Target species
Dogs and Cats.
Indications for use, specifying the target species
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.
Contraindications
Do not use in pregnant animals.
Do not use on a long term basis in individual animals.
Special warnings for each target species
None.
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
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.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
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 wash the contaminated area 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 also special precautions for use in animals above.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established during pregnancy.
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).
Amounts to be administered and administration route
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 contraindications).
Take adequate precautions to maintain sterility. Avoid the introduction of contamination during use. Should any apparent growth or discolouration occur, discard the product.
Do not exceed 40 broachings per vial.
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.