Which drug is an alpha-2 agonist approved for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs?

• A. Atipamezole
• B. Medetomidine
• C. Yohimbine
• D. Glycopyrrolate

Answer: (B)

Alpha-2 receptor activation in the brain produces sedation and analgesia by dampening sympathetic outflow and neurotransmitter release, which is why these drugs are used to calm patients and provide pain relief before anesthesia. Medetomidine is a classic alpha-2 agonist used in dogs to achieve both sedation and analgesia, making it suitable as a sedative/an analgesic in canine patients. The other options don’t fit this role: atipamezole and yohimbine are alpha-2 antagonists used to reverse the effects of alpha-2 agonists, not to provide sedation or analgesia; glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that reduces secretions and helps manage vagal responses but does not provide sedation or analgesia.