Target species
Dog and cat.
Indications for use, specifying the target species
Anaesthetic premedication: Following acepromazine administration, the amount of anaesthetic dose necessary to induce anaesthesia is considerably reduced. This reduction is approximately one-third of a suitable induction agent.
Tranquillisation: Acepromazine tranquillisation (ataraxy) involves a modification of temperament which is not associated with hypnosis, narcosis, or marked sedation. This is achieved with low doses of acepromazine.
Sedation: At higher dose rates acepromazine is a sedative.
Travel Sickness: A dose of 1 mg per kg given orally a quarter to half an hour before a light meal is effective in the prevention of travel sickness. Idiopathic vomiting may be controlled by acepromazine.
Contraindications
Do not use in pregnant animals.
Do not use on a long term basis in individual animals.
Special warnings for each target species
There are no known special warnings.
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
Acepromazine is hypotensive. Particular care should therefore be taken in hypovolaemic subjects; rehydration should precede acepromazine administration.
In some dogs, particularly Boxers and other short-nosed breeds, spontaneous fainting or syncope may occur, due to sinoatrial block caused by excessive vagal tone, and an attack may be precipitated by acepromazine, so a low dose should be used. Where there is a history of this type of syncope, or if it is suspected because of excessive sinus arrhythmia, it may be advantageous to control the dysrhythmia with atropine given just before the acepromazine.
Large breeds: it has been noted that large breeds of dog are particularly sensitive to acepromazine and the minimum dose possible should be used in these breeds.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
In the event of accidental ingestion seek medical advice, showing the package leaflet to the physician.
Wash hands after use.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
See section above, Special precautions for use.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
No formal studies on the safety of ACP Tablets in pregnant animals have been conducted (see Contraindications section).
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Acepromazine is additive to the actions of other depressants and will potentiate general anaesthesia (see indications for use section).
Amounts to be administered and administration route
0.25 - 3 mg per kg bodyweight by oral administration. Onset of effects will be observed after 10 - 15 minutes.
Normally single doses of acepromazine are administered (see Contraindications section).
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Transient dose‑dependent hypotension may occur in cases of accidental overdose. Therapy should consist of discontinuing any other hypotensive treatment, supportive care such as intravenous infusion of warm isotonic saline to correct hypotension and close monitoring.
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is contra-indicated in the treatment of acute hypotension produced by overdosage of acepromazine maleate, since further depression of systemic blood pressure can result.
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable.