General Description: Acepromazine is commonly used in dogs and cats as a sedative and as a pre-anesthetic agent. It may be used to prevent vomiting, alleviate various behavior issues, reduce itching and more. This medication should only be given to the pet which it was prescribed. Acepromazine is available in 5 mg, 10 mg and 25 mg tablets.
What is this drug?
Acepromazine is a neuroleptic agent; used as a tranquillizer in pets
Acepromazine can be given by mouth, or at your veterinarian’s as an injection
Reasons for prescribing:
Used to help sedate animals for minor procedures (grooming, veterinary examination, treatment, minor surgical procedures, etc.)
Used to prevent nausea/motion sickness
To alleviate fear, nervousness, excessive vocalization
Used as a pre-anesthetic agent before an animal is anesthetized
To keep heart rhythm stable under certain conditions
To alleviate itching due to skin irritations
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Use with caution in Boxers and Sighthounds (greyhounds, whippets, wolfhounds, etc.) are sensitive
Use with caution in pets with history of liver disease or blood abnormalities
Those in shock, or animals with tetanus or suffering strychnine poisoning
Pets exposed to organophosphate insecticides, including flea collars, within a month of using acepromazine
Pets currently using other depressants
Pets with high blood pressure or other circulation problems
Pets with seizure disorders
Geriatrics or those in a weakened state
Pregnant or nursing animals
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to acepromazine or other phenothiazines
Directions:
Acepromazine tablets are absorbed differently by different animals. Some pets will appear heavily sedated, while others will be hardly tranquilized. The dose may need to be individualized by your veterinarian based upon your pet’s response.
Most effective if given when the animal is not stimulated or excited.
Acepromazine’s effects are expected to last 6-8 hours.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store acepromazine in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Pet’s third eyelid will rise partly over eye. This is a normal reaction to the drug and not harmful to the pet.
Because the drug depresses the central nervous system, the pet will experience sedation, depression, lack of coordination, low blood pressure, slower heart rate and breathing
Rarely, some pets show aggressive behavior (aggression, biting, chewing, nervousness)
Possible thermoregulation difficulties; pet may become too hot or too cold
Pale gums
Urine may turn pink or red-brown
Constipation
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with aminoglycoside antibiotics, antacids, atropine, barbiturates, bismuth subsalicylate compounds, epinephrine, kaolin-pectin, organophosphate insecticides (including flea collars and many products used outdoor flea treatment products), procaine, propranolol, phenylpropanolamine, phenytoin, quinidine and tricyclic antidepressants.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, acepromazine should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about acepromazine. If you have any questions or concerns about acepromazine or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
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