ACEPROMAZINE

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Acepromazine is used as a sedative and a preanesthetic agent. It also possesses the following properties: prevents vomiting, prevents muscle spasms and decreases temperature. Acepromazine may also be used to help manage feline urinary tract disease. This medicine is usually prescribed as a tranquilizer to help keep pets quiet and sedated.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care and shake well.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

- Do not give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

- If the dosage varies (for example ½-1 pill), give the lowest dose first. Observe the animal closely eight hours after the first dose. If you need to increase the dosage, observe the animal closely eight hours after administering this higher dosage.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.

- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential Side Effects

- Acepromazine may discolour your pet’s urine to a pink or red-brown color.

- Your pet may become drowsy while taking this medication

- Constipation may occur.

- Rarely, your pet’s blood pressure may decrease which may cause your pet to collapse. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Monitor gum color and alertness.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible Drug Interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Acepromazine should not be given to animals with strychnine or organophosphate poisoning or within one month of worming with an organophosphate agent.

- The following drugs can potentially interact with acepromazine: kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate compounds, antacids, propranolol, phenytoin, quinidine, epinephrine, other CNS depressants, atropine, barbiturates, barbiturate anesthetics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, phenylpropanolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline), procaine.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.