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Diazepam

CDSCO approved

Benzodiazepine (anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

5 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding to benzodiazepine receptor site, increasing chloride ion conductance and producing CNS depression

At a glance

Class

Benzodiazepine (anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant)

Schedule

Controlled Substance

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Do not mix injectable with other drugs. Adsorbs to PVC — use glass syringes or polypropylene.

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved — 1970-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Status epilepticus

Dose

0.5–2 mg/kg

Route

IV, IR (per rectum)

Frequency

May repeat up to 3 times at 5-min intervals

Max dose

20 mg/dose; 60 mg/day

Duration: Emergency — follow with phenobarbital or levetiracetam loading

Pre-anaesthetic co-induction (with ketamine)

Dose

0.2–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose

Max dose

10 mg

Duration: Given IV immediately before ketamine

🐈

Cat

Status epilepticus

Dose

0.5–2 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

May repeat up to 3 times

Max dose

10 mg/dose; 30 mg/day

Duration: Emergency

Appetite stimulant

Dose

0.05–0.2 mg/kg

Route

IV, PO

Frequency

SID-BID

Max dose

2 mg/dose; 4 mg/day

Duration: Short-term only — risk of hepatic necrosis with oral use in cats

Pre-anaesthetic (with ketamine)

Dose

0.2–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single dose

Max dose

5 mg

Duration: Given IV before ketamine

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

💉

Injectable — 1

Strength

5mg/mL

Available in India

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

2mg

Available in India

Strength

5mg

Available in India

🧴

Rectal gel/solution — 1

Strength

5mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Do not mix injectable with other drugs. Adsorbs to PVC — use glass syringes or polypropylene.

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Cats — oral diazepam for appetite stimulation (hepatic necrosis risk)
CRITICAL: Oral diazepam in cats has been associated with fatal idiosyncratic hepatic necrosis within 5-11 days. Use mirtazapine or cyproheptadine instead as appetite stimulant
Severe respiratory depression
Benzodiazepines worsen respiratory depression

Use with caution

Hepatic disease
Hepatically metabolised — prolonged effect
Aggressive animals
Paradoxical excitation/disinhibition possible

Adverse effects

Common

Sedation

Ataxia

Paradoxical excitation (some animals)

Serious

Fatal hepatic necrosis in cats (oral)

Respiratory depression

Cardiorespiratory collapse (rapid IV)

Monitoring parameters

Seizure activityRespiratory rateLiver enzymes (cats)Sedation level

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 4

Fentanyl

moderate

Opioid + benzodiazepine: additive respiratory depression and CNS depression

Management: Standard combination for neuroleptanalgesia. Monitor respiratory rate and SpO2 closely.

Phenobarbital

moderate

Additive CNS depression; both are CNS depressants acting on GABA receptors

Management: Expected combination for seizure management. Monitor for excessive sedation. Reduce doses if needed.

Morphine Sulfate

moderate

Additive CNS and respiratory depression via different mechanisms (mu-opioid vs GABA-A).

Management: Monitor respiratory rate and SpO2. Reduce opioid dose when adding benzodiazepine.

Methocarbamol

moderate

Additive CNS depression and muscle relaxation.

Management: Reduce individual doses. Monitor sedation. Both may be used for tremors/seizures but overlapping sedation requires caution.

Minor — 1

Ketamine

minor

Intentional combination: diazepam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity

Management: Standard and recommended combination for anaesthesia induction. Calculate doses separately.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Valium

Roche

India

Calmpose

Ranbaxy

Diazep

Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Diazepam?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine (anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant) used in pets. Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding to benzodiazepine receptor site, increasing chloride ion conductance and producing CNS depression

›What is Diazepam used for in pets?

Diazepam is used in veterinary medicine for: Status epilepticus; Pre-anaesthetic co-induction (with ketamine); Appetite stimulant; Pre-anaesthetic (with ketamine).

›What is the Diazepam dose for dogs?

For dogs, Diazepam is typically dosed as follows — Status epilepticus: 0.5–2 mg/kg IV/IR (per rectum) May repeat up to 3 times at 5-min intervals; Pre-anaesthetic co-induction (with ketamine): 0.2–0.5 mg/kg IV Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Diazepam dose for cats?

For cats, Diazepam is typically dosed as follows — Status epilepticus: 0.5–2 mg/kg IV May repeat up to 3 times; Appetite stimulant: 0.05–0.2 mg/kg IV/PO SID-BID; Pre-anaesthetic (with ketamine): 0.2–0.5 mg/kg IV Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Diazepam?

Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Paradoxical excitation (some animals). Serious (call your vet immediately): Fatal hepatic necrosis in cats (oral), Respiratory depression, Cardiorespiratory collapse (rapid IV).

›Does Diazepam need a prescription?

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

›When should Diazepam not be used?

Do not use Diazepam if: Cats — oral diazepam for appetite stimulation (hepatic necrosis risk); Severe respiratory depression.

Educational reference only