Acepromazine 0.2 % w/v

(as acepromazine maleate 0.271)

Phenol (preservative) 0.3 % w/v

For a full list of excipients, see Pharmaceutical particulars section.

Solution for injection.

Pale yellow solution.

Dogs and cats.

Anaesthetic Premedication: Following acepromazine administration, the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia is considerably reduced. This reduction is approximately one-third of a suitable induction agent.

Tranquilisation: Acepromazine tranquilisation (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.

Do not use in pregnant animals.

Do not use on a long term basis in individual animals.

Subcutaneous injection is non-irritant and efficacious, especially in cats.

Acepromazine is hypotensive. Particular care should therefore be taken in hypovolaemic animals; 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. An attack may be precipitated by an injection of 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.

Care should be taken when handling and administering this product to avoid exposure.

Take precautions to avoid accidental injection or self-administration of this potent drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Symptomatic treatment may be required.

Avoid contact with eyes. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush gently with fresh running water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice if any irritation persists.

In the event of accidental skin contact, was the contaminated with large amounts of soap and water. Medical advice should be sought if irritation persists.

Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after use.

Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)

Cardiac dysrhythmia may follow rapid intravenous injection. See section, Special precautions for use in animals.

No formal studies on the safety of ACP Injection in pregnant animals have been conducted (see Contraindications section).

Acepromazine is additive to the actions of other depressants and will potentiate general anaesthesia (see Indications for use section).

Premedication: 0.03 - 0.125 mg per kg bodyweight by intramuscular, subcutaneous or slow intravenous injection.

Other uses: By intramuscular or subcutaneous injection 0.0625 - 0.125 mg per kg bodyweight. Approximately equivalent to 0.625 - 1.25 ml of 2 mg/ml injection per 20 kg bodyweight. By intravenous injection - as for intramuscular, except that it is recommended the injection is made slowly.

The maximum dose that should be given is 4 mg acepromazine per animal.

Normally single doses of acepromazine are administered (see section Contraindications section).

Take adequate precautions to maintain sterility. Avoid the introduction of contamination during use. Should any apparent growth or discolouration occur, discard the product.

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.

Not applicable.

Pharmacotherapeutic group:Antipsychotics

ATCvet code:QN05AA04

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine. It is a central nervous system depressant with associated activity on the autonomic system. Phenothiazines have a central action due to inhibition of dopamine pathways, resulting in alteration of mood, reduction in fear and removal of learned or conditioned responses.

Acepromazine possesses anti-emetic, hypothermic, hypotensive and anti-spasmodic properties and shows a marked potentiating effect on barbiturate anaesthesia.

The length of action of acepromazine appears to be prolonged and to be dose dependent.

Phenol

Sodium hydroxide or

Maleic acid (for pH adjustment)

Water for injections

None known.

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.

Shelf life after opening of the immediate packaging: 28 days.

Do not store above 25°C. Protect from light. Following withdrawal of the first dose, use remainder of the product within 28 days. Discard unused material.

20 ml clear glass (Type II) vial, closed with a grey chlorobutyl rubber bung and aluminium crimped seal.

Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from the use of such products

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste material derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

NA

Vm 00879/4012

30 June 1992

January 2016