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Acepromazine

Acepromazine for Dogs & Cats

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM

What is it used for? | How does it work? | How is it given? | Dosage | Safety concerns

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Acepromazine for cats and dogs is a sedative that helps keep pets calm and still before a medical procedure or during travel. It does not control pain. Acepromazine is the generic name of the medication, and it is often referred to as “ace.” Brand names include PromAce and Aceprotabs. It is available by prescription only for cats and dogs as well as some livestock, including goats, horses, sheep, cattle and pigs.

If you have a prescription for acepromazine, our dog pharmacy or cat pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource can ship it directly to your door. 

What is acepromazine used for? 

When your pet needs a procedure or operation that requires anesthesia, they may be given the dopamine antagonist acepromazine. It works as a tranquilizer for cats and dogs.

Making sure your pet is still and calm during the administration of anesthesia is vital since providing just the right dose is critical.

The use of acepromazine before vet services that require anesthesia is common. It may also be prescribed to treat your pet’s symptoms if they are exposed to drugs that are toxic or to prevent car sickness when traveling since acepromazine is also an antiemetic. 

How does acepromazine work?

The nervous system is responsible for sending out messages via neurotransmitters in the body. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that help control motor function.

It is believed that the cat and dog medication acepromazine works by temporarily blocking dopamine receptors or inhibiting dopamine activity in other ways, which helps limit your pet’s motor function and aids sedation. It’s not designed to relieve anxiety or pain, so your pet might be given acepromazine alongside other medications. Acepromazine works to calm your pet’s movements and help ensure a medical procedure can be done effectively.

How is acepromazine given?

If the medication is being used prior to anesthesia or in a vet setting, it will likely be given as an injectable solution. Other forms include oral tablets, including ace 10 mg for dogs and cats and acepromazine 25 mg for dogs and cats. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate form for your pet. Acepromazine is a powerful tranquilizer, so be sure to follow instructions carefully. If you miss a dose, never try to make up for it by giving two doses at once.

How much acepromazine should I give my pet?

Feline and canine dosages of acepromazine vary depending on existing health conditions, what’s being treated, age, breed, species and any other medications your pet may be taking. It’s only available by prescription and should only be used for the pet it is prescribed for.

Are there any safety concerns when using the cat and dog sedative acepromazine?

Certain dog breeds that are prone to an MDR1 ABCB1 mutation may be more sensitive to this medication. Use with caution. Brachycephalic dogs as well as giant dog breeds may also have an increased risk of side effects.  Greyhounds, Whippets and Boxers may also have a sensitivity. Acepromazine should be used with severe caution in pets with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or low blood pressure. The acepromazine dosage for dogs of these breeds may have to be lowered, or another tranquilizer may be given altogether.

If your pet receives an overdose of the medication, side effects may include low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, decreased tear product in cats, pain at injection site and urine discoloration. If you suspect your pet has overdosed or they experience any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency vet clinic immediately—overdoses can be fatal.

Other acepromazine side effects in dogs and pets can include hyperactivity, aggression, difficulty controlling their body temperature, sexual arousal, prolonged erections in male horses and exposure of the third eyelid in cats and dogs.

Always consult your veterinarian about your pet’s full medical history before starting them on acepromazine. It can counteract with other medications like antacids and other tranquilizers or sedatives, including over-the-counter medications like the antidiarrheal drug Kaopectate. Your vet should also know if your pet has been exposed to organophosphorus insecticides.

Always store medication according to the instructions on the product’s label. Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Consult your vet if your pet experiences any side effects or you have questions. 

Additional FAQs About Acepromazine

Will acepromazine make my dog sleep?

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Most likely, yes. Tranquilizers such as acepromazine primarily act as a chemical restraint to help to keep pets still. This will encourage sleep. 

How long will acepromazine stay in my dog’s system?

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Some pets metabolize medication differently than others, but in general, acepromazine takes around 45 minutes to take effect and will last up to 24 hours. This medication’s effects may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. If you’re using acepromazine to keep your pet calm during travel, talk to your vet about having a trial run before the trip to make sure there are no negative reactions.

Can acepromazine make my dog shake?

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Seizures are a rare side effect of this medication. If they occur, contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately. When obtaining a prescription for tranquilizers or sedatives, always discuss any previous issues regarding seizures with your vet and let them know if your pet is currently on medication to control epilepsy. 

What will acepromazine do to my dog?

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When your dog is given acepromazine, they will usually appear to be more relaxed. The medication will reduce their vocalization, and they may lay down and become quiet. They may also appear a little woozy and unsteady—this is a common occurrence with tranquilizers. They’ll most likely become tired and sleep. 

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