Cat & Dog - Acepromazine

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Acepromazine is used as a sedative and a preanaesthetic agent. Acepromazine may also be used for behaviour modification and to prevent vomiting when travelling (motion sickness).

How does this medicine work?

Acepromazine decreases dopamine levels and depresses some portions of the reticular activating system in the brain. In addition to tranquilization, acepromazine has multiple other important systemic (whole body) effects including anti-cholinergic, anti-emetic, antispasmodic (gut calming), antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package, leaflet or label to the physician.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• The response of each animal to a particular dose of acepromazine is variable, particularly when the medicine is given by mouth as for prevention of travel sickness. Some animals may become drowsy, others excited. When administering acepromazine for the first time, do not leave your pet unattended with other animals or children. Depending on how your pet responds to the medicine, your veterinary surgeon will advise you whether you need to change the dose to give for travel sickness.
• Your pet may become drowsy while taking this medication. Rarely, your pet’s blood pressure may decrease which may cause your pet to collapse. If this occurs, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.