Medetomidine HCl/Ketamine HCl/Butorphanol Tartrate/Midazolam HCl Injectable
Medetomidine HCl/Ketamine HCl/Butorphanol Tartrate/Midazolam HCl is a four-drug injectable anesthesia cocktail used for profound sedation and anesthesia in veterinary patients. This combination adds a benzodiazepine (midazolam) for muscle relaxation to the sedative (medetomidine), dissociative anesthetic (ketamine), and opioid (butorphanol), allowing for very deep sedation with multiple reversible components for safe recovery (often utilized in wildlife or specialized pet procedures).
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
