Acepromazine
Also known as: PromAce, Aceproject, Aceprotabs, Plegicil, Notensil, Atravet, Acecare, ACP
* **Urine Discoloration:** This medication may temporarily discolor your pet's urine to a pink or red-brown color; this is a normal side effect and is not a cause for alarm. * **Not a Pain Reliever:** Acepromazine provides sedation but **does not relieve pain**. If your pet is undergoing a painful procedure, other medications will be needed. * **Keep Environment Quiet:** Even though your pet looks sleepy, they can still be startled by loud noises or sudden movements and may react unpredictably. Keep them in a quiet, calm environment while the drug wears off. * **Third Eyelid:** You may notice your pet's "third eyelid" (a membrane in the inner corner of the eye) covering part of the eye. This is normal and will resolve as the medication wears off. * **Regulatory:** FDA-approved for use in dogs, cats, and horses not intended for food.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Sedation
- Sedation
- Labeled dose
- Restraint/sedation
- Preanesthetic
- To reduce anxiety in the painful patient (not a substitute for analgesia)
- Premedication
- As a premedicant with morphine
- Sedation and premedication (Non-Boxers)
- Sedation and premedication (Non-Boxers)
- Sedation and premedication (Non-Boxers)
- Sedation and premedication (Boxers)
- As a tranquilizer
- Sedation
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypotension and cardiovascular collapse
- Bradycardia (vagally mediated) or reflex tachycardia
- Hypothermia or hyperthermia
- Penile protrusion/prolapse in large animals (especially stallions)
- Prolapse of the membrana nictitans (third eyelid)
- Decreased tear production (especially in cats)
- Paradoxical excitement, restlessness, or aggression
- Transient pain at IM injection sites
- Decreased hematocrit (due to splenic sequestration of RBCs)
Cautions & contraindications
- Significant cardiac disease
- Hypovolemia, hypotension, or shock
- Tetanus or strychnine intoxication
- Intra-arterial injection in horses (can cause severe CNS excitement, seizures, death)
- Use with extreme caution in very young, geriatric, or debilitated animals
- Avoid in racing animals within 4 days of a race
- **Dosage Adjustments:** The manufacturer's labeled dose is often considered up to 10 times higher than clinically necessary. Use lower end of dose ranges. **Breed Sensitivities:** * **MDR1 Mutation:** Dogs with the MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation (Collies, Australian Shepherds, etc.) require a 25% dose reduction if heterozygous, and a 30-50% reduction if homozygous. * **Giant Breeds & Sight Hounds:** Extremely sensitive; require lower doses. * **Terriers:** May be somewhat resistant to effects. **Administration:** Give IV injections slowly. Allow at least 15 minutes for onset of action. **Never inject intra-arterially** in horses. **Behavioral:** Use cautiously as a restraining agent in aggressive dogs; it may make the animal more prone to startle and react to noises. **Other:** May cause regurgitation of ruminal contents in cattle during general anesthesia induction.
Drug interactions
- Acetaminophen: Possible increased risk for hypothermia
- Antacids: May cause reduced GI absorption of oral phenothiazines
- Antidiarrheal mixtures (Kaolin/pectin, bismuth): May cause reduced GI absorption of oral phenothiazines
- CNS Depressant Agents (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics): May cause additive CNS depression if used with acepromazine
- Dopamine: Acepromazine may impair the vasopressive action of dopamine
- Emetics: Acepromazine may reduce the effectiveness of emetics
- Epinephrine, Ephedrine: Concomitant use can lead to unopposed beta-activity causing vasodilation and increased cardiac rate (epinephrine reversal)
- Metoclopramide: May increase risks for extrapyramidal adverse effects
- Opiates: May enhance hypotensive effects; dosages of acepromazine are generally reduced when used with an opiate
- Organophosphate Agents: Effects may be potentiated; do not give within one month of worming with these agents
Frequently asked questions
What is Acepromazine used for in pets?
* **Urine Discoloration:** This medication may temporarily discolor your pet's urine to a pink or red-brown color; this is a normal side effect and is not a cause for alarm. * **Not a Pain Reliever:** Acepromazine provides sedation but **does not relieve pain**. If your pet is undergoing a painful procedure, other medications will be needed. * **Keep Environment Quiet:** Even though your pet looks sleepy, they can still be startled by loud noises or sudden movements and may react unpredictably. Keep them in a quiet, calm environment while the drug wears off. * **Third Eyelid:** You may notice your pet's "third eyelid" (a membrane in the inner corner of the eye) covering part of the eye. This is normal and will resolve as the medication wears off. * **Regulatory:** FDA-approved for use in dogs, cats, and horses not intended for food.
Is Acepromazine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app