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Alfaxalone

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Neuroactive steroid anaesthetic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Modulates GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission; produces dose-dependent sedation, hypnosis, and general anaesthesia

At a glance

Class
Neuroactive steroid anaesthetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light; use within 28 days of opening (multidose)
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 2010-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Induction of general anaesthesia
Dose
1–3 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Titrate to effect over 60 seconds
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: Single induction; top-ups at 0.5–1.0 mg/kg
IM sedation (with premedication)
Dose
1–3 mg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Once
Max dose
100 mg
Duration: Single dose
🐈

Cat

Induction of general anaesthesia
Dose
2–5 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Titrate to effect
Max dose
25 mg/dose; 50 mg/day
Duration: Single induction
IM sedation
Dose
2–5 mg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Once
Max dose
25 mg
Duration: Single dose

Formulations

💉

Injection — 1

Strength
10mg/mL

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light; use within 28 days of opening (multidose)

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Known hypersensitivity to alfaxalone

Use with caution

  • Severe cardiovascular disease
    Dose-dependent cardiovascular depression
  • Hepatic impairment
    Prolonged recovery

Adverse effects

Common
Apnoea (if given too rapidly IV)
Paddling/myoclonus during recovery
Transient hypotension
Serious
Respiratory depression/apnoea
Cardiovascular depression

Monitoring parameters

SpO2ETCO2Heart rateBlood pressureDepth of anaesthesia

Interactions

Minor — 1

Midazolam
minor
Synergistic sedation; midazolam co-induction reduces alfaxalone dose requirement by 20-40%
Management: Common co-induction protocol. Reduce alfaxalone dose accordingly.

Brands

International

Alfaxan
Jurox
Alfaxan Multidose
Jurox

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Alfaxalone?
Alfaxalone is a neuroactive steroid anaesthetic used in pets. Modulates GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission; produces dose-dependent sedation, hypnosis, and general anaesthesia
›What is Alfaxalone used for in pets?
Alfaxalone is used in veterinary medicine for: Induction of general anaesthesia; IM sedation (with premedication); IM sedation.
›What is the Alfaxalone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Alfaxalone is typically dosed as follows — Induction of general anaesthesia: 1–3 mg/kg IV Titrate to effect over 60 seconds; IM sedation (with premedication): 1–3 mg/kg IM Once. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Alfaxalone dose for cats?
For cats, Alfaxalone is typically dosed as follows — Induction of general anaesthesia: 2–5 mg/kg IV Titrate to effect; IM sedation: 2–5 mg/kg IM Once. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Alfaxalone?
Common: Apnoea (if given too rapidly IV), Paddling/myoclonus during recovery, Transient hypotension. Serious (call your vet immediately): Respiratory depression/apnoea, Cardiovascular depression.
›Does Alfaxalone need a prescription?
Yes. Alfaxalone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Alfaxalone not be used?
Do not use Alfaxalone if: Known hypersensitivity to alfaxalone.

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 →