Ketamine HCl/Medetomidine HCl Injectable
Ketamine HCl/Medetomidine HCl is a compounded formulation containing Ketamine HCl, Medetomidine HCl, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.
Get Your Supplies Ready
- Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
- Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
- Attach needle to syringe
- Pull in air equal to the dose
- Insert needle into vial, push air in
- Draw out the correct dose
- Tap out air bubbles
Pick the Injection Site
- Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
- Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet
Prep the Area
- Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.
Inject the Medication
- Hold the syringe like a pencil
- Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
- Push the plunger slowly to inject
After the Injection
- Remove the needle smoothly
- Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
- Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat
Safety Tips
- Never reuse needles
- Always dispose of used needles properly
- Ask your vet for help if unsure
This compounded formulation combines ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with medetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, ketamine is considered for its influence on NMDA receptors while medetomidine is considered for its action on pre-synaptic alpha-2 receptors to modulate the release of norepinephrine. Commonly observed effects include behavioral shifts such as significant sedation, decreased heart rate and temporary changes in blood pressure. Your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of cardiovascular and respiratory status during and after administration. Owners should monitor for any unusual behavioral changes during the recovery phase and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.
Yes. This combination is a prescription controlled substance and can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab dispenses this to authorized clinics for professional use.
Yes. Mixlab specializes in compounding ketamine and medetomidine into customized injectable formats for professional veterinary use. The decision rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss this combination because it may be considered for achieving both sedation and comfort management through complementary mechanisms. Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate approach for your pet's procedure.
The duration of the behavioral shifts depends on the species and the specific dose administered. Your veterinarian will monitor your pet until they are alert and ready to return home.
After a sedative procedure, you should monitor for observational signs such as improved energy and a return to normal appetite. If your pet appears unusually weak or lethargic, contact your veterinarian for a clinical review.
