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Acepromazine maleate is a phenothiazine derivative that is used as a neuroleptic agent in veterinary medicine. It is a commonly used tranquilizer for dogs, cats and horses. Phenothiazines decrease dopamine levels and depress some portions of the reticular activating system. Acepromazine is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine.
In addition to tranquilization, acepromazine has multiple other important systemic effects including anti-cholinergic, anti-emetic, antispasmodic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Acepromazine causes hypotension due to decreased vasomotor tone. It may change heart and respiratory rate, and thermoregulatory ability allowing for either hypo- or hyperthermia.
Acepromazine may be given intramuscularly, intravenously
or orally. It provides no analgesia and the tranquilizing effect of the
drug can be overcome unexpectedly particularly by sensory stimulation.
Acepromazine is usually less effective if given after the animal is excited.
There is a great deal of individual variability in the response to acepromazine
and despite being a very commonly used medication there are important
species and even breed differences in response to acepromazine that need
to be taken into consideration (see precautions).
Acepromazine is one of the most commonly used tranquilizers for cats and dogs. It decreases anxiety, causes central nervous system depression, and a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. It may be used in conjunction with atropine as a pre-operative medication for anxiety and for its antidysrhythmic effects. Oral acepromazine may be prescribed to prevent motion sickness, to temporarily reduce itching and scratching due to allergies, or prior to office visits, nail trimming or grooming appointments if the animal is too fractious to handle safely without sedation. Some veterinarians are reluctant to prescribe acepromazine for travel anxiety when the animal may be exposed to temperature extremes, such as during plane travel, or when there may be limited access to veterinary care. Other drugs used for travel anxiety/motion sickness include meclizine, diphenhydramine, and diazepam. Occasionally, animals (particularly cats) may have a paradoxical response to acepromazine and become excited, or aggressive.
Acepromazine is one of the most commonly used tranquilizers
for horses.
It may be used alone or in combination with other sedative drugs such
as xylazine, detomidine, or butorphanol. Because acepromazine lowers blood
pressure by dilating small blood vessels, it is sometimes prescribed in
the early treatment of laminitis in order to diminish vaso-spasm and possibly
improve circulation within the hoof. Acepromazine is also used in horses
that are prone to exertional rhabdomyolysis both as a preventative, and
as a part of the treatment due to its vasodilatory properties. When acepromazine
is used in the treatment of more severe cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis,
intravenous fluids may be desirable to increase hydration and support
renal function.
Onset of action of acepromazine varies with route of administration: oral
acepromazine may take 30 minutes to an hour. The effects of acepromazine
will last from 1 to 4 hours, but this varies significantly with dose and
among individual horses. Acepromazine is a prohibited substance in most
sanctioned competition. Oral administration or long-term, repeated dosing
may increase detection time.
• Common: Acepromazine will cause hypotension, decreased respiratory rate and bradycardia. Dogs are particularly sensitive to cardiovascular side effects but cardiovascular collapse has also occurred in cats. Sudden collapse, decreased or absent pulse and breathing, pale gums, and unconsciousness may occur in some animals.
• Rare: fatal interactions with anesthetics have been reported.
• Acepromazine will cause a dose dependent decrease in hematocrit in both dogs and horses. This effect occurs within 30 minutes of administration and may last for 12 hours or more. The hematocrit in horses may decrease by as much as 50%.
• Penile paralysis is a rare but recognized adverse side effect
of acepromazine use in the horse. This drug should be avoided in breeding
stallions.
• Acepromazine lowers blood pressure: it should not be used in animals that are dehydrated, anemic or in shock.
• Acepromazine should be avoided or used with extreme caution in
older animals, or those with liver disease, heart disease, injury, or
debilitation. If it is used in these animals, it should be given in very
small doses. In some older animals, a very small dose can have a marked
and very prolonged effect.
• Acepromazine should not be used in animals with a history of epilepsy,
those prone to seizures, or those receiving a myelogram because it may
lower the seizure threshold.
• Acepromazine should not be used in animals with tetanus or strychnine poisoning.
• Acepromazine should be avoided in pregnancy or lactation. It should be avoided or used with extreme caution in young animals due to its effects on an animal's ability to thermo regulate.
• Dogs: Giant breeds and greyhounds may be extremely sensitive to acepromazine, while terriers may require higher doses. Brachycephalic breeds, especially Boxers, are particularly prone to cardiovascular side effects (drop in blood pressure and slow heart rate). Acepromazine should be avoided or used with great caution in these breeds.
• Horses: Draft horse breeds are especially sensitive to most sedatives
including acepromazine. Pony breeds do not appear to differ from horses
in their response to acepromazine.
• Animals receiving acepromazine will require lower doses of barbiturates, narcotics, and other anesthetics. These combinations increase central nervous system depression.
• Antidiarrheal mixtures like Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol, or antacids decrease the absorption of oral acepromazine.
• Acepromazine should not be used within one month of deworming with organophosphate compounds.
• Quinidine, epinephrine, propanolol, procaine hydrochloride and
phenytoin have all been shown to have significant drug interactions with
phenothiazines. Further information should be sought before concomitant
administration.
• Overdose will cause excessive sedation, slow respiratory and heart rate, pale gums, unsteady gait, poor coordination, and inability to stand. It may also cause sudden collapse, unconsciousness, seizures and death.
• Oral overdose should be treated by emptying the stomach along with monitoring and other supportive care.
• Phenylephrine and norepinephrine are the drugs of choice to treat acepromazine-induced hypotension. Barbiturates, or diazepam may be used for the treatment of seizures associated with overdose.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
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of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
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risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
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Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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