AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats

Acepromazine

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: solution for injection. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Acepromazine.1

In short: questions and answers

Does AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats need a prescription?
Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
Which animals is AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats for?
Cats, Dogs.1
What is the active substance in AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats?
Acepromazine. ATCvet code: QN05AA04.13
What is the withdrawal period of AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats according to the leaflet?
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Dispensing
Prescription only1

POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12

Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.

Animal species
Cats1, Dogs1
Active substance
Acepromazine
ATCvet code
QN05AA043
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: Zoetis UK Limited

Withdrawal period

No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3

Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Each ml contains:

Active substance:

Acepromazine 2.0 mg

(as acepromazine maleate 2.71 mg)

Excipients:

Phenol 3.0 mg

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

6.1 List of excipients

Phenol

Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)

Maleic acid (for pH adjustment)

Water for injections

3

Pharmaceutical form

Solution for injection Clear yellow solution

3

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antipsychotics

ATCvet code: QN05AA04

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine. It is a central nervous system depressant with associated activity on the autonomic system. Phenothiazines have a central action due to inhibition of dopamine pathways, resulting in alteration of mood, reduction in fear and removal of learned or conditioned responses.

Acepromazine possesses anti-emetic, hypothermic, hypotensive and anti-spasmodic properties and shows a marked potentiating effect on barbiturate anaesthesia.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars

The length of action of acepromazine appears to be prolonged and to be dose dependent.

3

Target species

Dogs and cats

3

Indications

Anaesthetic Premedication: Following acepromazine administration, the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia is considerably reduced. This reduction is approximately one-third of a suitable induction agent.

Tranquilisation: Acepromazine tranquilisation (ataraxy) involves a modification of temperament which is not associated with hypnosis, narcosis or marked sedation. This is achieved with low doses of acepromazine.

Sedation: At higher dose rates acepromazine is a sedative.

3

Dosage

Premedication: 0.03 - 0.125 mg per kg bodyweight by intramuscular, subcutaneous or slow intravenous injection.

Other uses: By intramuscular or subcutaneous injection 0.0625 - 0.125 mg per kg bodyweight. Approximately equivalent to 0.625 - 1.25 ml of 2 mg/ml injection per 20 kg bodyweight. By intravenous injection - as for intramuscular, except that it is recommended the injection is made slowly.

The maximum dose that should be given is 4 mg acepromazine per animal.

Normally single doses of acepromazine are administered (see section 4.3, Contraindications).

Take adequate precautions to maintain sterility. Avoid the introduction of contamination during use. Should any apparent growth or discolouration occur, discard the product.

3

Contraindications

Do not use in pregnant animals.

Do not use on a long term basis in individual animals.

3

Adverse reactions

Cardiac dysrhythmia may follow rapid intravenous injection. See also section 4.5 (i), Special precautions for use in animals.

3

Warnings

i) Special precautions for use in animals

Acepromazine is hypotensive. Particular care should therefore be taken in hypovolaemic animals; rehydration should precede acepromazine administration.

In some dogs, particularly Boxers and other short-nosed breeds, spontaneous fainting or syncope may occur due to sinoatrial block caused by excessive vagal tone. An attack may be precipitated by an injection of acepromazine, so a low dose should be used. Where there is a history of this type of syncope, or if it is suspected because of excessive sinus arrhythmia, it may be advantageous to control the dysrhythmia with atropine given just before the acepromazine.

Large breeds: It has been noted that large breeds of dog are particularly sensitive to acepromazine and the minimum dose possible should be used in these breeds.

ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

This product contains a potent sedative; care should be taken when handling and administering this product to avoid accidental self-exposure. In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician but DO NOT DRIVE as sedation may occur. Symptomatic treatment may be required.

This product may cause irritation of skin and eyes. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If accidental eye contact occurs, flush gently with fresh running water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice if any irritation persists. In the event of accidental skin contact, wash the contaminated area with large amounts of soap and water. Medical advice should be sought if irritation persists.

Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after use.

3

Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established during pregnancy

3

Interactions

Acepromazine is additive to the actions of other depressants and will potentiate general anaesthesia (see section 4.2, Indications for use).

3

Overdose

Transient dose-dependent hypotension may occur in cases of accidental overdose. Therapy should consist of discontinuing any other hypotensive treatment, supportive care such as intravenous infusion of warm isotonic saline to correct hypotension and close monitoring.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is contra-indicated in the treatment of acute hypotension produced by overdosage of acepromazine maleate, since further depression of systemic blood pressure can result.

3

Special warnings

None

3

Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

3

Incompatibilities

This veterinary medicinal product can be mixed in the same syringe with aqueous solutions for injection containing buprenorphine as hydrochloride, methadone as hydrochloride, butorphanol as tartrate, and medetomidine and dexmedetomidine as hydrochlorides. Syringes with these mixtures should be used as soon as practicable. Any unused mixed solution remaining in the syringe should be disposed appropriately.

In the absence of further compatibility studies, this veterinary medicinal product must not be mixed with other veterinary medicinal products.

3

Immediate packaging

20 ml amber glass (Type I) vial, closed with a chlorobutyl rubber bung and aluminium crimped seal in a cardboard box.

3

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

Do not freeze.

3

Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 30 months. Shelf life after opening of the immediate packaging: 28 days.

3

Disposal of unused product

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste material derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

3

Additional information

Vm 42058/5220

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

11 June 2018

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

December 2025

PROHIBITION OF SALE, SUPPLY AND/OR USE

To be supplied only on veterinary prescription.

Gavin Hall Approved: 05 December 2025

3

Registration holder

Zoetis UK Limited

1st Floor, Birchwood Building

Springfield Drive

Leatherhead

Surrey

KT22 7LP

3

Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats, 42058/5220 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

Other products with the same active substance

All products with this active substance (10)

The same active substance in other countries

These are different medicines with different authorisations. The dispensing status is the one on each product's own page, which gives its basis. The leaflet of the product in hand applies.

Spain

All products with this active substance (2)

Poland

All products with this active substance (2)

Ukraine