Alfaxalone

What is this medication for?

• Induction and/or maintenance of general anesthesia; deep drowsiness (into a muscle, cats)

How is it given?

This medication is normally given by your veterinary team (in clinic or hospital).

• Negligible analgesic effect — always pair with a separate analgesic plan.
• High stopped breathing incidence in dogs specifically — always have ET intubation and ventilatory support ready before administering.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Respiratory/CNS depression, low blood pressure (Dose-related)
• Pain/discomfort if given into a muscle (Notable — avoid into a muscle/under the skin for induction)
• Rough/excited recovery (More likely with benzodiazepine-only premed)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Post-induction stopped breathing (44% of dogs, 19% of cats in clinical trials)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Hepatic dysfunction (lower dose/extend interval); safety not established <12 weeks age; must have ET intubation/O2/ventilation capability available

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Other CNS depressants
  • Medetomidine and/or butorphanol premed
  • Propofol, thiopental

Storage and handling

Room temperature, protect from light. No antimicrobial preservative — avoid microbial contamination, treat as effectively single-use.

Good to know

• Negligible analgesic effect — always pair with a separate analgesic plan.
• into a muscle/under the skin routes are inappropriate for induction/maintenance — into a vein only for anesthetic effect; the cat into a muscle "deep drowsiness" dose is a distinct, separate use case, not equivalent to into a vein induction.
• High stopped breathing incidence in dogs specifically — always have ET intubation and ventilatory support ready before administering.