Acepromazine for Dogs

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is Acepromazine Used for in Dogs?

Acepromazine is a prescription veterinary sedative and tranquilizer medication. It’s most commonly given as a preanesthetic agent in dogs, meaning it is given before anesthesia to help lower the amount of general anesthesia your pet may need during surgery.

The tablet form of acepromazine is FDA-approved for use in dogs for tranquilization and as a preanesthetic agent.

The injectable form of acepromazine is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats for sedation, to alleviate itching, help relieve vomiting associated with motion sickness, and as a preanesthetic agent.

The injectable form is also FDA-approved for use in horses for tranquilization and as a preanesthetic agent. The medication should not be used in food-producing animals such as poultry or cattle due to human food safety concerns.

The use of acepromazine in animals other than horses, dogs, and cats is considered off-label. For example, veterinarians often prescribe acepromazine off-label as a secondary treatment for urinary blockages in cats and for laminitis in horses. The term off- or extra-label use means that a medication is used in a way or in a particular species that is not specified on the medication label.

While veterinarians often prescribe medications for off-label use, your veterinarian will determine whether acepromazine is right for your pet.

Acepromazine is available as the brand name PromAce® and as generic acepromazine.

In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of acepromazine.

Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a pet’s particular needs. 

How Acepromazine Works in Dogs

Acepromazine depresses (slows down) the central nervous system and causes sedation, muscular relaxation, and a reduction in spontaneous activity. 

Generally, your veterinarian will consistently monitor your pet when receiving sedation and anesthesia. Acepromazine does not provide any pain relief.

Acepromazine for Dogs Considerations

Acepromazine should be used with caution in pets with certain medical conditions, such as stress, heart disease, low blood volume, shock, low white blood cell numbers, and liver disease.

Giving acepromazine with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it’s important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.

Acepromazine should not be used in pets who have been exposed to certain toxic insecticides and flea collars containing organophosphate compounds, as it can make toxicity worse. 

Acepromazine should be used with caution as a solo tranquilizer medication in aggressive dogs, as it may make them more aggressive and more prone to overreact to noises and other sensory input. Acepromazine may be used in combination with other medications in these situations.

Certain dogs and breeds of dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation are more sensitive than other pets to this medication. Speak with your veterinarian about alternative medications or a lower dose of acepromazine if your dog has this genetic mutation. Additional breeds and pets with underlying diseases may also benefit from alternative medications.

Acepromazine for Dogs Directions

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.

As a preanesthetic agent, acepromazine is most often given as an injection in a hospital setting. Speak with your veterinarian regarding specific dosage instructions when providing acepromazine tablets, which are generally given 45 minutes to one hour before the procedure.

Please contact your veterinarian if you are considering this medication as a sedative for your dog or cat for traveling, grooming, or loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks, and construction, among others).

Although acepromazine is generally considered a tranquilizer, studies have demonstrated that it does not relieve anxiety, so it’s no longer used as a solo medication. Your veterinarian may discuss alternative anxiety-reducing medications to give your pet in combination with acepromazine or instead of acepromazine.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of acepromazine to your pet. Generally, your veterinarian may instruct you to give it when you remember.

Do not give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of Acepromazine in Dogs

Acepromazine is very effective at suppressing the nervous system and should be used only when your pet can be carefully monitored.

Possible side effects of acepromazine in dogs include:

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Third eyelid protrusion (temporary and harmless)

• Low blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Confusion

• Aggression

• Hyperactivity

• Chewing

• Decreased tear production

• Reverse sneezing

• Seizures

Human Side Effects

Acepromazine is a prescription veterinary medication not intended for use in humans.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets, and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician, seek emergency care, or contact the national Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. 

Monitoring Your Pet

Specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is on this medication may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.

When To Call Your Vet

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• You see or suspect an overdose

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of acepromazine

Acepromazine Overdose in Dogs Information

Overdoses of acepromazine can cause depression of the nervous system in dogs, which can present as:

• Excessive sedation/lethargy

• Severe weakness

• Pale gums

• Incoordination

• Changes in pupil size

• Agitation

• Shallow breathing

• Collapse

• Seizures

If you suspect an overdose or an accidental intracarotid injection, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

• Pet Poison Helpline® 855-764-7661

• ASPCA® Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

How To Store Acepromazine for Dogs

Follow these tips when storing your pet’s acepromazine:

• Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the drug label.

• Acepromazine should be stored at controlled temperatures between 68–77 degrees F (20–25 degrees C). Brief exposure to temperatures between 59–86 degrees F (15–30 degrees C) is acceptable.

• Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture and light.

• Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.