The veterinary anesthetic telazol is a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam. Abuse of the agent can result in serious toxicity and death.
Tiletamine is a dissociative anesthetic (classified as an NMDA receptor antagonist) related to ketamine.
Zolazepam is a tranquilizer derived from diazepine that reduces some of the side effects of tiletamine.
Adverse effects may include:
(1) muscle hypertonicity
(2) neurologic symptoms (impaired consciousness, agitation, abnormal behavior, seizures)
(3) hypertension
(4) tachycardia
Risk factors for serious adverse effects:
(1) excessive dose
(2) abuse with other intoxicants, such as alcohol
(3) abuse alone
