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  • Albuquerque Cat Clinic
  • 7007 Jefferson Ave NE, STE D-2,
  • Albuquerque,
  • New Mexico,
  • 87109
  • Phone: 505-323-1460
  • Email: ray@abqcatclinic.com

Acepromazine

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Acepromazine is used as a sedative and a pre-anesthetic agent. It also possesses the following properties: prevents vomiting, prevents muscle spasms, lowers blood pressure, alleviates itching as a result of skin irritation and decreases temperature.

How do I give this medication? medications

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

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.

What are the potential side effects?

    "Your pet may become drowsy
while taking this medication."

  • Acepromazine may discolor your pet's urine, changing it to a pink or red-brown color.

  • Your pet may become drowsy while taking this medication.

  • Your pet may experience some constipation.

  • Your pet's blood pressure may decrease when on this medication, which may cause your pet to collapse. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Please be sure to tell your veterinarian if you are giving your pet any other medication or supplements.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. If this occurs, 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.
  • 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), and procaine.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 8, 2016.