What is Acepromazine Injection?

Acepromazine Injection, a potent neuroleptic agent with a low order of toxicity, is of particular value in the tranquilization of dogs, cats and horses. Its rapid action and lack of hypnotic effect are added advantages. Acepromazine Injection can be used as an aid in controlling intractable animals during examination, treatment, grooming, x-ray and minor surgical procedures; to alleviate itching as a result of skin irritation; as an antiemetic to control vomiting associated with motion sickness. Acepromazine Injection is particularly useful as a pre-anesthetic agent (1) to enhance and prolong the effects of barbiturates, thus reducing the requirements for general anesthesia; (2) and as an adjunct to surgery under local anesthesia. Acepromazine Injection requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Benefits:

• For the tranquilization of dogs, cats, and horses
• Rapid action
• No hypnotic effect
• Can be used to control difficult animals during examination, grooming, x-ray and minor surgical procedures
• Can be used to alleviate itching or to control vomiting associated with motion sickness
• May be used to enhance and prolong the effects of barbiturates or as an adjunct to surgery under local anesthesia
• Endless possible applications
• Low order of toxicity

How does Acepromazine Injection work?

Acepromazine Injection has a depressant effect on the central nervous system and, therefore, causes sedation, muscular relaxation and a reduction in spontaneous activity. It acts rapidly, exerting a prompt and pronounced calming effect.

Cautions:

Tranquilizers are potent central nervous system depressants and they can cause marked sedation with suppression of the sympathetic nervous system. Tranquilizers can produce prolonged depression or motor restlessness when given in excessive amounts or when given to sensitive animals. Tranquilizers are additive in action to the actions of other depressants and will potentiate general anesthesia. Tranquilizers should be administered in smaller doses and with greater care during general anesthesia and also to animals exhibiting symptoms of stress, debilitation, cardiac disease, sympathetic blockade, hypovolemia or shock. Acepromazine Injection, like other phenothiazine derivatives, is detoxified in the liver; therefore, it should be used with caution in animals with a previous history of liver dysfunction or leukopenia. Hypotension can occur after rapid intravenous injection causing cardiovascular collapse. Epinephrine is contraindicated for treatment of acute hypotension produced by phenothiazine-derivative tranquilizers since further depression of blood pressure can occur. Other pressor amines, such as norepinephrine or phenylephrine, are the drugs of choice. In horses, paralysis of the retractor penis muscle has been associated with the use of phenothiazine derivative tranquilizers. Such cases have occurred following the use of Acepromazine Injection. This risk should be duly considered prior to the administration of Acepromazine Injection to male horses (castrated and uncastrated). When given, the dosage should be carefully limited to the minimum necessary for the desired effect. At the time of tranquilization, it is not possible to differentiate between reversible protrusion of the penis (a normal clinical sign of narcosis) and the irreversible paralysis of the retractor muscle. The cause of this side reaction has not been determined. It has been postulated that such paralysis may occur when a tranquilizer is used in conjunction with testosterone (or in stallions). Accidental intracarotid injection in horses can produce clinical signs ranging from disorientation to convulsive seizures and death.

Brand Name:

Acepromazine Injection (VetOne)

Generic Name:

Acepromazine Maleate Injection

What is the most important thing I should know about Acepromazine Injection?

Acepromazine Injection can be used as an aid in controlling intractable animals during examination, treatment, grooming, x-ray and minor surgical procedures; to alleviate itching as a result of skin irritation; as an antiemetic to control vomiting associated with motion sickness. Acepromazine Injection is particularly useful as a pre-anesthetic agent (1) to enhance and prolong the effects of barbiturates, thus reducing the requirements for general anesthesia; (2) and as an adjunct to surgery under local anesthesia. It requires a prescription from your veterinarian. A syringe is not included.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Acepromazine Injection to my pet?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking any medications. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is pregnant, breeding, or lactating.

How should Acepromazine Injection be administered?

Acepromazine Injection may be given intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Follow your veterinarian's instructions exactly as directed. Dosage should be individualized depending upon the degree of tranquilization required. As a general rule of thumb, the dosage requirement in mg/lb of body weight decreases as the weight of the animal increases. For dogs, administer 0.25 to 0.5 mg/lb of body weight. For cats, administer 0.5 to 1 mg/lb of body weight. For horses, administer 2 to 4 mg/100 lbs of body weight. IV doses should be administered slowly, and a period of at least 15 minutes should be allowed for the drug to take full effect.

What are the potential side effects of Acepromazine Injection?

A few rare but serious occurrences of idiosyncratic reactions to acepromazine may occur in dogs following oral or parenteral administration. These potentially serious adverse reactions include behavioral disorders in dogs such as aggression, biting/chewing, and nervousness.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Acepromazine Injection?

If an overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What other drugs will affect Acepromazine Injection?

Phenothiazines may potentiate the toxicity of organophosphates and the activity of procaine hydrochloride. Therefore, do not use Acepromazine Injection (acepromazine maleate, USP) to control tremors associated with organic phosphate poisoning. Do not use in conjunction with organophosphorus vermifuges or ectoparasiticides, including flea collars. Do not use with procaine hydrochloride.