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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
2

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
PO
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
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
0.5 mg/dose; 1.5 mg/day
Duration: Short-term preferred; monitor liver enzymes

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

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.

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.

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 →

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