POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

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

Active ingredient: Acepromazine

Form

Injection

Species

Cats Dogs

Manufacturer

Zoetis UK Limited

VMD MA No.

42058/5220

What it's used for

Anaesthetic Premedication: Following acepromazine administration, the amount of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia is considerably reduced. This r...

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Acepromazine

1

Ask your vet for a written prescription

They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.
2

Fill it at a registered online retailer

The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Your prescription rights → VMD register of retailers →

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

AceSedate 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Dogs and Cats — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 18 Mar 2026.

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.

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

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

Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02803/2025Page 2 of 5

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

None

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.

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

Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02803/2025Page 3 of 5

Do not store above 25°C.
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Do not freeze.

Not applicable.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.