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Dormosedan Gel Brochure
A comprehensive guide to the only FDA-approved oral sedative designed specifically for horses.
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Dormosedan® Gel
(detomidine hydrochloride)
Dormosedan Gel is the oral formulation of the #1 veterinarian-trusted equine sedative1 that reliably keeps horses calm and helps handlers stay safe.
Why and when to use Dormosedan Gel
Dormosedan Gel is a veterinarian-prescribed mild standing sedative for horses that can be given by horse owners before non-painful procedures or stressful situations as a safe alternative to physical restraints. This easy-to-use oromucosal gel comes in a single-dose syringe and is administered under the horse's tongue. It helps to calm nervous or uncooperative horses when a veterinarian is not present, and enhances safety for both horses and handlers, making it ideal for farrier work, first aid, and other husbandry tasks. For more information, see the full Dormosedan Gel Prescribing Information.
Use cases for Dormosedan Gel
Farrier work
Bandaging
Basic first aid
Fireworks
First-time supervised turnout on a dry lot for fractious horses
Mane pulling
Body clipping
Sheath cleaning
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Benefits of Dormosedan Gel
For horse care and husbandry procedures where horses may become too anxious to work with safely, acquiring prescription Dormosedan Gel from a veterinarian ahead of time can provide peace of mind and a helping hand to facilitate safe experiences.
Mild-standing sedative prescribed by your veterinarian, given by you
Easy-to-use, single-dose syringe administered under the horse’s tongue
Ranked #1 in ease of administration among pain and sedation products by veterinarians1
Reliable and consistent sedation that lasts up to 180 minutes
What to expect during sedation
Onset of sedation
40 minutes
Length of sedation
90–180 minutes
Recovery time
3–4 hours
How to use Dormosedan Gel
Follow the step-by-step process below for proper administration
Step 1
- Use impermeable gloves when handling the product
- Remove the horse’s access to all food and water sources
- Turn the ring-stop on the plunger until the ring slides freely up and down
Step 2
- Use a weight tape to determine the proper dosage and adjust the ring to the desired volume
- Turn the ring to secure it in place
- Make sure the horse’s mouth contains no feed
Step 3
- Remove the cap and place the syringe tip into the corner of the horse’s mouth, UNDERNEATH THE TONGUE
- Depress the plunger until the ring-stop contacts the barrel, depositing the product beneath the tongue
Step 4
- Take the syringe, recap it and return it to the carton for disposal
- Keep the horse in a safe, quiet area for at least 40 minutes while sedation takes effect
- Withhold food and water until the effects wear off
Dosing guide
| Approximate body weight (lbs) | Dose volume (mL) |
|---|---|
| 330–439 | 1.00 |
| 440–549 | 1.25 |
| 550–659 | 1.50 |
| 660-769 | 1.75 |
| 770-879 | 2.00 |
| 880-989 | 2.25 |
| 990-1,099 | 2.50 |
| 1,100-1,209 | 2.75 |
| 1,210-1,320 | 3.00 |
FAQs
How do I obtain a prescription from my veterinarian?
You must have an established client relationship with a veterinarian to be prescribed Dormosedan Gel. Reach out to your veterinarian to discuss whether this product is right for your horse.
How should the product be handled?
Wear impermeable gloves when handling the dosing syringe that contains detomidine hydrochloride gel. For a minimum of 2 hours after administration, wear impermeable gloves when performing any tasks that require contact with the horse’s mouth. If you have or have had a history of cardiovascular disease (for example, hypertension or heart attack) take special precautions and avoid direct exposure to the dosing syringe. Do not come in contact with the mouth or any saliva of any horse that was treated with hydrochloride detomidine gel for a minimum of 2 hours.
How can I make sure that I'm administering Dormosedan Gel properly?
Use an equine weight tape or scale to check the horse’s body weight prior to administration. The dosing table provides the dose volume to administer for the horse’s body weight. Dormosedan Gel must be administered UNDER THE HORSE’S TONGUE and is NOT meant to be swallowed. It takes approximately 40 minutes for a horse to become fully sedate and the sedative effect lasts about 90 to 180 minutes. For best results, do not interact with the horse between the administration of Dormosedan Gel and beginning the procedure. If the horse is still sedate after completing the procedure, let him recover in a warm, quiet place and withhold food and water until the sedative has worn off. Consult your veterinarian for further instructions. The syringe is designed to be used only once. Partially used syringes should be properly discarded.
What should I expect after administering Dormosedan Gel?
Following appropriate dosing of the gel, your horse should be kept in a quiet area. As the drug takes effect, you will typically see the head lower and the front legs plant in a firm stance. Onset of sedation usually takes about 40 minutes. You may also notice slight swaying, sweating, salivation and muscle tremors. Be careful when handling sedated horses. Handling or any other sudden stimuli, including noise, may cause a defense reaction (for example, kicking) even in a horse that appears to be fully sedated. It may take up to 3 to 4 hours for the horse to recover from sedation. If the horse is still sedate after completing the procedure, let him recover in a warm, quiet place and withhold food and water until the sedative has worn off.
Minor first aid is hard because my horse is reactive. How can I make these procedures easier and safer for me and my horse?
If your horse becomes injured and fractious, or simply won’t cooperate, administering Dormosedan Gel, a mild sedative available with a prescription from your veterinarian, can help restore calm and help prevent further injury. It’s helpful to have a few tubes on hand in your equine first-aid kits for stressful situations or emergencies, such as treating an injury, bandage changes, hoof trimming or shoeing, and minor nonpainful procedures. We encourage you to work with a veterinarian for additional guidance on emergency care and first aid.
My horse gets stressed by fireworks and other unexpected loud noises. How can I help my horse stay calm?
Some horses may exhibit fireworks-related anxiety, such as galloping, sweating, trembling and damaging fences. Talk to your veterinarian about obtaining a prescription for Dormosedan Gel ahead of time to help keep your horse calm, avoid injuries and ensure a stress-free holiday.
Where can I find more information regarding handler use and safety?
For more FAQs regarding handler use and safety when using Dormosedan Gel, view this handler use and safety information sheet.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Dormosedan Gel
Do not use DORMOSEDAN GEL in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Do not use in anesthetized or sedated horses, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude. Handle gel-dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth. See full Prescribing Information here.
Quest Gel & Quest Plus Gel
Do not use Quest Gel or Quest Plus Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses. Do not use in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
For rebate details and requirements, visit the Zoetis Rebate Center, available at EquineRewards.com. Limit of two rebate submissions per household. Maximum rebate of $3 per submission for a total of $6 rebate per person.
*Receipts must be itemized (include product name, package size and price) and must include veterinarian or retailer name. Credit card receipts are not valid. One receipt per image uploaded.
References
1. Zoetis Inc. Data on file. Equine pain and sedation market research. October 2023.
2. Zoetis Inc. Data on file. Study Report No. B951R-US-20-160