Acepromazine
Anaesthetics & SedativesA phenothiazine tranquilizer that acts by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in the central nervous system, producing sedation and calming. It has a blood-pressure-lowering effect through alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. It does not provide analgesia.
Pharmacological information
A class-level scientific overview for general reference — no doses. The ultimate reference is always the locally approved product leaflet and consultation with a veterinarian.
Mechanism of action
A phenothiazine tranquilizer that acts by blocking dopamine (D2) receptors in the central nervous system, producing sedation and calming. It has a blood-pressure-lowering effect through alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. It does not provide analgesia.
Indications
- Sedation and anxiety control
- Premedication for anesthesia and in combination with other drugs
Contraindications & warnings
- Hypovolemia, shock, and heart disease (risk of hypotension)
- Caution in hepatic impairment, aged animals, and those with epilepsy
- May cause prolonged penile erection in males (a risk in stallions)
Drug interactions
- Enhanced central depression with other sedatives and anesthetics
- Hypotension is aggravated with blood-pressure-lowering drugs
Withdrawal periods
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | — | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | — | — | — |
| Species | Meat | Milk | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | — | — | — |
Recorded adverse effects
openFDA veterinary reports — the numbers are report counts, not a severity rate.
Related products
Sources
- •Withdrawal periods: UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
- •European Medicines Agency (EMA) — Veterinary medicines
- •Merck Veterinary Manual — Pharmacology
- •Always verify the locally approved leaflet and consult a veterinarian.