Acepromazine
is a sedative used prior to examinations, procedures, or other stressful events. It produces a state of calm but may not reduce anxiety or fear.

•May be given with or without food

•The effects of this medication may last up to 24 hours.

•Sedation with this medication may cause your animal to be more easily startled in response to sounds or other sudden stimuli. Approach your animal cautiously when sedated. If your animal becomes aggressive, isolate them in a safe environment and contact your veterinarian.

•Common side effects include drowsiness, unsteadiness, eye drooping, or reverse sneezing.

•This medication can turn your animal’s urine pinkish to reddish brown. This is harmless.

Description

•Sedative/tranquilizer

•Available as oral tablets

•Also available as a liquid that may be applied to the gums or given under the tongue and absorbed through the lining of the mouth (transmucosal)

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Sedation prior to examination, treatment, grooming, anesthesia, and surgical procedures in dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:

•Sedation or restraint in dogs, cats, and other species

•Control of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs and cats

•Treatment of itchiness due to skin irritation in dogs and cats

•Treatment of urinary blockages in male cats

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal has now or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in animals:

•That are allergic to it

•With severe liver or heart disease

•That are dehydrated

•That have received certain types of flea medications. Discuss what products you use with your veterinarian before your animal receives this medication.

Use with caution in:

•Animals with liver or heart disease

•Animals with blood disorders

•Animals that are pregnant

•Elderly animals

•Aggressive or unpredictable animals

•Boxers and other short-headed breeds

•Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation. This mutation can cause higher sensitivity to the sedation effects of acepromazine. Any dog can have this mutation, but it is more common in herding-type dog breeds like collies, Australian shepherd dogs, and Shetland sheepdogs.

•Giant-breed dogs and sight hounds, such as greyhounds, Afghan hounds, or salukis. They may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of acepromazine.

•Working or service animals. They may become too tired to perform their duties.

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food.

•If your veterinarian instructed you to give this medication along the gums, in the cheek pouch, or under the tongue, it will be absorbed through the lining of the mouth (transmucosally). It is not meant to be swallowed.

•This medication is often given as a single dose, but your veterinarian may have you repeat the dose after several hours.

•Carefully follow the timing instructions provided by your veterinarian for when to give this medication.

•After administration, keep your animal in a quiet environment at a comfortable temperature.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Drowsiness

•Unsteadiness or uncoordinated movement

•Eye drooping or appearance of third eyelid in the corner of the eye

•Reverse sneezing

•Increased chance of being startled. Use caution when approaching your animal.

This medication can also cause pinkish or reddish-brown urine, but this is harmless.

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Twitching, seizures, or collapse

•Trouble breathing

•Hives or swelling of lips, tongue, or face

Rarely, acepromazine can cause excitation or aggression instead of sedation. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

How will I know it's working?

•When this medication is given by mouth, your animal should appear calmer within 1 to 2 hours.

•If the medication is given along the gums or under the tongue (transmucosally), your animal should appear calmer within 30 to 60 minutes.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced kidney or liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time but is often given as a single dose. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you.

Overdose

Signs of an overdose include depression, difficulty breathing, weakness or collapse, tremors, or seizures. If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you’re using acepromazine for calming prior to a veterinary visit, contact your veterinarian if you miss a dose.

Storage

•Store in the original container at room temperature.

•Protect from light.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal in a plastic bag, and throw away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.