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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

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

Frequency

Single induction dose

🐈

Cat

Widely used in cats for procedures and surgery

Dose

5–12 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Single induction 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

💊

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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

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