General Drug Information and Indications

Xylazine injectable (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) for sedation, analgesia, and preanesthetic medication in horses, cattle, dogs, and cats. Xylazine hydrochloride injectable (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist). Mechanism: stimulates presynaptic and postsynaptic alpha-2A and alpha-2B receptors → inhibits NE release → CNS sedation, analgesia (predominantly visceral), and muscle relaxation. Dose-dependent effect. Species-sensitive potency differences. Reversible with yohimbine. Key information Xylazine — see xylazine entry. DEA Schedule III. Reversal: yohimbine.

How to Give this Medication

See xylazine. IV or IM injection. 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, initial hypertension then hypotension. Respiratory: rate/tidal volume reduction. GI: decreased motility (colic in horses, bloat in cattle). Diuresis (polyuria). Sweating (horses). Ataxia. Penile prolapse (horses — stallions). Hypoxemia (horses in lateral recumbency). Cattle: 10× more sensitive than horses — use cattle-specific doses. Reversible with yohimbine.

Precautions

For animals Cattle: 10× more sensitive than horses — use cattle-specific dose (typically 0.05–0.1 mg/kg IM). Horses: do not use in animals with cardiac disease or severe bradycardia. GI: ileus — do not use in horses with suspected obstruction. Monitor respiratory function. Reversal: yohimbine (dogs/cats/horses); atipamezole (dogs/cats). Not approved for use in food-producing animals. Use with caution in pregnant animals. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Potent alpha-2 agonist sedative — even small amounts can cause dangerous sedation and cardiovascular depression in humans. Avoid skin contact and accidental injection. If accidentally self-injected or if significant skin contact occurs, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not drive or operate machinery after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Veterinary emergency — see xylazine. Reversal with yohimbine by veterinary staff required.

Xylamed 50 Ml dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
XYLAMED 50 ML 100 MG/ML INJECTABLE: XYLAZINE100 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial

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)