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Midazolam

Benzodiazepine (short-acting)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
5 documented
Formulations
2

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

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

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.

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.

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

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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
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