Introduction

Name

• Alfaxalone (Alfaxan).

Class of drug

• Steroid general anesthetic.

Description

Chemical name

• 3-hydroxy-5-pregnane-11, 20-dione.

Physical properties

• Clear, colorless solution for injection presented in a multi-dose bottle.
• pH of solution: 6.5 to 7.0.
• Concentration: 10 mg/ml.

Storage requirements

• Store below 30°C.
• Protect from light.
• Multi-dose vial with preservative now available - use within 28 days of broaching the vial.

Uses

Indications

• Injectable anesthetic agent for dogs and cats.
• Given alone as a single bolus dose, in incremental doses or by continuous rare infusion (CRI).
• Given for anesthetic induction prior to tracheal intubation Endotracheal intubation and maintenance with inhalational anesthesia Anesthesia: maintenance.
• Give intramuscularly to induce a brief period of sedation (10-15 mins).

Administration

Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. Ramsey I (2017) 9th edn. 
• Technical Manual, Jurox Pty Ltd, Rutherford. NSW 2320, Australia.