monitor sedation depth and vital signs. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Cardiovascular: bradycardia, AV block, peripheral vasoconstriction/hypotension (alpha-2 effects). Respiratory: reduced rate and depth. GI: decreased motility. Diuresis. Sweating (horses). Ataxia. No approved equine reversal agent.

Precautions

For animals No approved equine reversal agent. Monitor cardiac and respiratory function. Keep horse's head elevated. Onset is dose-dependent. Oral gel formulation: do not re-dose within 40 min (slow onset). Not approved for use in food-producing animals. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Potent alpha-2 agonist sedative — avoid skin contact and accidental injection. If accidentally self-injected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Causes dangerous sedation and cardiovascular depression. Do not drive after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

This is a veterinary emergency. Romifidine overdose requires veterinary management. Reversal agents available.

Sedivet dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
SEDIVET 1% INJECTABLE: ROMFIDINE—Injectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)