Why has my veterinarian prescribed Acepromazine?
Acepromazine is used as a sedative and a pre-anesthetic agent. It also possesses the following properties: prevents vomiting, prevents muscle spasms, alleviates itching as a result of skin irritation and decreases temperature.
How do I give Acepromazine to my dog?
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian.
- 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.
- DO NOT give your dog 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 your dog two doses at once.
How do I store Acepromazine?
- 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.
What are the potential side effects?
- Acepromazine may discolor your pet’s urine to a pink or red-brown color.
- Your pet may become drowsy while taking this medication.
- Your pet may experience some constipation.
- Your pet’s blood pressure may decrease which may cause your pet to collapse.
- If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your dog.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your dog more closely.
- Acepromazine should not be given to animals with strychnine or organophosphate poisoning or within one month of worming with an organophosphate agent.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with acepromazine: kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate compounds, antacids, propranolol, phenytoin, quinidine, epinephrine, other CNS depressants, atropine, barbiturates, barbiturate anesthetics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, phenylpropanolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline), and procaine.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
