Hypnorm

Hypnorm is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily in veterinary medicine for the induction of anesthesia and analgesia. It is a combination of two active ingredients: fentanyl, a potent opioid analgesic, and fluanisone, a strong neuroleptic agent.

Composition and Formulation

Hypnorm is a sterile injectable solution that contains 0.315 mg/mL of fentanyl citrate and 10 mg/mL of fluanisone. The drug is typically supplied in multi-dose vials and is administered via intramuscular injection.

Pharmacology

The two active ingredients in Hypnorm, fentanyl and fluanisone, work synergistically to produce a state of deep sedation and analgesia. Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing the perception of pain. Fluanisone is a neuroleptic agent that inhibits the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood and behavior.

Clinical Use

Hypnorm is used in a variety of veterinary procedures, including surgeries and diagnostic tests, where deep sedation and analgesia are required. It is particularly useful in procedures that are painful or stressful for the animal, such as dental work, orthopedic surgeries, and endoscopic procedures.

Side Effects

As with all medications, Hypnorm can cause side effects. The most common side effects are related to the drug's sedative and analgesic effects and include drowsiness, decreased respiratory rate, and decreased heart rate. Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Hypnorm should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or fluanisone. It should also be used with caution in animals with severe respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

See Also

• Anesthesia in animals
• Veterinary medicine
• Pharmacology
• Opioid
• Neuroleptic