- Domidine is a generic version of detomidine, an alpha-2 agonist used as a sedative and analgesic in horses.
- The product is indicated to facilitate minor surgical and diagnostic procedures in horses.
- Dechra said Domidine has been available internationally for more than a decade, including in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.
- According to the company, more than 7 million doses have been used globally since 2016.
- Dechra is positioning the U.S. launch as an additional, cost-effective detomidine option that can be incorporated into existing equine sedation protocols.
- Domidine should not be used in horses intended for human consumption, and the prescribing information includes additional contraindications and precautions.
Equine veterinarians in the United States have another detomidine option following Dechra’s launch of Domidine (detomidine hydrochloride), a generic equine sedative and analgesic already established in several international markets.
Domidine is an alpha-2 agonist indicated for use as a sedative and analgesic in horses to facilitate minor surgical and diagnostic procedures.
The U.S. introduction expands Dechra’s equine sedation portfolio while providing practitioners with another product option within a familiar therapeutic category.
More than a decade of international use
Although new to the U.S. market, Domidine has been used by veterinarians internationally for more than a decade, according to Dechra.
The product is established in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico. Dechra said more than 7 million doses have been used globally since 2016.
“Veterinarians deserve the flexibility to choose the sedation protocol that best meets the needs of each horse and procedure,” said Greg Schmid, DVM, equine medical affairs lead at Dechra. “With more than 10 years of use in international markets, Domidine brings a well-established detomidine option to veterinarians in the United States.”
Dechra said the generic product is designed to integrate into existing sedation protocols and provide practices with a cost-effective detomidine option.
Sedation and analgesia for equine procedures
Detomidine is used in equine medicine to provide sedation and analgesia for a range of clinical situations.
Dechra said Domidine is intended to give veterinarians an additional choice when selecting sedation protocols based on the needs of individual horses, procedures and practices.
Erik Bergman, DVM, Dipl. ECVSMR, co-founder and managing partner of SMDC Netherlands and vice president of ISELP, said sedation and analgesia are routinely required in his sports medicine practice for diagnostic imaging, treatment, clinical education and wet labs.
Important safety information
Domidine Sterile Solution should not be used in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular or sinoatrial block, severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease or chronic renal failure.
Intravenous potentiated sulfonamides should not be administered to anesthetized or sedated horses.
According to the safety information provided by Dechra, careful consideration should also be given before use in horses approaching or experiencing endotoxic or traumatic shock; horses with advanced liver or kidney disease; and animals under stress from extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude.
Domidine should not be used in horses intended for human consumption. Dosing syringes should be handled carefully to avoid direct exposure to the skin, eyes or mouth.
Veterinarians should consult the full prescribing information for complete indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
