romifidine

Romifidine is a veterinary sedative and analgesic primarily used in large animals such as horses. It is a small molecule drug structurally related to clonidine and belongs to the imidazoline class. Romifidine acts as an agonist at the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor subtype, producing sedation and analgesia by stimulating presynaptic alpha-2 receptors in the central nervous system. This leads to decreased sympathetic outflow, resulting in sedation, muscle relaxation, and some degree of pain relief. The drug is notable for causing less ataxia compared to other alpha-2 agonists like xylazine or detomidine, making it popular for standing procedures in horses. Side effects can include bradycardia and respiratory depression; yohimbine may be used as an antidote to reverse its effects rapidly[1][4][5]. Romifidine is not approved for use in humans.

Brand names

Sedivet

Other names

RomifidinaRomifidinumn-(2-bromo-6-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1h-imidazol-2-amine