Introduction

Name

• Alfaxalone (INN).
• Alphaxalone (BAN).

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: 6.5-7.0.
• Concentration: 10 mg/ml.

Storage requirements

• Store below 30°C/86°F.
• Protect from light.
• Solution contains no preservatives.
• Recommended that contents of vial be used within 24 h of opening.

Uses

Indications

• General anesthesia Anesthesia: general.
• Given alone as a single bolus dose or in incremental doses.
• Given for anesthetic induction prior to tracheal intubation Endotracheal intubation and maintenance with inhalational anesthesia Anesthesia: inhalational.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Huynh M, Poumeyrol S, Pignon C et al (2015) Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone for sedation in rabbits. Vet Rec 176 (10), 255 PubMed.
• Marsh M K, Mcleod S R, Hansen A et al (2009) Induction of anaesthesia in wild rabbits using a new alfaxalone formulation. Vet Rec 164 (4), 122-123 PubMed.
• Grint N J, Smith H E & Senior J M (2008) Clinical evaluation of alfaxalone in cyclodextrin for the induction of anaesthesia in rabbits. Vet Rec 163 (13), 395-396 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Meredith A (2015) Small Animal Formulary, Part B: Exotics.  9th edn. BSAVA, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK.
• Jurox Pty Ltd (2011) Alfaxan® Anaesthetic Injection Technical Notes. Rutherford, NSW, Australia. Website: www.jurox.com/downloads/product-material/Alfaxan_3.pdf. Last Accessed 23 November 2016.