Dexmedesed® Vial for Dogs and Cats

Dexmedesed Vial is a dexmedetomidine injection used by veterinarians for procedural sedation and short-term restraint in dogs and cats. This page explains clinical uses, administration basics, storage, and safety information for practice buyers, with US shipping from Canada.

What Dexmedesed Is and How It Works

Dexmedesed® is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that produces cooperative sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation in small animals under veterinary supervision. It supports pre-anesthetic sedation and minor procedural calming for clinics purchasing without insurance. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine binds central alpha-2 receptors, decreasing norepinephrine release. That action reduces sympathetic outflow, leading to sedation and modest analgesia. The injection may be used alone for non-painful procedures or combined with opioids or other agents when additional analgesia is needed. Reversal agents are available for clinician-directed recovery when appropriate.

Who It’s For

This treatment is used in dogs and cats for pre-anesthetic sedation, imaging, wound care, examinations, and short procedures that benefit from reduced stress and movement. It is intended for use by licensed veterinarians in controlled settings with appropriate monitoring equipment.

Avoid use in animals with severe cardiovascular disease, advanced respiratory compromise, significant hepatic dysfunction, shock, or severe systemic illness unless a prescriber determines the benefit outweighs risk. Use caution in very young, geriatric, pregnant, or lactating animals. For broader therapy options, see our Pet Medications category.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is weight-based and determined by the veterinarian according to the procedure and the patient’s status. Administration is usually intravenous given slowly or intramuscular when IV access is not required. The effect is dose-dependent; clinicians titrate to the desired sedation depth while maintaining cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Standard protocols often combine the injection with an opioid when additional analgesia is needed. Supplemental oxygen and continuous monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and ventilation are recommended. The Dexmedesed 2 mL vial is used according to clinic protocols; always consult the official label for detailed directions and precautions. Do not administer without trained personnel and emergency equipment available.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a sterile solution for injection in single or multi-dose vials depending on brand and supplier. Commonly published strengths include 100 micrograms per milliliter; vial sizes such as 2 mL and 4 mL are typical in practice. Availability, packaging, and labeled indications may vary by market and manufacturer.

Missed Dose and Timing

This therapy is administered by a veterinarian in-clinic. If a planned dose is deferred or interrupted, the clinician will decide whether to proceed, adjust the plan, or reschedule. Do not re-dose outside veterinary supervision. Monitor until the animal recovers to a stable state per clinic protocol.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials in the original carton, at controlled room conditions as indicated on the product label. Protect from excessive light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Many vials are intended for single use; discard any unused portion according to local regulations and label directions. When transporting between facilities, use protective packaging and avoid extreme temperatures.

For clinic travel or field work, carry product information and proof of authorization. Use a rigid container to prevent breakage. Never mix with other drugs in the same syringe unless the label or a prescribing veterinarian indicates compatibility.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This medicine is supplied in vials and used with sterile syringes and needles. Dispose of used needles and syringes immediately in an approved sharps container. Follow local regulations for medical waste disposal. For general injection supply considerations, see BD Needles.

Benefits

The class provides predictable, titratable sedation with muscle relaxation. It can reduce requirements for other anesthetics when used as a premedication. Reversal may be considered to shorten recovery when appropriate. The medicine supports calm handling, imaging, and minor procedures while enabling close monitoring of vital signs during use.

Side Effects and Safety

• Sleepiness or prolonged sedation
• Bradycardia
• Changes in blood pressure
• Reduced respiratory rate
• Vomiting or hypersalivation
• Pale mucous membranes
• Transient tremors or sensitivity to noise

Serious risks can include significant bradyarrhythmias, severe hypotension or hypertension, and respiratory depression, especially with other central nervous system depressants. Use only with continuous monitoring and resuscitation equipment available. Vomiting may occur; your veterinarian may use antiemetics such as Cerenia® Injection when clinically appropriate.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Concomitant sedatives, anesthetics, or opioids can increase sedation and cardiorespiratory effects. Dose adjustments of co-administered agents may be necessary at the clinician’s discretion. Use caution with anticholinergics and antiarrhythmic drugs. Animals with dehydration, hypovolemia, or underlying conduction abnormalities require special care.

Clinicians sometimes pair this therapy with phenothiazines or opioids to achieve procedural goals. For example, acepromazine formulations such as Acevet® 25 Injectable may be part of a tailored protocol. Follow the official label and your clinic’s standard operating procedures.

What to Expect Over Time

Sedation depth and duration vary with dose, route, and concurrent drugs. Animals typically appear calm but rousable, allowing handling and minor procedures. Recovery is managed by the clinician and may include reversal when appropriate. Provide a quiet environment and monitor continuously until the animal is stable for discharge from monitoring.

Compare With Alternatives

Clinicians may consider intravenous agents such as Propofol when rapid induction and short procedures are planned. Inhalation anesthesia using Isoflurane may be used when deeper or longer anesthesia is required. Selection depends on the procedure, patient health, and monitoring resources.

Pricing and Access

Clinic buyers can review Dexmedesed vial price details on this page and place a prescription order. We support US delivery from Canada for licensed purchasers. Pricing reflects Canadian pharmacy rates and can help practices manage budgets versus local sourcing.

Checkout is streamlined with encrypted checkout. Practices that pay cash can compare total acquisition costs, including fulfilment fees and taxes, before confirming an order. If you are looking for current offers, visit our Promotions page for updates.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and vial size. If the requested presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent dexmedetomidine formulation or an alternative sedative based on the animal’s needs and clinic protocols. We cannot provide restock dates; please check back for updated inventory.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Suitable patients are dogs and cats that require controlled sedation for minor procedures or premedication. Animals with severe cardiac disease, advanced respiratory compromise, or unstable systemic illness may not be candidates unless a veterinarian specifically approves use. For cost control, clinics may consolidate orders, align procedure days to reduce wastage of single-use vials, and set refill reminders to avoid rush procurement.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Intended level of sedation and monitoring plan
• Expected recovery approach and use of reversal
• Whether additional analgesia will be included
• Specific risks for this patient’s comorbidities
• Route of administration and observation period
• Waste handling and sharps disposal process

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer: Dexdomitor (Zoetis) Product Information

FDA DailyMed: Dexmedetomidine Injection

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Add to cart or upload your prescription. Ships from Canada to US with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace your veterinarian’s judgment.