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Tiletamine-Zolazepam

Dissociative Anesthetic / Benzodiazepine Combination
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Tiletamine is a dissociative anesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist) similar to ketamine. Zolazepam is a benzodiazepine providing muscle relaxation and reducing tiletamine-induced excitement. The combination provides anesthesia with muscle relaxation.

At a glance

Class
Dissociative Anesthetic / Benzodiazepine Combination
Schedule
Controlled Substance
Storage
Powder at room temperature; reconstituted solution refrigerated, stable 4 days refrigerated or 2 hours at room temperature

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Useful for induction and short procedures in aggressive or difficult-to-handle d
Dose
4–6 mg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Single induction dose
🐈

Cat

Widely used in cats for procedures and surgery
Dose
5–12 mg/kg
Route
IM
Frequency
Single induction dose

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength
—

Storage

Powder at room temperature; reconstituted solution refrigerated, stable 4 days refrigerated or 2 hours at room temperature

Safety

Monitoring parameters

SpO2Heart rate and blood pressureBody temperatureLevel of sedation/anesthesiaRecovery smoothness

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Flumazenil
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.

Brands

Other markets

Telazol
Zoletil

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Tiletamine-Zolazepam?
Tiletamine-Zolazepam is a dissociative anesthetic / benzodiazepine combination used in pets. Tiletamine is a dissociative anesthetic (NMDA receptor antagonist) similar to ketamine. Zolazepam is a benzodiazepine providing muscle relaxation and reducing tiletamine-induced excitement. The combination provides anesthesia with muscle relaxation.
›What is Tiletamine-Zolazepam used for in pets?
Tiletamine-Zolazepam is used in veterinary medicine for: Useful for induction and short procedures in aggressive or difficult-to-handle d; Widely used in cats for procedures and surgery.
›What is the Tiletamine-Zolazepam dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tiletamine-Zolazepam is typically dosed as follows — Useful for induction and short procedures in aggressive or difficult-to-handle d: 4–6 mg/kg IM Single induction dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tiletamine-Zolazepam dose for cats?
For cats, Tiletamine-Zolazepam is typically dosed as follows — Widely used in cats for procedures and surgery: 5–12 mg/kg IM Single induction dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Tiletamine-Zolazepam need a prescription?
Tiletamine-Zolazepam is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

Each freeze-dried vial contains: Tiletamine (as Hydrochloride ) 125 mg/250 mg+ Z
M/s. Virbac Animal Health India · Approved 20.01.2014
As restrain and general anesthesia for dogs, cats and wild animals
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

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 →