Acepromazine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Acepromazine during a consultation by Dr Noor in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team. For mobile vet Perth support, it also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Acepromazine is a calming medicine used before checkups, treatments, procedures, or other situations that may be stressful. It can make an animal seem relaxed, but it may not take away fear or worry.
You may give it with food or on an empty stomach.
The calming effect can continue for as long as 24 hours.
When an animal is made sleepy by this medicine, they may react more strongly to sudden noises or quick changes around them. Move toward your pet carefully while they are in this sleepy state. If your pet shows aggressive behavior, keep them separated in a safe place and call your veterinarian.
Side effects that are often seen include:
- sleepiness
- wobbliness
- droopy eyes
- “reverse sneezing.”
This medicine may change your pet’s urine color to a pink shade or a reddish-brown shade. This color change is not harmful.
Acepromazine is a calming/sedating medicine.
It comes as tablets that are swallowed.
It also comes as a liquid that can be placed on the gums or under the tongue so it soaks in through the mouth lining (this is absorption through the mouth tissues).
Other common names
- PromAce
Uses
Uses approved for animals
- In dogs, it is used to make them calm before an exam, treatment, grooming, being put to sleep for a procedure, or surgery.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use)
- Helping with calming or holding still (restraint) in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Helping prevent vomiting related to travel/motion sickness in dogs and cats
- Helping with itching caused by irritated skin in dogs and cats
- Helping treat urine-flow blockages in male cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is currently receiving
- Any illnesses or health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have had an allergic reaction to it
- That have serious liver disease or serious heart disease
- That are lacking body fluids (dehydrated)
- That have been given certain flea products; tell your veterinarian which flea products you use before your pet receives this medicine
Use extra care (caution) in:
- Animals with liver disease or heart disease
- Animals with blood-related disorders
- Animals that are pregnant
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, review the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- You may give it with food or without food.
- If your veterinarian told you to place it along the gums, inside the cheek, or under the tongue, the medicine is meant to soak in through the mouth lining (absorption through mouth tissues). It is not intended to be swallowed.
- Often, this medicine is given one time only. In some cases, your veterinarian may tell you to give another dose after a few hours.
- Follow your veterinarian’s schedule closely for when to give it.
- After giving the dose, keep your pet in a calm, quiet place, and keep the temperature comfortable.
Side effects of Acepromazine
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time
- Sleepiness
- Wobbly walking or poor coordination
- Droopy eyes or the third eyelid showing at the inner corner of the eye
- Reverse sneezing
- A higher chance of being startled; be careful when approaching your pet
This medicine may also make urine look pink or reddish-brown, and this is not harmful.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following
- Twitching, seizures, or collapse
- Breathing problems
- Hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
In uncommon cases, acepromazine may cause the opposite of calming, such as overexcitement or aggressive behavior. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian.
How will I know it's working?
- If your pet swallows the medicine, you should see a calmer effect in about 1 to 2 hours.
- If the medicine is placed on the gums or under the tongue (so it soaks in through the mouth lining), you should see a calmer effect in about 30 to 60 minutes.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects should be gone within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effects may continue longer if your pet’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is commonly used as a one-time dose. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
Extra care may be needed for:
- Older pets
- Pets that may act aggressively or unpredictably
- Boxers and other short-nosed breeds
- Dogs with the MDR1 gene change (mutation). This change can make a dog more sensitive to the sleepy effects of acepromazine. Any dog can have this change, but it is seen more often in herding-type breeds such as collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs.
- Very large dogs and sight hounds (for example, greyhounds, Afghan hounds, or salukis), because they may be more sensitive to the calming/sleepy effects
- Working animals or service animals, because they may become too tired to do their tasks
Overdose
Signs that too much may have been given include:
- very low energy or depression
- trouble breathing
- weakness or collapse
- shaking/tremors
- seizures
If you see or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In many situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are using acepromazine to help your pet stay calm before a veterinary appointment and you miss a dose, call your veterinarian.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: this is the best option when available. To locate one, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal:
- mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter
- place it in a sealed plastic bag
- put it in the household trash
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”