Introduction

Name

• Alfaxalone/alfadalone (INN).
• Alphaxalone/alphadalone (BAN).

Class of drug

• Steroid general anesthetic.

Description

Chemical name

• (3alpha,5alpha)-3-Hydroxypregnane-11,20-dione.

Molecular formula

• C21H32O3.

Molecular weight

• 332.48.

Physical properties

• Clear, slightly viscous solution.

Storage requirements

• Store below 25°C/77°F.
• Do not refrigerate (steroid constituents may precipitate).
• Protect from light.
• Do not store opened vials (no antibacterial agent included).

Uses

Indications

• General anesthesia in various small animals.
• Low doses given IM produce sedation.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

Premedicants, eg phenothiazine

• Prolonged anesthesia and recovery time Acepromazine maleate.
• Barbiturates must not be used in animals sedated with alphadalone/alphaxalone.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Navarrete-Calvo R, Gómez-Villamandos R J, Morgaz J et al (2014) Cardiorespiratory, anaesthetic and recovery effects of morphine combined with medetomidine and alfaxalone in rabbits. Vet Rec 174 (4), 95 PubMed.
• Green C J, Hasley M J, Precious S et al (1978) Alphaxolone-alphadolone anaesthesia in laboratory animals. Lab Anim 12 (2), 85-89 PubMed.

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.
• Flecknell P A (1996) Laboratory Animal Anaesthesia. 2nd edn. Academic Press.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Compendium/Overview/-21789.html.