Xylazine
Medication Facts
- Performance enhancing
- Conditionally
- Total hours to clear
- 72
- Frequently used
- Most Prescribed
- ESC ID
- XYLAZI-0931
- Trade names
- Rompun, Bay Va
1470 - Drug type
- Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
- Plasma half-life · hours
- 1
- Equine dosing
- 0.5-1.1 mg/kg IV or IM
- Cmax · peak plasma concentration
- 250 ng/mL
- Tmax · time to peak plasma concentration
- 0.25
- ESC concentration guidance
- May not exceed (LDL) Lowest Detectable Level of .05 ng/mL or 50 picograms per mL
- Primary withdrawal · hours
- 48
- Washout withdrawal · hours
- 72
- ESC control type
- C1 - Strictly Controlled - Restricted - Performance
- Medication report required
- MED REPORT REQUIRED
Uses & side effects
Drug interactions
In horses, Rompun (xylazine) interactions primarily focus on compounding cardiovascular and respiratory depression, or triggering fatal heart arrhythmias. Because it is a powerful alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, strict caution must be exercised when pairing it with other veterinary medications.1. Risk of Fatal ArrhythmiasPotentiated Sulfonamides: Intravenous administration of sulfonamide antibiotics (such as Trimethoprim/Sulfonamide) in a horse sedated with Rompun is contraindicated. This combination is known to trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmias.Epinephrine / Adrenoceptor Stimulants: Rompun sensitizes the equine heart muscle. Concurrent use with epinephrine or other stimulants can lead to severe ventricular arrhythmias and potential cardiac arrest.2. Synergistic Central Nervous System (CNS) DepressantsRompun significantly increases the effects of other sedatives and anesthetics. When used in combination, veterinary professionals must adjust protocols to prevent respiratory failure or circulatory collapse:Barbiturates: Rompun creates a potent additive effect with barbiturates. Veterinary monitoring is essential to avoid dangerous apnea (interruption of breathing).Other Tranquilizers: Combining Rompun with other tranquilizers (like acepromazine) enhances sedation but increases the risk of severe low blood pressure and deep CNS depression.Inhalant Anesthetics: Rompun reduces the amount of gas anesthesia required, necessitating careful monitoring to prevent over-anesthetization.3. Common Veterinary CombinationsIn professional settings, Rompun is often combined with other agents to achieve specific clinical outcomes:Ketamine: Rompun is frequently used as a pre-medication before ketamine induction to provide the muscle relaxation necessary for a smooth transition into anesthesia.Opioids: Combining Rompun with opioids like butorphanol can create a profound sedative and analgesic effect for standing procedures.4. Reversal AgentsIf a horse experiences severe cardiovascular depression from Rompun, veterinarians may use specific alpha-2 antagonists to reverse its effects. Common reversal agents include:YohimbineAtipamezoleTolazolineDue to the risks of respiratory depression, heart arrhythmias, and other severe side effects, all administration and monitoring of Rompun must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. If a horse is experiencing a medical emergency, a local equine practitioner or emergency veterinary clinic should be contacted immediately.
Contraindications
xylazine, gabapentin, detomidine, romifidine, Butorphanol, Torbugesic, Pentazocine, Naltrexone, Dextropropoxyphene