Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer that is used prior to anesthesia and surgery because of its sedative effects and its ability to prevent vomiting. It's also used as an aid in controlling excited animals during examinations, treatments, and grooming. Acepromazine requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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An effective tranquilizer
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Controls overly excitable animals
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Can prevent vomiting post-surgery
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Sold affordably per tablet
How it works:
Acepromazine is classified as a phenothiazine neuroleptic, which means it modifies the chemicals in your pets brain to change their behavior. Its a tranquilizer that depresses the central nervous system. The mechanism of action is not exactly known, however, its thought to block receptors of dopamine in the brain, a chemical used for cell-to-cell communication.
Cautions:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, heart disease, seizure disorders, or if the pet is pregnant or lactating. You should also mention other CNS (Central Nervous System) medications such as clomipramine, fluoxetine, and Reconcile or monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Anipryl, Selegiline, or Preventic Collar that you are giving or using on your pet.
More Information:
Brand Name Aceproject (Vetus), Aceprotabs (Vetus), PromAce (Fort Dodge)
Generic Name Acepromazine (ace PRO ma zeen)
What is the most important information I should know about Acepromazine: Acepromazine is a prescription medicine FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs only; however it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use acepromazine in cats. Acepromazine is available as 10mg and 25mg tablets. Each tablet is quarter scored. The usual dose for dogs and cats is 0.25-1 mg/lb. Acepromazine may color the urine pink. Occasionally, this medication may have an opposite effect causing stimulation, therefore this medication should not be used to treat aggression.
What is Acepromazine: Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer used by veterinarians as an aid in tranquilization and before using anesthesia. Acepromazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving acepromazine to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, heart disease, seizure disorders or if the pet is pregnant or lactating. Also mention other CNS medications, such as Phenobarbital, that your pet may be taking.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Acepromazine should be given 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to the procedure for the medication to take effect. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store acepromazine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include excess drowsiness, slow heart rate and breathing, unsteady movement, unconsciousness, low blood pressure or seizures.
What should I avoid while giving acepromazine to my pet: Do not give your pet epinephrine or CNS depressant medications such as Phenobarbital.
What are the possible side effects of acepromazine: Stop giving acepromazine and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue; or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects that have been reported but may resolve with continued treatment. Continue to give acepromazine and notify your veterinarian if your pet show signs of sedation, depression, incoordination, low blood pressure, slower heart rate and breathing. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect acepromazine: Before giving acepromazine, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given phenytoin, antiarrhythmics such as quinidine and beta blockers such as propranolol. Antidiarrheal medications and antacids may reduce the effectiveness of acepromazine.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about acepromazine written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Acepromazine is a prescription tranquilizer use by veterinarians in dogs and cats.
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Acepromazine is typically used prior to anesthesia and surgery because of its sedative effects and because it can prevent vomiting.
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It is also used as an aid in controlling excited animals during examination, treatment, and grooming.
Tip: Acepromazine may color the urine pink. Occasionally, this medication may have an opposite effect causing stimulation; therefore this medication should not be used to treat aggression.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Give 0.25–1 mg per pound of pet’s body weight by mouth. Should be given 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to the procedure
Horses:
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat.
Acepromazine:
Active Ingredient (per tablet)
Amount
Acepromazine Maleate
25 mg
Acepromazine
3.9
5
59
60
Thanks goodness
I have a very hyper dog that both knees had to have surgery. "Rupture anterior cruciate ligament with a torn medial meniscus". Before and after surgery he has to be in his crate for 24/7. Without Acepromazine not sure how he could cope with being in that crate. Does not get out of his crate until around August.
Yet Acpromazine does not slow him down when people come over or he is excite, other than that thank goodness he is sleeping . No side effect for this guy. Can't wait until he is back running around and off all of these meds that he has been taking since Jan. 2011
06/23/2011
Great for flying
I gave my 6 lb., 8 month old puppy Kaity 2.5 mg. (1/4 tab) of Acepromazine 20 minutes prior to her first airline flight. She slept on my lap throughout most of the flight and was calm during our layover. The flight attendants on Southwest were great, and the other passengers on our row fell in love with her. They couldn't believe a puppy could be so well behaved. She had no side effects from the medication and once the sedation wore off she was her old playful self.
06/13/2011
Worked excellent
My 100 lb Rottie was given 25mg pills which the vet said to give her 2 2 hrs before the office visit to the vet.
She refused the vet check so I had to get a relaxer. I decided to have Dr. Gordon a mobile vet come to the house and gave her the 2 25 mg pills 2 hrs before he arrived. Within 1 hr. she was sedated to the point where she was sleepy and wobbly on her legs. He gave her the shots muzzled and with my husband and I holding her head so she could not move. She was was still alert but did not have her normal strenght which made it easier for all of us. The medication of the 2 pills lasted about 7 hrs to the point where she just slept which was fine. Without this medication no one would be able to approach her without a struggle. The vet did inform us that the next time he sees her to give her three 25 mgs instead of the 2 because that would be perfect for her. The medication absolutely solved our problem and she was able to receive her shots with out a problem.
03/30/2013
I have given this medication to my dog Cooper 9 times and it has worked great. He gets very nervious when we have thunder and lightening. He gets even works when he hears fireworks. He is 20 lbs and is given a 10 mg pill, and within 30 minutes you can tell he is relaxed and is not shaking and drolling.
12/24/2012
A Safe Sedative
My pug absolutely hates getting her nails trimmed, and any contact with her ears and teeth - forget about it! I have to hide this medicine in a spoonful of peanut butter, and usually give her dosage about 6 hours before I do any grooming. The medicine did say to administer it about 1 hour beforehand, but it seems too soon, and my pug was still alert. She is about 25 lbs, and so I give her the 1 full size tablet.
10/30/2012
The best way to ensure your order will be filled is for us to receive the original hand written prescription in the mail. You may fax or email your prescription however that is not a guarantee that your order will be filled as pharmacy laws require us to get a verbal approval (from your vet) to fill your prescription upon geting it via email or fax. In the event we can not get a verbal, we will then contact you to mail the original prescription to us.
Unless there is an expiration date on the bottle that is still in date, I would not give them to your pet. You can either bring them to your veterinarian or a local pharmacy and they can destroy them properly for you. Thanks for your question.
I have a schnauzer that does not like to be groomed. in order for him to get groomed they usually have to put a sedate him but it cost $160.00 dollars every time he goes to the groomers. Will this make him go to sleep so that i can groom his fur at home? and if so for how long?
Acepromazine is commonly used as a sedative for pets who require sedation for grooming. Please consult with your veterinarian to determine the dosage needed to sedate your pet to the desired effect.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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