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Flumazenil

Prescription

Benzodiazepine Receptor Antagonist (Reversal Agent)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site of GABA-A receptors, reversing CNS depression caused by benzodiazepines and related drugs. Does not reverse barbiturate, alcohol, or opioid-mediated sedation.

At a glance

Class

Benzodiazepine Receptor Antagonist (Reversal Agent)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; discard unused portion; stable for 24h after dilution

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Reverses diazepam, midazolam, and zolazepam (Telazol component) sedation

Dose

0.01–0.02 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Repeat q1 min until reversal; re-dose in 20–30 min if resedation occurs

🐈

Cat

Reverses zolazepam (Telazol) sedation in cats

Dose

0.01 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Repeat q1 min to effect

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

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; discard unused portion; stable for 24h after dilution

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Level of arousal within 1–2 min post-injectionMonitor for resedation over 60 minSeizure activity if withdrawing chronic benzodiazepine therapy

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Tiletamine-Zolazepam

moderate

Flumazenil reverses zolazepam (benzodiazepine) component but NOT tiletamine (dissociative). Unmasking tiletamine without zolazepam's muscle relaxation causes rough, excitable recovery.

Management: Use flumazenil cautiously — reversal of zolazepam alone leads to poor recovery quality. Monitor for excitation and muscle rigidity.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Romazicon

Anexate

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Flumazenil?

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist (reversal agent) used in pets. Competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site of GABA-A receptors, reversing CNS depression caused by benzodiazepines and related drugs. Does not reverse barbiturate, alcohol, or opioid-mediated sedation.

›What is Flumazenil used for in pets?

Flumazenil is used in veterinary medicine for: Reverses diazepam, midazolam, and zolazepam (Telazol component) sedation; Reverses zolazepam (Telazol) sedation in cats.

›What is the Flumazenil dose for dogs?

For dogs, Flumazenil is typically dosed as follows — Reverses diazepam, midazolam, and zolazepam (Telazol component) sedation: 0.01–0.02 mg/kg IV Repeat q1 min until reversal; re-dose in 20–30 min if resedation occurs. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Flumazenil dose for cats?

For cats, Flumazenil is typically dosed as follows — Reverses zolazepam (Telazol) sedation in cats: 0.01 mg/kg IV Repeat q1 min to effect. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Flumazenil need a prescription?

Yes. Flumazenil is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database