What is XylaMed?

XylaMed is used in horses to produce a state of sedation accompanied by a shorter period of analgesia. It may be used for diagnostic procedures - oral and ophthalmic examinations, abdominal palpation, rectal palpation, vaginal examination, catheterization of the bladder and radiographic examinations, as well as orthopedic procedures, such as application of casting materials and splints, and dental procedures. It may also be used for minor surgical procedures of short duration such as debridement, removal of cutaneous neoplasms and suturing of lacerations. It's been used to calm and facilitate handling of fractious horses and as therapeutic medication for sedation and relief of pain following injury or surgery. It has also been used for major surgical procedures when used as a pre-anesthetic to general anesthesia or when used in conjunction with local anesthetics. XylaMed requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Horses

Benefits:

• Non-narcotic compound works as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant.
• Produces a state of sedation accompanied by a shorter period of analgesia in horses.
• Used for diagnostic procedures and examinations.
• Also used for minor surgical procedures.
• Can calm and facilitate handling of difficult horses.
• Can be used as a therapeutic medication for sedation and relief of pain following injury or surgery.
• Used for major surgical procedures as a pre-anesthetic to general anesthesia or in conjunction with local anesthetics.

How does XylaMed work?

XylaMed a non-narcotic compound, is a sedative and analgesic as well as muscle relaxant. The sedative and analgesic activity of XylaMed is similar to what is seen with other medication, which cause central nervous system depression. Its muscle-relaxant effect is based on inhibition of the intraneural transmission of impulses in the central nervous system. The principal pharmacological activities develop within 10 to 15 minutes after intramuscular injection, and within 3 to 5 minutes following intravenous administration in horses.

Cautions:

Careful consideration should be given before administering to horses with significantly depressed respiration, severe pathologic heart disease, advanced liver or kidney disease, severe endotoxic or traumatic shock, or stress conditions such as extreme heat, cold, high altitude or fatigue. Do not use XylaMed in conjunction with tranquilizers. Analgesic effect is variable, and depth should be carefully assayed prior to surgical/clinical procedures. Variability of analgesia occurs most frequently at the distal extremities of horses. In spite of sedation, the practitioner and handlers should proceed with caution since defense reactions may not be diminished. Since an additive effect results from the use of XylaMed and the barbiturate compounds, it should be used with caution with these central nervous system depressants. Products known to produce respiratory depression or apnea, such as thiamylal sodium, should be given at a reduced dosage and, when injected intravenously, should be administered slowly. When intravenous administration is desired, avoid perivascular injection in order to achieve the desired effect. Studies have shown negligible evidence of tissue irritation, however, following perivascular injection of xylazine. lntracarotid arterial injection should be avoided. As with many compounds, including tranquilizers, immediate violent seizures followed by collapse may result from inadvertent administration into the carotid artery. Although the reaction with XylaMed is usually transient and recovery may be rapid and complete, special care should be taken to assure that the needle is in the jugular vein rather than the carotid artery. Bradycardia and an arrhythmia in the form of incomplete atrioventricular block have been reported following xylazine administration. Although clinically the importance of this effect is questioned, a standard dose of atropine given prior to or following xylazine will greatly decrease the incidence. Sedation for transport is most successful if actual transportation is begun after the full effect of the drug has been reached and your horse's stability is maintained while standing. In addition, it should be noted that animals under the influence of XylaMed can be aroused by noise or other stimuli and this may increase the risk of injury.

Brand Name:

XylaMed (VetOne)

Generic Name:

Xylazine

What is the most important thing I should know about XylaMed?

XylaMed is a non-narcotic compound, is a sedative and analgesic as well as muscle relaxant used in horses. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian. A syringe is not included.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving XylaMed to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your horse has a hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, xylazine. Let your veterinarian know if your horse is taking any medications

How should XylaMed be administered?

Xylamed is for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) use. For IV injection, the recommended dosage is 0.5 ml/100 lbs body weight (0.5 mg/lb). For IM injection, the recommended dosage is 1.0 ml/100 lbs body weight (1.0 mg/lb). Follow your veterinarian's instructions exactly as directed.

What are the potential side effects of XylaMed?

XylaMed used at recommended dosage levels may occasionally cause slight muscle tremors, bradycardia with partial A-V heart block and a reduced respiratory rate. Movement in response to sharp auditory stimuli may be observed. Sweating, rarely profuse, has been reported following administration.

What happens if I overdose my pet on XylaMed?

XylaMed is tolerated at 10 times the recommended dose in horses; however, some elevated doses produced muscle tremors and long periods of sedation.

What should I avoid while giving XylaMed to my pet?

lntracarotid arterial injection should be avoided. As with many compounds, including tranquilizers, immediate violent seizures followed by collapse may result from inadvertent administration into the carotid artery. Although the reaction with XylaMed is usually transient and recovery may be rapid and complete, special care should be taken to assure that the needle is in the jugular vein rather than the carotid artery.

What other drugs will affect XylaMed?

Do not use XylaMed in conjunction with tranquilizers.