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Acepromazine in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Acepromazine

Updated on September 10, 2024

Acepromazine is a tranquilizer and sedative; acepromazine does not provide analgesia and anxiolytic effects are minimal.

Acepromazine

Summary

Used For: Preanesthetic, sedative, tranquilizer, vasodilator and antiemetic.

Brands: Promace

Species: Dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs

Other names: Ace

Drug type: Sedative

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

Can increase seizures in some animals that already have a history of seizures, can cause vasodilation

General description

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer and sedative that is used in domestic species. Acepromazine is used frequently in veterinary medicine to sedate or aid in anesthesia for animals. [Buy Acepromazine now on Petco.](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/brand/promace) A prescription from your veterinarian may be needed to purchase.

Uses

Acepromazine is labeled for use to sedate animals for minor procedures, alleviate itching and prevent vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs and cats. It may also be used prior to anesthesia and surgery. *Wording in Plumb’s: Used as a sedative/tranquilizer, alone or in balanced anesthetic protocols; also can be used in dogs and cats as an antipruritic and to control motion sickness, as adjunctive treatment of urethral obstruction in male cats, and laminitis in horses *Wording per Acepromazine Maleate Tablets 25 mg. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6c3301b6-7bfe-41ce-91b6-c1e7f14bf2e4&type=display **As an aid in tranquilization and as a preanesthetic agent in dogs. **Acepromazine Tablets can be used as an aid in controlling intractable animals during examination, treatment, grooming, x-ray and minor surgical procedures.

How it works

Acepromazine causes sedation by blocking the dopaminergic receptors in the central nervous system, as well as blocking the alpha receptors on the smooth muscles of vessels, which causes vasodilation.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 0.025-0.1 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly, intravenously or subcutaneously in a single dose for anesthesia, 0.5-2.2 milligrams per kilogram every 6-8 hours by mouth for sedation. **Cats**: 0.025-0.1 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly, intravenously or subcutaneously in a single dose for anesthesia, 1.1-2.2 milligrams per kilogram every 6-8 hours by mouth for sedation.

Forms

Tablets: 5, 10, 25 milligram Injectable form: 10 milligram/milliliter

Storage information & handling

Tablets should be stored at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.

What results can I expect?

Animals will become sedate within 20-30 minutes after administration. Sedative effects can last 3-4 hours after administration.

Missed Dosage

This medication is used for occasionally use only.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Dogs should not be given more than 3 mg total.

Side effects

May include: * Vasodilation * Weakness * Pale gums * Can make aggressive tendencies worse or more unpredictable * Can increase seizure activity

Contraindications

Do not use in animals with: * Liver disease * A history of seizures * Pregnant animals Acepromazine should not be used in combination with other drugs that cause vasodilation. Do not use acepromazine to control tremors associated with organic phosphate poisoning.

Drug interactions

Acepromazine should not be used in combination with any other medication that can increase seizure potential or cause vasodilation.

Precaution

Do not use in pregnant animals. Do not use in animals intended for human consumption. Use caution as a solo agent in animals with a history of aggression.

Sources

*Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs*

Boehringer Ingelheim 

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.