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Acepromazine maleate is a medication that is commonly used as a tranquillizer and sedative in dogs. It is a neuroleptic drug that is approved by the FDA and has low toxicity. Acepromazine for dogs is most commonly used as a pre-anesthetic drug to promote relaxation and calmness before we induce anesthesia for surgery
Dog acepromazine works by depressing the central nervous system and causing sedation, muscular relaxation, and a reduction in spontaneous activity. While it does not provide any pain relief, we may use it to control agitated animals during vet visits, procedures, and grooming, as well as to manage stress, anxiety, and sometimes motion sickness.
Acepromazine is a medication for dogs that acts as a sedative and tranquillizer by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. It is commonly used to provide mild sedation and restraint. Additionally, it can be used off-label to prevent vomiting and manage central nervous system (CNS) overstimulation caused by certain CNS stimulant drugs.
Acepromazine is available in both oral and injectable forms. The injectable form is better because of its reliability in providing consistent sedation and can be administered easily by your veterinary team.
While it is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects, including low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and respiratory depression. Due to these risks, acepromazine should only be used when prescribed by your veterinarian.
When acepromazine is administered to your dog, it takes effect within 30-60 minutes. The medication can last for several hours, depending on the dosage and your dog’s individual response. Please note that acepromazine does not provide pain relief, so it should never be used as a substitute for pain medication.
Acepromazine works by depressing the central nervous system, leading to sedation, muscular relaxation, and a reduction in spontaneous activity. Specifically, its calming effects by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating movement, emotion, and motivation. When dopamine is inhibited, it helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
At the animal hospital, we use acepromazine for a variety of purposes. The main reason why I use acepromazine in dogs is to reduce stress and anxiety before anesthesia and surgery. We also may use it as a sedative or tranquillizer to help calm very anxious or fearful dogs.
Here are some of the most common uses of acepromazine in dogs:
Acepromazine is often used as a pre-anesthetic medication before surgery. It can help calm your dog and make them more relaxed before they are given anesthesia, which improves their overall safety.
Although it can be used, as there are other, safer drugs available, I do not use acepromazine for chronic anxiety or phobias such as storms or fireworks.
Acepromazine can also be used to help prevent motion sickness in dogs. It works by reducing nausea and vomiting, which can be especially helpful for dogs that get car sick or experience motion sickness during air travel.
When it comes to administering acepromazine to dogs, you need to follow the correct dosing from your veterinarian. The dosage of acepromazine often varies depending on the dog's size and the desired level of sedation.
For oral administration, the typical dosage of acepromazine for dogs is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound of body weight. It is important to monitor your dog's response and behaviour after administering acepromazine. The injectable doses are much lower for dogs.
I recommend starting at the low end of the dosage range and increasing it if needed. Please rely on the guidance from your veterinarian.
The following table provides a general guideline for the oral dosage of acepromazine for dogs:
10 lbs: 2.5 - 10 mg
25 lbs: 6.25 - 25 mg
50 lbs: 12.5 - 50 mg
100 lbs: 25 - 100 mg
🚨 Overdosing or incorrect administration could lead to serious side effects such as slowed breathing, slowed heart rate, unconsciousness, seizures, and death. Please only use when prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you suspect that your dog has overdosed on acepromazine, please get in touch with your veterinarian for immediate advice. Overdoses of acepromazine can cause significant depression of the nervous system in dogs.
Symptoms of an overdose may include excessive sedation, lethargy, severe weakness, pale gums, incoordination, changes in pupil size, agitation, shallow breathing, collapse, and seizures.
In the event of an overdose, your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to absorb the medication and provide supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and monitoring of vital signs to ensure your dog’s safety.
Although acepromazine can effectively treat anxiety and fear in dogs, it is important to understand the potential side effects and risks that come with its use. Some of the most common side effects include lethargy, increased noise sensitivity, and low blood pressure.
Interestingly, some dogs exhibit unexpected reactions such as hyperactivity, aggression, biting/chewing, and nervousness after taking acepromazine.
Additionally, as acepromazine can reduce core body temperature due to its vasodilatory effects, I recommend monitoring your dog's temperature, especially if your dog is in a cold environment.
In very severe cases, the use of acepromazine can lead to cardiovascular collapse due to low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. This is why it is important to always speak with your veterinarian before administering this medication to your dog.
Please be aware of the following precautions and contraindications of using acepromazine in your dog.
It is important to inform your veterinarian of any pre-existing medical conditions or medications your dog is taking before administering acepromazine. These include vitamins, supplements, and herbal therapies.
When administering acepromazine to your dog, please be aware of potential drug interactions. Here are some medications that may interact with acepromazine:
In summary, acepromazine is commonly used in dogs as a pre-anesthetic to provide sedation and calmness before procedures. Its sedative effects can also help dogs in stressful situations, like travel or vet visits. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully for dosage and administration, and be aware of potential drug interactions or side effects. Always inform your vet about any medications your dog is taking before giving acepromazine, and monitor for any reactions.
If you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian.
