The induction dose of Alfaxan is based on data taken from controlled laboratory and field studies and is the amount of drug required for 9 of 10 dogs or cats (i.e. 90th percentile) to be successfully induced for anaesthesia.

Dosing recommendations for induction of anaesthesia are as follows:

The dosing syringe should be prepared to contain the above dose. The rate of intravenous injection should be such that the total dose, if required, would be administered over the first 60 seconds. If, 60 seconds after complete delivery of this first induction dose, intubation is still not possible, one further similar dose may be administered to effect. The necessary injection rate can be achieved by administration of one quarter (¼) of the calculated dose every 15 seconds. Administration should continue until the clinician is satisfied that the depth of anaesthesia is sufficient for endotracheal intubation, or until the entire dose has been administered.

Following induction of anaesthesia with Alfaxan, the animal may be intubated and maintained on Alfaxan or an inhalation anaesthetic agent. Maintenance doses of Alfaxan may be given as supplemental boluses or as constant rate infusion. Alfaxan has been used safely and effectively in both dogs and cats for procedures lasting for up to one hour. The following doses suggested for maintenance of anaesthesia are based on data taken from controlled laboratory and field studies and represent the average amount of drug required to provide maintenance anaesthesia for a dog or cat. However the actual dose will be based on the response of the individual patient.

Alfaxan doses suggested for maintenance of anaesthesia are as follows:

Where maintenance of anaesthesia is with Alfaxan for procedures lasting more than 5 to 10 minutes, a butterfly needle or catheter can be left in the vein, and small amounts of Alfaxan injected subsequently to maintain the required level and duration of anaesthesia. In most cases the average duration of recovery when using Alfaxan for maintenance will be longer than if using an inhalant gas as a maintenance agent.