Introduction

Name

• Acepromazine maleate.

Class of drug

• Phenothiazine.

Description

Chemical name

• 1-{10-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-12H-phenothiazin-2yl}ethanone.

Molecular formula

• C₁₉H₂₂N₂OS.

Molecular weight

• 326.46.

Physical properties

• Yellow crystalline solid or powder.

Storage requirements

• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Sedation Sedation.
• Premedication Anesthesia: preparation - provides moderate tranquilization but no analgesia.
• Sedation for GIT contrast studies as minimal effect on transit time.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• Other central nervous system (CNS) depressant agents (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics) may cause additive CNS depression if used with acepromazine.
• Quinidine when given with phenothiazines may cause additive cardiac depression.
• Antidiarrheal mixtures, eg kaolin/pectin, bismuth subsalicylate, and antacids may cause reduced gastrointestinal (GI) absorption of oral phenothiazines.
• Increased blood levels of both drugs may result if propranolol is administered with phenothiazines.
• As phenothiazines block alpha-adrenergic receptors, concomitant use with epinephrine Epinephrine may lead to unopposed beta activity, thereby causing vasodilation and tachycardia.
• Phenytoin metabolism may be decreased if given concurrently with phenothiazines.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Ghaffari M S, Moghaddassi A P & Bokaie S (2009) Effects of intramuscular acepromazine and diazepam on tear production in rabbits. Vet Rec 164 (5), 147-148 PubMed.
• Flecknell P A & Liles J H (1996) Halothane anaesthesia in the rabbit - a comparison of the effects of medetomidine, acepromazine and midazolam on breath-holding during induction. J Ass Vet Anaesth 23 (1), 11-14 VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I (2014) BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 8th edn. BSAVA. ISBN: 9781905319657.
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate (2013) Veterinary Medicines Guidance Notes. Website: www.gov.uk/government/collections/veterinary-medicines-guidance-notes-vmgns.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/publications.