Sedative medicine helps feline owners in many uncertain situations. Felines are prone to anxiety and motion sickness. Many veterinary medicines are available for treating behavioral issues, anxiety, and motion sickness, and Acepromazine For Cats is one of them.
Acepromazine is a sedative medicine having phenothiazine neuroleptic properties and is commonly used as a tranquilizer for cats.
Acepromazine works by depressing the central nervous system, modifying the chemicals in the brain that affect pet behavior.
Acepromazine is a prescription drug that can only be used with veterinary advice. The medicine is FDA approved for dogs but not for cats. However, it can be used off-label for your pet with the vet’s advice.
Remember, Acepromazine is not considered safe for all pets, so you must be careful administering this drug to your pet.
Knowing about the ideal dosage of Acepromazine for cats, its benefits, side effects, and when and how to use? How to safely administer the treatment to your pet is essential for every feline owner to avoid complications.
This article is a guide about the use of Acepromazine in cats, including a dose calculator.
Acepromazine Dosage For Cats
Veterinarians often prescribe Acepromazine for cats at a dose of 1-3 mg /kg ( 0.5-1.5 mg/lbs) of tablet form and 1-2 mg/kg (0.5–1 mg/lb) approximately equals to 0.1cc/kg of the 10mg/ml injectable that should never be exceed from 3mg.
Remember, do not compare the oral and injectable dosages as the same. Usually, the injectable dose is administered at less dosage as compared to the oral dosage.
Note that the dosage of Acepromazine can be increased or decreased depending on the individual upon the degree of tranquilization required.
The dosage of injectables we have mentioned here is based on the product VETONE® Acepromazine 10mg/ml. If you are using any other brand, first make sure to read the dosing instruction carefully.
Acepromazine Dosage Chart For Cats
| Cat Weight in Kg | Cat Weight in lb | Acepromazine Dosage | Acepromazine VETONE® Injectables Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 4 lbs | 2mg | 0.2cc |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 5mg | 0.5cc |
| 8 kg | 17 lbs | 8mg | 0.8cc |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 10mg | 1cc |
| 12 kg | 26 lbs | 12mg | 1.2mg |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 15mg | 1.5cc |
| 20 kg | 44 lbs | 20mg | 2cc |
Kittens less the 2 kg body weight should only used any form of Acepromazine Maleate with the veterinarian advice only.
Reference: Read Complete Guide
Acepromazine Dosage Calculator
Acepromazine Tablets For Cats
| Cat Weight | Acepromazine 5mg | Acepromazine 10mg | Acepromazine 25mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 1/2 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet | * |
| 5 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet | 1/5 Tablet |
| 8 kg | 1, 1/2 Tablets | 1/2 + 1/4 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet |
| 10 kg | 2 Tablets | 1 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 12 kg | 2+1/2 Tablets | 1 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 15 kg | 3 Tablets | 1+1/2 Tablets | 1/2 Tablet |
| 20 kg | * | 2 Tablets | 1 Tablet |
Uses of Acepromazine for Cats
In felines, Acepromazine is commonly used For:
- Fear and Anxiety
- Motion sickness
- Prevent vomiting post-surgery
- Sedative Agent
- To keep a kitty calm
- Some other Behavioral issues
Available forms of Acepromazine
Acepromazine is available in both injectable and oral formulation:
- 10 mg/ml injectable form
- 5 mg, 10 mg and 25 mg Oral tablets.
Possible side effects of Acepromazine in cats
The most commonly reported and diagnosed side effects of Acepromazine injectables and tablets in felines are:
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Seizure
- Pink urine
Overdosing side effects
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Severe Lethargy
- Severe seizures
- Collapse
Which cats should not take Acepromazine?
Acepromazine is not a safe treatment for felines having health issues such as liver and kidney illnesses and seizures. Pregnant and lactating cats can not take Acepromazine.
How to administer Acepromazine Injectables to Felines?
Acepromazine injection should be used with the veterinarian’s advice and under the supervision of a professional vet. To cats, the injectable can be given IV, IM, or SC.
Remember that when administering the Acepromazine in IV, administer slowly as much as possible to avoid any allergic or toxic reactions.
Which drugs can interact with Acepromazine?
Do not administer Acepromazine to your cat parallel with CNS medicine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Medicines that can interact with Acepromazine are:
- Clomipramine
- Fluoxetine
- Reconcile
- Anipryl
- Selegiline
Why my cat’s third eyelid elevate after taking Acepromazine?
Elevating the third eyelid in the feline after taking Acepromazine is a minor side effect of the drug. Don’t worry, and stay calm. However, if you observe your kitty’s eyes not coming to normal after a long period, contact your vet immediately.
How long does Acepromazine last in cats?
Acepromazine tablets start their effect within 30-40 min, however the injectable start their effect quickly within 10-15 min. The effect of the medicine can last in dogs for about 6-8 hours.
When to give Acepromazine to cats?
Always make sure to follow your vet’s prescription. The ideal way is to give the Acepromazine to your kitty 30-1 hour prior to the event you are using the medicine. For motion sickness in cats, give the medicine 30-40 min before the travel.
Common Brand Names of Acepromazine
- PromAce®
- Aceproject®
- VETONE®
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