What are the medications for mice called?

What are the medications for mice called? - briefly

Drugs used to control or treat mice are classified as rodenticides, commonly including anticoagulant compounds such as warfarin and bromadiolone. In laboratory research, therapeutic agents given to mice are referred to as murine pharmaceuticals.

What are the medications for mice called? - in detail

Mice used in research are treated with a defined set of pharmaceuticals that differ from those prescribed for humans. The agents are selected for efficacy, safety, and compatibility with the species’ physiology.

Analgesics and anti‑inflammatory drugs commonly administered to rodents include:

  • Buprenorphine (partial µ‑opioid agonist) – long‑acting pain relief, typically 0.05–0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously.
  • Meloxicam (COX‑2 selective NSAID) – 1–5 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously, used for moderate postoperative pain.
  • Carprofen – 5 mg/kg orally, alternative NSAID for mild to moderate discomfort.
  • Tramadol – 10–20 mg/kg orally, occasional use when opioid alternatives are unsuitable.

Antibiotics employed to prevent or treat bacterial infections are:

  • Enrofloxacin – 10–20 mg/kg subcutaneously or orally, broad‑spectrum fluoroquinolone.
  • Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole – 30 mg/kg orally, effective against many Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms.
  • Amoxicillin – 20–30 mg/kg orally, for susceptible strains.
  • Gentamicin – 5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, reserved for severe infections due to nephrotoxicity.

Anesthetic agents used for induction and maintenance of surgical anesthesia include:

  • Isoflurane – inhalational, 1–3 % vapor in oxygen, rapid onset and recovery.
  • Ketamine – 80–100 mg/kg intraperitoneally, often combined with xylazine (5–10 mg/kg) for balanced anesthesia.
  • Medetomidine – 0.1–0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, provides sedation and analgesia, reversible with atipamezole.

Sedatives and muscle relaxants applied in specific protocols:

  • Diazepam – 1–2 mg/kg intraperitoneally, for anxiety reduction and seizure control.
  • Midazolam – 2–5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, short‑acting benzodiazepine.
  • Atracurium – 0.5 mg/kg intravenously, neuromuscular blockade during intubation.

Immunosuppressive and anti‑cancer drugs used in experimental models:

  • Cyclosporine A – 10 mg/kg orally, suppresses T‑cell activity.
  • Dexamethasone – 0.5–1 mg/kg subcutaneously, anti‑inflammatory and immunosuppressive.
  • Cisplatin – 3–5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, chemotherapy agent for tumor studies.

Each compound is formulated for rodent use, often as sterile solutions or pre‑measured pellets. Dosages are calculated on a per‑kilogram basis, with adjustments for strain, age, and health status. Administration routes follow standard veterinary practice: subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, oral gavage, or inhalation, depending on the drug’s pharmacokinetic profile. Monitoring includes clinical observation, weight tracking, and, when necessary, blood chemistry to detect adverse effects.