Home/Medicines/Midazolam

Midazolam

Benzodiazepine (short-acting)

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 the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride conductance, producing anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects

At a glance

Class

Benzodiazepine (short-acting)

Schedule

Controlled Substance

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Seizure control

Dose

0.1–0.5 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM, Intranasal

Frequency

Once; may repeat q5–10min for seizures

Max dose

10 mg/dose; 20 mg/day

Duration: Single dose or CRI for status epilepticus (0.1–0.5 mg/kg/hr)

🐈

Cat

Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Appetite stimulation / Seizures

Dose

0.1–0.3 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM, Intranasal

Frequency

Once; repeat as needed for seizures

Max dose

2 mg/dose; 5 mg/day

Duration: Single dose

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

💉

Injection — 2

Strength

1mg/mL

Available in India

Strength

5mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light; do not freeze

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Severe respiratory depression
Worsens respiratory function

Use with caution

Hepatic impairment
Prolonged duration
Concurrent opioids
Synergistic CNS/respiratory depression — reduce doses

Adverse effects

Common

Sedation

Ataxia

Paradoxical excitement (rare in dogs)

Serious

Respiratory depression

Hypotension

Hepatic necrosis (cats — rare with oral diazepam, not midazolam)

Monitoring parameters

Respiratory rate and SpO2Heart rateSedation depthSeizure activity

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 3

Propofol

moderate

Midazolam co-induction reduces propofol requirements by 20-40%. Additive respiratory depression.

Management: Common co-induction technique. Reduces total propofol dose and provides smoother induction. Have airway management ready.

Hydromorphone

moderate

Synergistic sedation and respiratory depression. Commonly used as balanced premedication.

Management: Standard combination — reduce individual doses. Have intubation equipment ready.

Gabapentin

moderate

Additive CNS depression and muscle relaxation.

Management: Reduce individual doses when combining. Monitor sedation and respiratory function.

Minor — 2

Ketamine

minor

Intentional combination; midazolam provides muscle relaxation and reduces ketamine-induced rigidity

Management: Standard and recommended combination for sedation/anaesthesia.

Alfaxalone

minor

Synergistic sedation; midazolam co-induction reduces alfaxalone dose requirement by 20-40%

Management: Common co-induction protocol. Reduce alfaxalone dose accordingly.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Versed

Roche

India

Mezolam

Intas

Fulsed

Neon Labs

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Midazolam?

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine (short-acting) used in pets. Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride conductance, producing anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects

›What is Midazolam used for in pets?

Midazolam is used in veterinary medicine for: Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Seizure control; Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Appetite stimulation / Seizures.

›What is the Midazolam dose for dogs?

For dogs, Midazolam is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Seizure control: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg IV/IM/Intranasal Once; may repeat q5–10min for seizures. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Midazolam dose for cats?

For cats, Midazolam is typically dosed as follows — Pre-anaesthetic sedation / Appetite stimulation / Seizures: 0.1–0.3 mg/kg IV/IM/Intranasal Once; repeat as needed for seizures. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Midazolam?

Common: Sedation, Ataxia, Paradoxical excitement (rare in dogs). Serious (call your vet immediately): Respiratory depression, Hypotension, Hepatic necrosis (cats — rare with oral diazepam, not midazolam).

›Does Midazolam need a prescription?

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

›When should Midazolam not be used?

Do not use Midazolam if: Severe respiratory depression.

Educational reference only