Synthadon vet.

To ensure accuracy of dosing, bodyweight should be accurately measured and an appropriately calibrated syringe should be used to administer the product.

Analgesia

Dogs: 0.5 to 1 mg methadone hydrochloride per kg bodyweight, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously (corresponding to 0.05 to 0.1 ml/kg)

Cats: 0.3 to 0.6 mg methadone hydrochloride per kg bodyweight, intramuscularly (corresponding to 0.03 to 0.06 ml/kg)

As the individual response to methadone is varied, and depends partly on the dosage, the age of the patient, individual differences in pain sensitivity and general condition the optimal dosing regimen should be individually based. In dogs onset of action is 1 hour following subcutaneous administration, approximately 15 minutes following intramuscular injection and within 10 minutes following intravenous injection. Duration of effect is approximately 4 hours following intramuscular or intravenous administration. In cats onset of action is 15 minutes following administration and the duration of effect is 4 hours in average. The animal should be examined regularly to assess if additional analgesia is subsequently required.

Premedication and/or neuroleptanalgesia

Dogs:

• Methadone HCl 0.5-1 mg/kg, IV, SC or IM

Combinations e.g.:

• Methadone HCl 0.5 mg/kg, IV + e.g. midazolam or diazepam

Induction with propofol, maintenance on isoflurane in oxygen.

• Methadone HCl 0.5 mg/kg + e.g acepromazine

Induction with thiopentone or propofol to effect, maintenance on isoflurane in oxygen or induction with diazepam and ketamine

• Methadone HCl 0.5 -1.0 mg/kg, IV or IM + α2-agonist (e.g. xylazine or medetomidine)

Induction with propofol, maintenance with isoflurane in combination with fentanyl or total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) protocol: maintenance with propofol in combination with fentanyl

TIVA protocol: induction propofol, to effect. Maintenance with propofol and remifentanil

Chemical-physical compatibility has only been demonstrated for dilutions 1:5 with the following solutions for infusion: sodium chloride 0.9%, Ringer solution, and glucose 5%.

Cats:

• Methadone HCl 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg, IM

- Induction with Benzodiazepine (e.g. midazolam) and dissociative (e.g. ketamine);

- With a tranquilizer (e.g. acepromazine) and NSAID (meloxicam) or sedative (e.g. α2-agonist);

- Induction with propofol, maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen.

Doses depend on the desired degree of analgesia and sedation, desired duration of effect and the concurrent use of other analgesics and anaesthetics.

When used in combination with other products, lower dosages can be used.

For safe use with other pharmaceuticals, reference must be made to the relevant product literature.

The stopper should not be punctured more than 20 times.