POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

Ziapam, 5 mg/ml, Solution for Injection for Cats and Dogs

Active ingredient: Diazepam

Form

Injection

Species

Cats Dogs

Manufacturer

Domes Pharma

VMD MA No.

54982/3005

What it's used for

As part of a pre-anaesthetic or sedation protocol.

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 Diazepam

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

Ziapam, 5 mg/ml, Solution for Injection for Cats and Dogs — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 27 Mar 2026.

As part of a pre-anaesthetic or sedation protocol.

In dogs and cats:
Short term management of convulsive disorders: 0.5 mg diazepam/kg bodyweight
(equivalent to 0.5 ml/5kg).
Administered as a bolus and repeated up to three times, after no less than 10 minutes
each time.
Short term management of skeletal muscle spasm: 0.5-2.0 mg/kg bodyweight
(equivalent to 0.5-2.0 ml/5kg).
As part of sedation protocol: 0.2-0.6 mg/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.2-0.6 ml/5kg).
As part of pre-anaesthesia protocol: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1-0.2
ml/5kg).
To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as
possible.

Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the
excipients.
AN: 02182/2022Page 2 of 6
Do not use in cases of severe hepatic disease.

Dogs and cats :
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000
animals treated):
Behavioural disorders (e.g. excitation, aggression,
disinhibiting effect)
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals
treated, including isolated
reports):
Hepatic necrosis (acute)
, liver failure
Undetermined frequencyHypotension
, cardiac disorders
, thrombophlebitis
Ataxia, disorientation, changes in mentation and
behaviour
Increased appetite
1
Paradoxical reactions. Mainly in small breeds of dogs. Avoid use of diazepam as a
sole agent in potentially aggressive animals.
In cats only.
May be caused by rapid intravenous administration
Mainly in cats.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a
veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to
either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national
competent authority via the national reporting system. See section “contact details”of
the package leaflet.

For intravenous use only.
Diazepam alone is less likely to be effective as a sedative when used in animals that
are already excited. Diazepam can cause sedation and disorientation and should be
used with caution in working animals, such as military, police or service dogs.

Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
The product should be used with caution in animals with hepatic or renal disease and in
debilitated, dehydrated, anaemic, obese, or geriatric animals.
The product should be used with caution in animals in shock, coma, or with significant
respiratory depression.
The product should be used with caution in animals affected by glaucoma.
It is not recommended to use diazepam for convulsive disorder control in cats in case
of chronic chlorpyrifos toxicosis as organophosphate’s toxicity may be potentiated.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
People with known sensitivity to diazepam or the excipients should avoid contact with
the veterinary medicinal product.
The product can cause skin irritation. Avoid contact with skin. In the case of contact
with skin, wash with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Wash hands after use.
The product can cause eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes. If the product comes into
contact with the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with plenty of water and seek medical
attention if irritation persists.
This product is a CNS depressant. Take care to avoid accidental self-injection. If
accidental self-injection occurs, seek medical advice immediately and show the
package leaflet or the label to the physician. Do not drive, as sedation may occur.
Diazepam may be harmful for the foetus and unborn child. Diazepam and its
metabolites are secreted into milk, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect on the
nursing neonate. As such, women of child-bearing potential and nursing mothers
should not handle this product.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
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Diazepam is a central nervous system depressant which may potentiate the action of
other central nervous system depressants as barbiturates, tranquilizers, narcotics,
antidepressants…
Diazepam may increase the action of digoxin.
Cimetidine, erythromycin, azole substances (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole)
valproic acid and propanol may slow the metabolism of diazepam. The dose of
diazepam may need to be decreased to avoid excessive sedation.
Dexamethasone may decrease the action of diazepam.
The concomitant use with hepatotoxic dosages of other substances should be avoided.
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Store in the original package. Protect from light.
Any solution remaining in the ampoule following withdrawal of the required dose should
be discarded.

Not applicable.

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.