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Acepromazine

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Phenothiazine tranquilliser / sedative
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
15 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors centrally; also has alpha-1 adrenergic blocking, antihistaminic, and antiserotonergic effects, producing sedation and anxiolysis

At a glance

Class
Phenothiazine tranquilliser / sedative
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light. Discoloured solution (yellow/brown) should not be used.
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1970-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Pre-anaesthetic sedation
Dose
0.01–0.05 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM, SC
Frequency
Single dose (15-20 min before induction)
Max dose
3 mg
Duration: Single dose; effects last 4-6 hours
Restraint / anxiolysis
Dose
0.025–0.1 mg/kg
Route
IM, SC, PO
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
3 mg
Duration: As needed; effects last 4-8 hours
🐈

Cat

Pre-anaesthetic sedation
Dose
0.025–0.1 mg/kg
Route
IM, SC
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
1 mg
Duration: Single dose

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
10mg/mL
Available in India
💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
10mg
Available in India
Strength
25mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Discoloured solution (yellow/brown) should not be used.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Boxers and brachycephalic breeds (high sensitivity)
    Boxers are exquisitely sensitive — severe hypotension, bradycardia, and collapse reported. Brachycephalic breeds at higher risk of airway obstruction with sedation. Use alternative sedation.
    BoxerBulldogPugFrench BulldogBoston Terrier
  • Seizure history
    Lowers seizure threshold — contraindicated in epileptic patients
  • Hypovolaemia / shock
    Alpha-1 blockade causes severe hypotension in hypovolaemic patients

Use with caution

  • Giant breeds or Greyhounds
    May have exaggerated/prolonged response — use lower doses
  • Aggressive animals (alone)
    May cause paradoxical aggression/disinhibition — combine with opioid

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Penile prolapse (horses; occasional in large-breed dogs)
Serious
Severe hypotension
Collapse (Boxers)
Seizures in predisposed animals
Hypothermia

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateTemperatureSedation levelMucous membrane colour

Interactions

Major — 5

Phenoxybenzamine
major
Both are alpha-adrenergic blockers; combined use may cause severe refractory hypotension
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If sedation needed, use alternative sedative (trazodone, gabapentin).
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
major
Acepromazine blocks alpha-1 receptors — epinephrine's alpha effects are blocked while beta-2 vasodilation is unopposed, causing paradoxical worsening of hypotension ('epinephrine reversal').
Management: Do NOT use epinephrine to treat acepromazine-induced hypotension. Use norepinephrine or phenylephrine (pure alpha agonist) instead.
Xylazine
major
Both cause profound CNS depression and cardiovascular depression (xylazine: bradycardia/hypertension then hypotension; acepromazine: alpha-1 blockade/hypotension). Combined: severe unpredictable cardiovascular collapse.
Management: Do not combine. Use one sedative class only.
Medetomidine
major
Both cause profound sedation and cardiovascular depression via different mechanisms. Severe hypotension risk.
Management: Do not combine.
Phenylephrine
major
Acepromazine blocks alpha-1 receptors. Phenylephrine acts primarily on alpha-1 receptors. Acepromazine directly antagonizes phenylephrine's vasopressor effect.
Management: Phenylephrine will be less effective in acepromazine-sedated patients. Higher doses of phenylephrine or alternative vasopressor (vasopressin — V1 receptor, not alpha-1) may be needed.

Moderate — 10

Metoclopramide
moderate
Both are dopamine antagonists; additive extrapyramidal effects (tremors, restlessness)
Management: Avoid concurrent use. If needed, reduce doses and monitor for neurological signs.
Propofol
moderate
Additive CNS depression and hypotension; phenothiazine potentiates propofol effects
Management: Reduce propofol induction dose by 25-50% if acepromazine premedication used.
Trazodone
moderate
Additive CNS depression and hypotension
Management: Reduce doses of both if used together. Monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.
Gabapentin
moderate
Additive CNS and sedative effects.
Management: Reduce doses when combining. Monitor sedation level.
Hydromorphone
moderate
Additive sedation, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Alpha-1 blockade (acepromazine) + opioid vasodilation/bradycardia.
Management: Intended premedication combination — reduce doses of both by 25-50%. Monitor BP and respiratory rate.
Amitriptyline
moderate
Both have alpha-adrenergic blocking properties (hypotension) and anticholinergic effects. Additive sedation and cardiovascular depression.
Management: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate. Reduce doses when combining. Watch for excessive sedation.
Hydroxyzine
moderate
Both cause CNS depression and have anticholinergic activity. Additive sedation and hypotension.
Management: Reduce doses of both. Monitor for excessive sedation.
Hydrocodone
moderate
Additive CNS depression and sedation. Hydrocodone + acepromazine: monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
Management: Reduce doses. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation.
Diphenhydramine
moderate
Both cause CNS depression and have anticholinergic activity. Additive sedation and hypotension.
Management: Reduce doses. Monitor sedation level.
Methocarbamol
moderate
Additive CNS depression. Both cause sedation — combined effect may be profound.
Management: Reduce doses of both. Monitor respiratory rate and sedation depth.

Brands

International

PromAce
Boehringer Ingelheim
ACP
Vetoquinol

India

Acevet
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Acepromazine?
Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilliser / sedative used in pets. Blocks dopamine D2 receptors centrally; also has alpha-1 adrenergic blocking, antihistaminic, and antiserotonergic effects, producing sedation and anxiolysis
›What is Acepromazine used for in pets?
Acepromazine is used in veterinary medicine for: Pre-anaesthetic sedation; Restraint / anxiolysis.
›What is the Acepromazine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Acepromazine is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anaesthetic sedation: 0.01–0.05 mg/kg IV/IM/SC Single dose (15-20 min before induction); Restraint / anxiolysis: 0.025–0.1 mg/kg IM/SC/PO Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Acepromazine dose for cats?
For cats, Acepromazine is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anaesthetic sedation: 0.025–0.1 mg/kg IM/SC Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Acepromazine?
Common: Sedation, Hypotension, Bradycardia, Penile prolapse (horses; occasional in large-breed dogs). Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe hypotension, Collapse (Boxers), Seizures in predisposed animals, Hypothermia.
›Does Acepromazine need a prescription?
Yes. Acepromazine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Acepromazine not be used?
Do not use Acepromazine if: Boxers and brachycephalic breeds (high sensitivity); Seizure history; Hypovolaemia / shock.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →