*Antisedan (Atipamezole 5.0 mg/mL) volume calculation assumes standard 1:1 volume ratio for dogs and 1:2 mass ratio for cats relative to Dexdomitor dose. Consult prescribing information.
Understanding the Dexdomitor Calculator and Dosing Protocols
Dexdomitor (dexmedetomidine hydrochloride) is a synthetic alpha-2 adrenergic agonist widely used in veterinary medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties. It is indicated for use in dogs and cats to facilitate clinical examinations, clinical procedures, and minor surgical procedures. This calculator assists veterinary professionals in determining the appropriate volume of Dexdomitor (0.5 mg/mL) based on current body surface area (BSA) protocols for dogs and weight-based protocols for cats.
⚠️ Veterinary Professional Use Only: This tool is intended for use by licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Always verify calculations against the manufacturer's package insert and the patient's specific health status.
How the Calculation Works
Canine Dosing (Body Surface Area)
Unlike many drugs dosed strictly by weight (mg/kg), Dexdomitor for dogs is approved based on body surface area (m²). This accounts for metabolic rate differences between small and large breeds. The calculator uses the standard Meeh's formula approximation to estimate BSA from weight.
Intramuscular (IM): The standard dose rate is 500 mcg/m².
Intravenous (IV): The standard dose rate is 375 mcg/m².
Feline Dosing (Weight Based)
For cats, the dosing protocol is simpler and is calculated directly by body weight rather than surface area.
Intramuscular (IM): The standard dose rate is 40 mcg/kg.
Intravenous use is not currently labeled for cats in many regions, though protocols vary by clinic. This calculator utilizes the standard IM label dose.
Reversal with Antisedan (Atipamezole)
Dexmedetomidine is reversible using Atipamezole (brand name Antisedan). The calculator provides the reversal volume based on the administered Dexdomitor volume.
Species
Dexdomitor Dose
Antisedan Protocol (5mg/mL)
Volume Ratio
Dog
Based on m²
Equal volume to Dexdomitor
1:1
Cat
40 mcg/kg
Half the volume of Dexdomitor
0.5:1
Important Clinical Considerations
Contraindications: Dexdomitor should not be used in dogs or cats with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock or severe debilitation.
Pre-Anesthesia: When used as a pre-anesthetic agent, the dose of Dexdomitor is typically significantly reduced (often by 50% or more) compared to the sedative dose. The induction drug requirements (e.g., Propofol) will also be significantly reduced. This calculator provides the label sedative doses; clinicians must adjust for pre-anesthetic protocols.
Formula Reference
The calculations performed by this tool use the following logic:
Dog BSA ($m^2$): $0.101 \times Weight(kg)^{2/3}$
Dog Dose (mcg): $BSA \times Rate (500 \text{ or } 375)$
Cat Dose (mcg): $Weight(kg) \times 40$
Volume (mL): $Total Dose (mcg) / 500 (mcg/mL)$
function toggleRouteDisplay() {
var species = document.getElementById('species').value;
var routeContainer = document.getElementById('routeContainer');
if (species === 'cat') {
routeContainer.style.display = 'none';
} else {
routeContainer.style.display = 'block';
}
}
function calculateDexdomitor() {
// Inputs
var weightInput = document.getElementById('patientWeight').value;
var unit = document.getElementById('weightUnit').value;
var species = document.getElementById('species').value;
var route = document.getElementById('adminRoute').value;
var concentration = 500; // mcg/mL (which is 0.5 mg/mL)
// Basic Validation
if (!weightInput || isNaN(weightInput) || weightInput <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive weight.");
return;
}
var weightKg = parseFloat(weightInput);
if (unit === 'lb') {
weightKg = weightKg / 2.20462;
}
var doseMcg = 0;
var dexVolume = 0;
var antisedanVol = 0;
// Logic
if (species === 'dog') {
// BSA Formula for dogs: 0.101 * (weight in kg)^(2/3)
// This is a standard approximation for veterinary BSA
var bsa = 0.101 * Math.pow(weightKg, (2/3));
var doseRate = 0; // mcg/m2
if (route === 'im_500') {
doseRate = 500;
} else {
doseRate = 375;
}
doseMcg = bsa * doseRate;
dexVolume = doseMcg / concentration;
// Antisedan for dogs is typically equal volume (mass ratio 10:1, concentration ratio 10:1)
antisedanVol = dexVolume;
} else {
// CAT Logic
// Label dose is 40 mcg/kg IM
doseMcg = weightKg * 40;
dexVolume = doseMcg / concentration;
// Antisedan for cats is typically half the volume
// Mass ratio is 5:1 (Antisedan mg : Dex mg).
// Dex is 0.5mg/mL. Antisedan is 5mg/mL.
// 1 mL Dex = 0.5 mg Dex.
// 0.5 mL Antisedan = 2.5 mg Antisedan.
// 2.5mg / 0.5mg = 5. Correct ratio.
antisedanVol = dexVolume * 0.5;
}
// Display Results
document.getElementById('displayWeight').innerText = weightKg.toFixed(2) + " kg";
document.getElementById('totalDoseMcg').innerText = Math.round(doseMcg) + " mcg";
document.getElementById('dexVolume').innerText = dexVolume.toFixed(2) + " mL";
document.getElementById('antisedanVolume').innerText = antisedanVol.toFixed(2) + " mL";
// Show result box
document.getElementById('resultBox').style.display = 'block';
}