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.
My 55-lb. Australian Shepherd gets carsick, even on short hops to the dog park. Originally my vet prescribed an anti-vomiting drug for him, but it had no effect. When I wanted to bring him along on a four-hour drive to visit friends, my vet prescribed 10 mg. of Acepromazine. Looking at the information, I realized that was under the minimum dosage recommended (he's always very cautious about such things) and I wasn't sure it would work. But I gave him the pill and an hour later we hit the road. He lay in the backseat the whole way, calmly and I think occasionally dozing. I couldn't really tell when the effects wore off because they were so mild to begin with, but it sure did work. I've read some of these reviews and it seems that many people had success with the less is more approach. I'm grateful for this, because it means I won't have to board him when I go out of town. We can have many adventures together now.
My puppy Precious has been extremely hyper and when I had to go in for shoulder surgery we knew that something had to be done to settle our little (40 lb) puppy had to have something to calm her down for my safety. The doctor ordered this medication for her and it has truly made a difference in her behavior. She is still quite the wild one but it's about 100 times less than it was to begin with. At least now she can settle down at least a little and we've been able to work with her and do some more puppy training. I would recommend this medication to anyone that needed to calm their hyper puppy down.
Acepromazine is an excellent medication for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, thunder and lightening, rain and especially for getting their nails clipped. My dog, Clifford's eyes get red and he gets a bit woozy; however, it is a miracle drug for my dog and helps him to relax in traumatic situations. I highly recommend this medication for a dog that suffers from any of the above issues.
I have a 7lb Pomeranian who is terrified of riding in the car. Even on very shoprt trips (less than 2 miles) he is very anxious and whines and yaps. I give him 1/2 tablet when we drive to Illinois from South Carolina and he is a totally different animal. He is calm and much more relaxed. Sedated enough to be calm while riding, but still excited to get out for potty breaks. Once we are out of the car for good, he staggers around a bit for a while, but after a good night sleep he is his normal hyper self.
I have to travel with my cat who has severe anxiety with nausea and vomiting. He weighs 12 pounds. I gave him 5 mg (1/2 tab) & he was staggering in 15 minutes. Unable to even walk up the stairs after 5 hours. Next time will be 1/4 tab. Be careful with this medication.
I have a very nervous cat. We're getting ready for a 3 day move across country and I think this medication may help. But how do I give her the pill-- she will claw and scratch her way out of my arms if I try to shove a pill down her throat!
4 months, 2 weeks ago
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mrsmapp
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We have 2 Chihuahuas'. The 13 yrs old takes his with 2 very small pieces of bread with peanut butter. With the 7 month old pup I find that if I put it in a little milk and let it melt, and help it by crushing it a little, she takes it down. Of course, I break down one pill for each of them according to there weight.
1 month, 4 weeks ago
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Sonny
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You can buy a package of Pill Pockets that make it wonderfully easy to give them the meds. You just put the pill into the pill pocket and then give it to the cat the eat. I used it for my dog so I didn't have to shove her meds down her throat. Good luck.............
You could use a Greenies Pill Pocket for Cats. Place the tablet within the chicken flavored pill pocket and give to the cat as a treat. Another suggestion would be to use a Pet Piller. A device used to tablet dose a cat to protect the owner's fingers.
No. Acepromazine is a very potent tranquilizer that is only available by prescription. You could use Quiet Moments to relieve your pet's separation anxiety. Quiet Moments is available over the counter without a prescription.
My dog has SEVERE storm phobia, and has taken each med separately but neither one helps much alone. I wondered if you could give both together or if that would lead to a bad drug interaction.
These 2 products can be given together. However, there is the additive effect of increased drowsiness if they are given together. I would not suggest doing so, however, unless your veterinarian very specifically tells you to.
My 60lb sheaperd mix is extreemley stressed over rain, thunder and fireworks. One of these 3 conditions seems to occur during most of the summer months. Ace has been effective but he would need to use 3 or 4 days a week, is this safe? without ace, he has become destructive during such events.
I have a feral cat I need to trap and take in for spaying. My vet said their is nothing that I can give her. Then I found your site and was wondering if I could give her this to sedate her to take her in for spaying? She won't go in the heartfelt trap and I don't know what to do. Thanks for all replys of help!
7 months ago
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Carla
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Answers
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There is a website dedicated to feral cats that may be helpful. www.alleycat.org To help her feel safe about going into the live trap you could tie it open a few days and only feed her there. Also may want to put a towel over it and mabe some newspapers over the wire bottom. Then when she feel safe to eat in there you could just set the trap and catch her. Kepp her covered durning transport as it will keep her calmer.
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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