Medetomidine/vatinoxan
 | |
 Chemical structures of medetomidine (top) and vatinoxan | |
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Medetomidine | alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist |
| Vatinoxan | alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Zenalpha |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | Intramuscular |
| ATC code |
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| Legal status | |
| Legal status | |
Medetomidine/vatinoxan, sold under the brand name Zenalpha, is a veterinary fixed-dose combination medication used as a sedative and analgesic for dogs.[1][3] It contains medetomidine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, as the hydrochloride salt; and vatinoxan, an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, as the hydrochloride salt.[2][3]
It was approved for veterinary use in the United States in May 2022,[3] and in Canada in May 2023.[1]
Veterinary use
Medetomidine/vatinoxan is indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs to facilitate clinical examination, clinical procedures and minor surgical procedures.[3]
Medetomidine/vatinoxan is used for sedation of dogs. It is only approved for standalone use.[4] A manufacturer trial found medetomidine/vatinoxan to have a faster onset and shorter duration of sedation with less respiratory depression and cardiovascular side effects as compared to medetomidine in dogs.[4]
References
- ^ a b c "Notice: Multiple additions to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) [2023-06-23]". Health Canada. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Zenalpha product information". Health Canada. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Zenalpha- vatinoxan hydrochloride and medetomidine hydrochloride solution". DailyMed. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ a b Lamont LA, Creighton CM (11 September 2024). "Sedatives and Tranquilizers". In Lamont L, Grimm K, Robertson S, Love L, Schroeder C (eds.). Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, The 6th Edition of Lumb and Jones. Wiley Blackwell. pp. 338–348. ISBN 978-1-119-83027-6.