Rakelin
Reserpine is a naturally occurring substance used for centuries in herbal medicine in India. It is extracted from the root of Rauwolfia serpentina or Rauwolfia vomitoria plants. In horses, is it predominantly used as a long-term sedative. Horse owners are more likely to know it as Rakelin, an injectable medication
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
RAKELIN causes a rapid release of the nerve system transmitters norepinephrine and serotonin from bount stores in the brain, subjecting them to rapid destruction by the body's own enzyme, monoamine oxidase (MOA). While "bound" the stores are notavailable to MOA. Norepinephrine and serotonin have potent effects on the metabolism of the brain. High levels (especially of norepinephrine) cause stimulation of cerebral activity and anxiety.
Lowered levels depress cerebral activity resulting in relaxation and calmness. Norepinephrine and serotonin, on release from the bound stores, undergo rapid destruction by MOA. The net depletion of these substances creates the calming and relaxing efects of RAKELIN.These effects continue for many days after administration, because levels are restored only slowly.
INDICATIONS
RAKELIN is particularly indicated where a prolonged effect to calm horses and reduce anxiety states is required, especially in the handling and management of dangerously anxious horses. Useful as an aid when unfamiliar surroundings and/or unaccustomed stress create anxiety in horses, and as a calming agent to aid in the training and education of stressed young horses.
RAKELIN produces a prolonged calming effect withou sedation, drowsiness, or loss of coordination, and vicious or dangerously anxious horses will become relaxed, sopciable and co-operative with continued treatment.
RAKELIN is indicated in any situation where stress/anxiety in horses is difficult to manage. Before using on horses that will be involved in competitive activities, the pre-competition withdrawal period should be ascertained (this may vary from one country to another depending on laboratory methods used for substance detection).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Give RAKELIN by intramuscular injection only. The dose administered must be sufficient to deplete Norepinephrine and Serotonin stores. Because the initial levels of these stores will vary from horse to horse, the veterinarian must be prepared to vary the dose to achieve optimum efficacy. A useful clinical sign is the brief period of diarrhoea which accompanies the initial release of bound Serotonin before its destruction by MOA. This period of increased bowel activity is a reliable indicator that the desired behavioural response should follow.
Adult Horses:
1 - 4mL weekly, or as directed by a veterinary surgeon. Give by intramuscular injection only. Some veterinarians advice giving 2 - 4mL on alternate days until desired response is achieved. Then repeat injections of 2 - 4mL at 4 - 8 days intervals. This dosage regime may be altered to suit the individual animal response. Lack of response is almost always the result of under dosing.
WARNINGS: RAKELIN may produce penile relaxation. Stallion which have been treated with RAKELIN should not be used to serve mares for at least 14 days following injection.
