POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

ACP Injection 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection

Active ingredient: Acepromazine

Form

Injection

Species

Cats Dogs

Manufacturer

Elanco GmbH

VMD MA No.

52127/3009

What it's used for

Anaesthetic Premedication of anaesthetic necessary to induce anaesthesia is considerably reduced. This reduction is approximately one-third of a suitable i...

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.

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Prescription required

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

Clinical information

ACP Injection 2 mg/ml Solution for Injection — SPC Details

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

Anaesthetic Premedication
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: 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.

Do not use in pregnant animals.

Revised: March 2025
AN: 04052/2024
Do not use on a long term basis in individual animals.

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

Revised: March 2025
AN: 04052/2024

Subcutaneous injection is non-irritant and efficacious, especially in cats.

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
Care should be taken when handling and administering this product to avoid
exposure.
Take precautions to avoid accidental injection or self-administration of this potent
drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and
show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Symptomatic treatment
may be required.
Avoid contact with 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, was the contaminated 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).

Do not store above 25°C. Protect from light. Following withdrawal of the first
dose, use remainder of the product within 28 days. Discard unused material.

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.