POM-V
Prescription Required
Large Animal Etorphilon Solution for Injection
Active ingredients: Acepromazine, Etorphine
Form
Injection
Species
Deer
Horses
Manufacturer
Abbeyvet Export LLP
VMD MA No.
21757/5001
What it's used for
Reversible neuroleptanalgesia (narcosis with analgesia) for restraint and minor surgical interventions in the horse. The product may also be used in deer.
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Clinical information
Large Animal Etorphilon Solution for Injection — SPC Details
Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.
Reversible neuroleptanalgesia (narcosis with analgesia) for restraint and minor
surgical interventions in the horse. The product may also be used in deer.
surgical interventions in the horse. The product may also be used in deer.
Horse: 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt, minimum, injected intravenously.
At the recommended dose, horses will normally remain immobilised for some 45
minutes. If a longer period is essential, a further half-dose may be given
intravenously.
Deer: Tame deer - 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt. This should be reduced by 30% in pregnant
hinds.
Rutting or wild deer - up to 1 ml/50 kg bwt.
Administer intramuscularly via a dart.
Reversal of narcosis: A volume of Large Animal Diprevon equal to the total volume of
Large Animal Etorphilon injected should be given intravenously as soon as possible
after the period of restraint is complete. Recovery should then take place with
minimal disturbance and noise. Animals should be kept under frequent surveillance
during recovery.
At the recommended dose, horses will normally remain immobilised for some 45
minutes. If a longer period is essential, a further half-dose may be given
intravenously.
Deer: Tame deer - 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt. This should be reduced by 30% in pregnant
hinds.
Rutting or wild deer - up to 1 ml/50 kg bwt.
Administer intramuscularly via a dart.
Reversal of narcosis: A volume of Large Animal Diprevon equal to the total volume of
Large Animal Etorphilon injected should be given intravenously as soon as possible
after the period of restraint is complete. Recovery should then take place with
minimal disturbance and noise. Animals should be kept under frequent surveillance
during recovery.
Do not use in animals intended for animal consumption.
Do not use in feline species.
Do not use in horses with cardiac arrhythmias or a history of endocarditis, or with
liver damage.
Do not use intramuscularly in the horse except in the circumstances of an emergency
where intravenous injection is not possible.
Do not dilute or mix with any other substance.
Do not use in feline species.
Do not use in horses with cardiac arrhythmias or a history of endocarditis, or with
liver damage.
Do not use intramuscularly in the horse except in the circumstances of an emergency
where intravenous injection is not possible.
Do not dilute or mix with any other substance.
Muscle tremor occurs in most horses but will generally diminish if the animal is left
recumbent for a few minutes before the operative procedure is started.
Signs of tachycardia, hypertension and mild tranquillisation may be seen following
remobilisation.
Entero-hepatic re-cycling of etorphine may occur, causing excitement, ‘walking’ and
‘head pressing’ six to eight hours after remobilisation. These effects can be reversed
by a further half-dose of Large Animal Diprevon administered subcutaneously.
In rare cases, paraphimosis may occur as a sequel to priapism (see section 4.5 (i)
Special precautions for use in animals). When extrusion of the penis occurs, the
owner should be advised to inform his veterinary surgeon if retraction of the penis
does not take place within 7 hours.
When considering treatment the veterinary surgeon may contact the Marketing
Authorisation holder, however, conservative and therapeutic measures are advised
and the following have been recommended in published papers for the treatment of
this rare condition:
a) Manual compression: reduction of the erection by manual compression during the
period of general anaesthesia. Luke, J.N. and Sansom, J., (1979), Vet. Rec., 105,
July 9, p.21.
b) Penile support and manual compression: prompt treatment by manual
compression or use of an Esmarch bandage has achieved satisfactory results. If
priapism occurs following sedation, general anaesthesia has been re-introduced
and compression applied immediately. Gerring, E.L., (1981), Vet. Rec., 109 (3),
July 18 p.64. Pearson, H., and Weaver,B.M.Q., Equine Vet. J., (1978), 10 (2), p85.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
c) Drug reversal: slow intravenous administration of benzatropine mesylate produced
satisfactory reduction in a gelding. Sharrock, A.G., (1982), Austral. J., 58, 39.
recumbent for a few minutes before the operative procedure is started.
Signs of tachycardia, hypertension and mild tranquillisation may be seen following
remobilisation.
Entero-hepatic re-cycling of etorphine may occur, causing excitement, ‘walking’ and
‘head pressing’ six to eight hours after remobilisation. These effects can be reversed
by a further half-dose of Large Animal Diprevon administered subcutaneously.
In rare cases, paraphimosis may occur as a sequel to priapism (see section 4.5 (i)
Special precautions for use in animals). When extrusion of the penis occurs, the
owner should be advised to inform his veterinary surgeon if retraction of the penis
does not take place within 7 hours.
When considering treatment the veterinary surgeon may contact the Marketing
Authorisation holder, however, conservative and therapeutic measures are advised
and the following have been recommended in published papers for the treatment of
this rare condition:
a) Manual compression: reduction of the erection by manual compression during the
period of general anaesthesia. Luke, J.N. and Sansom, J., (1979), Vet. Rec., 105,
July 9, p.21.
b) Penile support and manual compression: prompt treatment by manual
compression or use of an Esmarch bandage has achieved satisfactory results. If
priapism occurs following sedation, general anaesthesia has been re-introduced
and compression applied immediately. Gerring, E.L., (1981), Vet. Rec., 109 (3),
July 18 p.64. Pearson, H., and Weaver,B.M.Q., Equine Vet. J., (1978), 10 (2), p85.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
c) Drug reversal: slow intravenous administration of benzatropine mesylate produced
satisfactory reduction in a gelding. Sharrock, A.G., (1982), Austral. J., 58, 39.
Animals MUST be kept stabled, protected from extremes of temperature and under
close supervision for at least 24 hours, particularly for the first 8 hours following
administration.
Care must be taken to avoid hypothermia or hyperthermia (see above).
Protect horses’ eyes from sun or bright light following administration.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
i) Special precautions for use in animals
Treat animals individually and not in groups.
The use of etorphine, particularly in elderly animals, carries a degree of risk and the
usual precautionary procedures, such as the maintenance of free air passages, must
be followed.
In male horses, product use can cause paraphimosis, usually as a sequel to
priapism.
Use in fallow deer is not recommended .
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the
veterinary medicinal product to animals
Etorphine can be life threatening if absorbed by any route – EXTREME CARE
SHOULD BE TAKEN.
To AVOID ACCIDENTAL SELF-INJECTION the following procedure should be
adopted:
(a) Use two sterile needles, one to fill syringe from vial and one to inject the patient.
Once the required dose has been withdrawn from the vial, the syringe should be
removed from the needle. A separate sterile needle should then be inserted into
the injection site and the syringe connected to it. Both needles should be
discarded into a closed container.
(b) Wear surgical gloves.
(c) Do not pressurise vial contents.
(d) An eye and skin wash should be made readily available for use following ANY
exposure. Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately as it may be
absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
(e) An assistant capable of giving an injection of reversing agent to the individual
administering Large Animal Etorphilon must be present whenever the product is
used.
(f) The veterinary surgeon must fully brief the assistant on the accident procedure
and indicate whether diprenorphine is to be considered as an antidote in the
event of personal accident.
(g) A stock of naloxone and diprenorphine (etorphine reversing agents) must always
be available when the product is being used.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE
The product is a very potent neuroleptanalgesic which is highly toxic to humans. It
causes dizziness, nausea and pinpoint pupils, followed by respiratory depression,
lowered blood pressure, cyanosis and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness,
respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
If there is any danger that the product may have been injected or absorbed, the
following steps should be taken IMMEDIATELY.
BEFORE CALLING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INJECT A REVERSING AGENT.
With any topical contact such as spillage on the skin or immediate clothing, or
splashing into eyes, mouth or nose, IMMEDIATE washing with plenty of water may
prevent significant absorption but THIS SHOULD NEVER BE ASSUMED. DO NOT
drive if accidental exposure is suspected.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
THE DATA SHEET OR PACKAGE LEAFLET SHOULD BE HANDED TO THE
ATTENDING DOCTOR.
ANTIDOTE PROCEDURE
Reversing agents: Inject 2-3 ml naloxone hydrochloride 0.4 mg/ml, preferably
intravenously or alternatively intramuscularly, and repeat at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes
until symptoms are reversed (usually 2-3 treatments are sufficient).
In the event of naloxone hydrochloride 0.4 mg/ml being unavailable, or in a situation
of extreme emergency the following information is provided for possible guidance:
Inject 0.1 ml of Large Animal Diprevon Solution for Injection (Veterinary Marketing
Authorisation only) preferably intravenously or alternatively intramuscularly. If the
actual volume of Large Animal Etorphilon injected or absorbed is known, inject an
equal quantity of Large Animal Diprevon.
If respiratory depression is not reversed, repeat the dose after 2 to 3 minutes.
Recurrence of morphine-like effects may occur due to entero-hepatic recycling.
Large Animal Diprevon may itself induce an hallucinatory state.
ADEQUATE RESPIRATION AND HEARTBEAT MUST BE MAINTAINED, IF
NECESSARY BY MEANS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION AND EXTERNAL HEART
MASSAGE, UNTIL MEDICAL HELP ARRIVES.
close supervision for at least 24 hours, particularly for the first 8 hours following
administration.
Care must be taken to avoid hypothermia or hyperthermia (see above).
Protect horses’ eyes from sun or bright light following administration.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
i) Special precautions for use in animals
Treat animals individually and not in groups.
The use of etorphine, particularly in elderly animals, carries a degree of risk and the
usual precautionary procedures, such as the maintenance of free air passages, must
be followed.
In male horses, product use can cause paraphimosis, usually as a sequel to
priapism.
Use in fallow deer is not recommended .
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the
veterinary medicinal product to animals
Etorphine can be life threatening if absorbed by any route – EXTREME CARE
SHOULD BE TAKEN.
To AVOID ACCIDENTAL SELF-INJECTION the following procedure should be
adopted:
(a) Use two sterile needles, one to fill syringe from vial and one to inject the patient.
Once the required dose has been withdrawn from the vial, the syringe should be
removed from the needle. A separate sterile needle should then be inserted into
the injection site and the syringe connected to it. Both needles should be
discarded into a closed container.
(b) Wear surgical gloves.
(c) Do not pressurise vial contents.
(d) An eye and skin wash should be made readily available for use following ANY
exposure. Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately as it may be
absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
(e) An assistant capable of giving an injection of reversing agent to the individual
administering Large Animal Etorphilon must be present whenever the product is
used.
(f) The veterinary surgeon must fully brief the assistant on the accident procedure
and indicate whether diprenorphine is to be considered as an antidote in the
event of personal accident.
(g) A stock of naloxone and diprenorphine (etorphine reversing agents) must always
be available when the product is being used.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURE
The product is a very potent neuroleptanalgesic which is highly toxic to humans. It
causes dizziness, nausea and pinpoint pupils, followed by respiratory depression,
lowered blood pressure, cyanosis and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness,
respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
If there is any danger that the product may have been injected or absorbed, the
following steps should be taken IMMEDIATELY.
BEFORE CALLING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INJECT A REVERSING AGENT.
With any topical contact such as spillage on the skin or immediate clothing, or
splashing into eyes, mouth or nose, IMMEDIATE washing with plenty of water may
prevent significant absorption but THIS SHOULD NEVER BE ASSUMED. DO NOT
drive if accidental exposure is suspected.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
THE DATA SHEET OR PACKAGE LEAFLET SHOULD BE HANDED TO THE
ATTENDING DOCTOR.
ANTIDOTE PROCEDURE
Reversing agents: Inject 2-3 ml naloxone hydrochloride 0.4 mg/ml, preferably
intravenously or alternatively intramuscularly, and repeat at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes
until symptoms are reversed (usually 2-3 treatments are sufficient).
In the event of naloxone hydrochloride 0.4 mg/ml being unavailable, or in a situation
of extreme emergency the following information is provided for possible guidance:
Inject 0.1 ml of Large Animal Diprevon Solution for Injection (Veterinary Marketing
Authorisation only) preferably intravenously or alternatively intramuscularly. If the
actual volume of Large Animal Etorphilon injected or absorbed is known, inject an
equal quantity of Large Animal Diprevon.
If respiratory depression is not reversed, repeat the dose after 2 to 3 minutes.
Recurrence of morphine-like effects may occur due to entero-hepatic recycling.
Large Animal Diprevon may itself induce an hallucinatory state.
ADEQUATE RESPIRATION AND HEARTBEAT MUST BE MAINTAINED, IF
NECESSARY BY MEANS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION AND EXTERNAL HEART
MASSAGE, UNTIL MEDICAL HELP ARRIVES.
Do not dilute or mix with any other substances (see section 4.3, Contraindications).
Do not store above 25°C. Protect from light.
Following withdrawal of the first dose, use remainder of the product within one day.
Discard unused material.
Following withdrawal of the first dose, use remainder of the product within one day.
Discard unused material.
Revised: December 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
c) Drug reversal: slow intravenous administration of benzatropine mesylate produced
satisfactory reduction in a gelding. Sharrock, A.G., (1982), Austral. J., 58, 39.
4.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
There is a risk of respiratory depression in the newborn when etorphine is given to a
parturient animal.
4.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Do not dilute or mix with any other substances (see section 4.3, Contraindications).
4.9 Amounts to be administered and administration route
Horse: 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt, minimum, injected intravenously.
At the recommended dose, horses will normally remain immobilised for some 45
minutes. If a longer period is essential, a further half-dose may be given
intravenously.
Deer: Tame deer - 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt. This should be reduced by 30% in pregnant
hinds.
Rutting or wild deer - up to 1 ml/50 kg bwt.
Administer intramuscularly via a dart.
Reversal of narcosis: A volume of Large Animal Diprevon equal to the total volume of
Large Animal Etorphilon injected should be given intravenously as soon as possible
after the period of restraint is complete. Recovery should then take place with
minimal disturbance and noise. Animals should be kept under frequent surveillance
during recovery.
4.10 Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
In the case of gross overdose, an equal volume of Large Animal Revivon should be
administered by intravenous injection.
4.11 Withdrawal period(s)
Do not use in animals intended for human consumption.
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
Treated horses may never be slaughtered for human consumption.
The horse must have been declared as not intended for human consumption under
national horse passport legislation.
5.
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02574/2025
c) Drug reversal: slow intravenous administration of benzatropine mesylate produced
satisfactory reduction in a gelding. Sharrock, A.G., (1982), Austral. J., 58, 39.
4.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
There is a risk of respiratory depression in the newborn when etorphine is given to a
parturient animal.
4.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Do not dilute or mix with any other substances (see section 4.3, Contraindications).
4.9 Amounts to be administered and administration route
Horse: 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt, minimum, injected intravenously.
At the recommended dose, horses will normally remain immobilised for some 45
minutes. If a longer period is essential, a further half-dose may be given
intravenously.
Deer: Tame deer - 0.5 ml/50 kg bwt. This should be reduced by 30% in pregnant
hinds.
Rutting or wild deer - up to 1 ml/50 kg bwt.
Administer intramuscularly via a dart.
Reversal of narcosis: A volume of Large Animal Diprevon equal to the total volume of
Large Animal Etorphilon injected should be given intravenously as soon as possible
after the period of restraint is complete. Recovery should then take place with
minimal disturbance and noise. Animals should be kept under frequent surveillance
during recovery.
4.10 Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
In the case of gross overdose, an equal volume of Large Animal Revivon should be
administered by intravenous injection.
4.11 Withdrawal period(s)
Do not use in animals intended for human consumption.
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
Treated horses may never be slaughtered for human consumption.
The horse must have been declared as not intended for human consumption under
national horse passport legislation.
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.
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