Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats
Diazepam
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: solution for injection. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Diazepam.1
In short: questions and answers
- Does Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats need a prescription?
- Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
- Which animals is Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats for?
- Cats, Dogs.1
- What is the active substance in Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats?
- Diazepam. ATCvet code: QN05BA01.13
- What is the withdrawal period of Solupam 5 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.
- Active substance
- Diazepam
- ATCvet code
- QN05BA013
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Dechra Regulatory BV
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:
Diazepam 5.0 mg
Excipient:
Benzyl Alcohol (E1519) 15.7 mg
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
6.1 List of excipients
Benzyl Alcohol (E1519)
Benzoic Acid (E210)
Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Propylene Glycol
Ethanol (96 per cent)
Water for injections
Pharmaceutical form
Solution for injection
Clear, yellow-green solution, pH 6.2-7.2
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group:
ATCvet code: QN05BA01.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative thought to depress the sub-cortical levels of the central nervous system (primarily limbic, thalamic and hypothalamic) to produce anxiolytic, sedative, musculoskeletal relaxant and anticonvulsant effects. The exact mechanism of action has not been defined.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars
Diazepam is highly lipid soluble and is widely distributed throughout the body. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is highly bound to plasma proteins. It is metabolised in the liver to produce several pharmacologically active metabolites (major metabolite in dogs is N-desmethyl-diazepam), which are conjugated with glucuronide and eliminated primarily in the urine.
Target species
Dogs and cats.
Indications
For the short term management of convulsive disorders and skeletal muscle spasms of central and peripheral origin.
As part of a pre-anaesthetic or sedation protocol.
Dosage
For slow intravenous injection only.
Short term management of convulsive disorders: 0.5-1.0 mg diazepam/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.5-1.0 ml/5kg). Administered as a slow bolus and repeated up to three times, after no less than 10 minutes each time.
Short term management of skeletal muscle spasm: 0.5-2.0 mg/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.5-2.0 ml/5kg).
As part of sedation protocol: 0.2-0.6 mg/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.2-0.6 ml/5kg).
As part of pre-anaesthesia protocol: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1-0.2 ml/5kg).
The vial may be safely punctured up to 100 times.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Do not use in cases of severe hepatic disease.
Adverse reactions
Rare (1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals treated): Paradoxical effects (e.g. excitation, aggression, disinhibiting effect)a
Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): Hepatic necrosis (acute)b, liver failureb
Undetermined frequency: Hypotensionc, cardiac disordersc, thrombophlebitisc
Ataxia, disorientation, changes in mentation and behaviour
Increased appetited
a Mainly in small breeds of dogs.
b In cats only.
c May be caused by rapid intravenous administration.
d Mainly in cats.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See also the last section of the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Warnings
i). Special precautions for use in animals
The product should be used with caution in animals with hepatic or renal disease and in debilitated, dehydrated, anaemic, obese, or geriatric animals.
The product should be used with caution in animals in shock, coma, or with significant respiratory depression.
The product should be used with caution in animals affected by glaucoma.
It is not recommended to use diazepam for convulsive disorder control in cats in case of chronic poisoning by pesticides (chlorpyrifos) as the toxicity of these organophosphates may be potentiated.
Paradoxical reactions (including excitation, a disinhibiting effect and aggression) may be observed if diazepam is used as a sole agent, therefore avoid the use of diazepam alone in potentially aggressive animals.
ii). Special precautions to be take by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Diazepam is a CNS depressant and can cause sedation and induction of sleep. Care should be taken to avoid self-injection. In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet to the physician, but DO NOT DRIVE as sedation and impaired muscular function may occur.
Diazepam and its metabolites may be harmful for the unborn child, and are secreted into breastmilk in small amounts, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect on the nursing neonate. Pregnant women or women intending to become pregnant and breastfeeding women should, therefore, avoid handling or take great care when handling this product and, in the event of exposure, seek medical advice immediately.
People with known hypersensitivity to diazepam or the excipients should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
This product contains benzyl alcohol and can cause skin irritation. Avoid contact with skin. In the case of contact with skin, wash with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice. Wash hands after use.
The product can cause eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes. If the product comes into contact with the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
iii). Other precautions
Not applicable.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy and lactation:
Laboratory studies in mice and hamsters have shown evidence of teratogenic effects at high maternotoxic doses. Rodent studies have indicated that prenatal exposure to diazepam at clinical doses can produce long-term changes in cellular immune responses, brain neurochemistry and behaviour.
Use of the product for the target species during pregnancy and lactation has not been investigated therefore use must be according to the benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
If used in lactating females, puppies/kittens should be monitored carefully for undesired somnolence/sedative effects that could interfere with suckling.
Interactions
Diazepam is a central nervous system depressant which may potentiate the action of other central nervous system depressants such as barbiturates, tranquilizers, narcotics and antidepressants.
Diazepam may increase the action of digoxin.
Cimetidine, erythromycin, azole substances (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole) valproic acid and propanol may slow the metabolism of diazepam. The dose of diazepam may need to be decreased to avoid excessive sedation.
Dexamethasone may decrease the action of diazepam.
The concomitant use with hepatotoxic dosages of other substances should be avoided.
Overdose
Diazepam overdose may cause significant central nervous system depression (confusion, decreased reflexes, coma, etc). Supportive treatment should be given (cardio-respiratory stimulation, oxygen). Hypotension and respiratory and cardiac depression are rare events.
Special warnings
Diazepam alone is less likely to be effective as a sedative when used in animals that are already excited.
Diazepam can cause sedation and disorientation and should be used with caution in working animals, such as military, police or service dogs.
Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this veterinary medicinal product must not be mixed with other veterinary medicinal products.
Immediate packaging
Cardboard box with one clear type I glass vial containing 5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml or 50 ml with a coated bromobutyl rubber stopper and aluminium cap.
Pack sizes:
Box with 1 vial of 5 ml
Box with 1 vial of 10 ml
Box with 1 vial of 20 ml
Box with 1 vial of 50 ml
Multi-pack with 6 boxes each containing 1 vial of 5 mL
Multi-pack with 6 boxes each containing 1 vial of 10 mL
Multi-pack with 6 boxes each containing 1 vial of 20 mL
Multi-pack with 10 boxes each containing 1 vial of 5 mL
Multi-pack with 10 boxes each containing 1 vial of 10 mL
Multi-pack with 10 boxes each containing 1 vial of 20 mL
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years
Shelf life after first opening the immediate packaging: 56 days
Disposal of unused product
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater.
Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Additional information
Vm 50406/5004
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
20 February 2019
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
30 June 2023
11 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS
Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription.
Approved 30 June 2023
Registration holder
Dechra Regulatory B.V.
Handelsweg 25
5531 AE Bladel
The Netherlands
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats, 50406/5004
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Solupam 5 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats
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