Home/Medicines/Diazepam
All medicines

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
4

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
IV
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
10 mg
Duration: Given IV immediately before ketamine
🐈

Cat

Status epilepticus
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
IV
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
IV
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
5 mg
Duration: Given IV before ketamine

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

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.

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.

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 →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Benzodiazepine).

Alprazolam
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
dogcat
Midazolam
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride conductance, producing anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects
dogcat