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Alprazolam

Benzodiazepine (anxiolytic)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing GABA-mediated chloride ion channel opening, increasing neuronal inhibition; produces anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects

At a glance

Class

Benzodiazepine (anxiolytic)

Schedule

Controlled Substance

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture; Schedule IV controlled substance

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks), situational anxiety, panic disorders

Dose

0.01–0.1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

PRN (30–60 min before event); BID–TID for chronic anxiety

Max dose

4 mg/dose; 8 mg/day

Duration: Situational or short-term; avoid abrupt withdrawal after chronic use

🐈

Cat

Urine spraying/marking, anxiety, appetite stimulation

Dose

0.0125–0.05 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID to TID

Max dose

0.5 mg/dose; 1.5 mg/day

Duration: Short-term preferred; monitor liver enzymes

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 →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

0.25mg

Available in India

Strength

0.5mg

Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light and moisture; Schedule IV controlled substance

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines

Use with caution

Hepatic disease (especially in cats)
Rare but potentially fatal hepatic necrosis reported in cats
Aggressive animals
May cause paradoxical excitation or disinhibition of aggression

Adverse effects

Common

Sedation

Ataxia

Increased appetite

Paradoxical excitation

Serious

Hepatic failure (cats — rare but fatal)

Paradoxical aggression

Physical dependence with chronic use

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral responseHepatic enzymes (cats, baseline and periodic)Signs of paradoxical excitationSigns of physical dependence

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

major

Ketoconazole potently inhibits CYP3A4, increasing alprazolam levels 2-3 fold causing excessive prolonged sedation.

Management: Avoid or reduce alprazolam by 50-75%. Use lorazepam instead (glucuronidation pathway — not CYP-dependent).

Moderate — 1

Fluoxetine

moderate

Fluoxetine inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of alprazolam, increasing levels and prolonging sedation.

Management: Reduce alprazolam dose by 25-50%. Monitor for excessive sedation.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Xanax

Pfizer

Niravam

Various

India

Alprax

Torrent

Restyl

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (anxiolytic) used in pets. Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing GABA-mediated chloride ion channel opening, increasing neuronal inhibition; produces anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects

›What is Alprazolam used for in pets?

Alprazolam is used in veterinary medicine for: Noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks), situational anxiety, panic disorders; Urine spraying/marking, anxiety, appetite stimulation.

›What is the Alprazolam dose for dogs?

For dogs, Alprazolam is typically dosed as follows — Noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks), situational anxiety, panic disorders: 0.01–0.1 mg/kg PO PRN (30–60 min before event); BID–TID for chronic anxiety. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Alprazolam dose for cats?

For cats, Alprazolam is typically dosed as follows — Urine spraying/marking, anxiety, appetite stimulation: 0.0125–0.05 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Alprazolam?

Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Increased appetite, Paradoxical excitation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatic failure (cats — rare but fatal), Paradoxical aggression, Physical dependence with chronic use.

›Does Alprazolam need a prescription?

Alprazolam is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

›When should Alprazolam not be used?

Do not use Alprazolam if: Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.

Educational reference only