SINGLE-DOSE PHARMACOKINETICS OF MEDETOMIDINE IN SHEEP

The pharmacokinetics of medetomidine hydrochloride (Domitor) administe red at a single dose of 15 mu g/kg IV in sheep are described. Plasma m edetomidine concentrations were determined using a sensitive radiorece ptor assay technique, capable of also measuring metabolites which woul d bind to alpha(2) adrenergic receptors, Medetomidine was rapidly dist ributed, with a half-life of distribution of 4.65+/-0.65 min. The appa rent volume of distribution was 2.69+/-0.62 L/kg, while elimination ha lf-life was 37.85+/-2.84 min. Total body clearance varied between 16.2 9 and 151.81 mL/min . kg. Pharmacological effects of medetomidine para lleled its plasma concentration.