Veterinary teams now have another dexmedetomidine option to consider when reviewing sedation, analgesia and anaesthesia protocols, following the UK launch of Dexmedocord® by Accord Animal Health.
Dexmedocord® is a dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats. It is classified as POM-V and is available through major UK veterinary wholesalers.
Accord Animal Health said the launch is intended to support practices looking for competitively priced veterinary medicines at a time of continued cost pressure across the sector. The product is also supported by commercial rebates.
What the product is indicated for
Dexmedocord® is indicated in dogs and cats for non-invasive, mildly to moderately painful procedures and examinations requiring restraint, sedation and analgesia.
In dogs, it is also indicated for deep sedation and analgesia when used with butorphanol for medical and minor surgical procedures.
The product can also be used as a premedication in dogs and cats before induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia.
Dexmedetomidine is the active dextrorotatory enantiomer of medetomidine and is widely used in small animal practice as part of sedation and anaesthesia planning.
Practical points for practice teams
The Summary of Product Characteristics states that the product is for intravenous or intramuscular use in dogs, and intramuscular use in cats.
The product contains 0.5 mg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride per ml, equivalent to 0.42 mg dexmedetomidine. Pack sizes listed in the SPC include one 10 ml vial and packs of ten 10 ml vials, although not all pack sizes may be marketed.
The SPC states that no special temperature storage conditions are required. After first opening, the product may be stored for three months at 20°C to 25°C.
As with any sedative or anaesthetic medicine, teams should refer to the full SPC before use, including contraindications, dosing tables, monitoring requirements, adverse event information and user safety precautions.
Safety and handling considerations
The SPC states that Dexmedocord® should not be used in animals with cardiovascular disorders, severe systemic disease, moribund animals, or where there is known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
Administration to puppies younger than 16 weeks and kittens younger than 12 weeks has not been studied.
The product information also notes that treated animals should be kept warm during the procedure and recovery, and that regular monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function should be performed. It also states that induction and volatile anaesthetic requirements may be reduced when dexmedetomidine is used as a premedicant.
For users, the SPC warns that the product can cause sedation and changes in blood pressure after exposure, and that care should be taken to avoid accidental oral exposure, self-injection, and skin, eye or mucosal contact.
Accord’s first UK POM-V launch
“Veterinary practices need trusted products backed by accessible pricing and reliable supply,” said Bob Ferguson, Director of Animal Health at Accord Animal Health. “Dexmedocord® marks an important milestone as our first POM-V pharmaceutical launch in the UK and reflects the established expertise and strong heritage in high-quality pharmaceuticals that we bring through the wider Accord group. As we continue to grow our animal health portfolio, our aim is to support UK practices with solutions that reflect the needs of the veterinary profession.”
Accord said Dexmedocord® is the first in a planned series of POM-V launches from the company. Its animal health portfolio also includes nutraceutical products.
