MDose · Veterinary drug reference
MIDAZOLAM
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Preanesthetic/anesthetic adjunct, status epilepticus
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Preanesthetic/anesthetic adjunct, status epilepticus — Extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Preanesthetic/anesthetic adjunct, status epilepticus — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens7
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
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Adverse effects204
Respiratory depression — Primary concern, esp. combined with opioids
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Paradoxical excitement/dysphoria — Can occur alone, especially in cats
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pain on injection, local irritation — Reported (human data)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting207 reports
- Seizure NOS200 reports
- Death165 reports
- Death by euthanasia119 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')117 reports
- Anorexia94 reports
- Diarrhoea93 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS83 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS80 reports
- Tachycardia80 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)78 reports
- Cardiac arrest76 reports
Cat
- Behavioural disorder NOS98 reports
- Not eating82 reports
- Dilated pupils78 reports
- Hyperactivity67 reports
- Anorexia64 reports
- Dysphoria64 reports
- Death59 reports
- Death by euthanasia58 reports
- Ataxia54 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')54 reports
- Fever50 reports
- Hypothermia47 reports
Monitoring1
Level of sedation, respiratory rate/character, cardiac rate — inpatient/supervised setting only
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines; acute narrow-angle glaucoma
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Hepatic/renal disease, debilitated/geriatric, CHF (slower elimination), coma/shock/respiratory depression; avoid intra-carotid injection
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Alone, midazolam does not reliably sedate animals — often causes dysphoria/excitement, especially in cats; always combine with an opioid or dissociative for predictable sedation.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Unlike diazepam, midazolam can be given IM effectively (water-soluble) and mixed in the same syringe with ketamine — a major practical advantage for premed/induction combos.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Much shorter half-life than diazepam — better suited to short procedures or as a CRI component, not as a maintenance anticonvulsant.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions5
Azole antifungals (keto/itra/fluconazole) — ↑ midazolam levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) — ↑ midazolam levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin) — ↑ midazolam levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Phenobarbital, rifampin — ↓ midazolam levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Opiates — ↑ hypnotic effect; hypotension reported with meperidine specifically
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Protein binding — 94–97%
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Bioavailability — ~91% IM; 31–72% oral (not marketed orally)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~77 min avg (dog, range 1–2h); 2–5.8h (horse, dose-dependent)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic microsomal oxidation
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — Renal
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Not shown to cause fetal abnormalities directly, but class effect concerns apply (human FDA category D for benzodiazepines generally). Excreted in milk — caution in nursing mothers.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 835–838; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 529–531 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references4
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Distinct Modulation of High- and Low-Frequency Activity by Midazolam and Neurosteroids in Neocortical Slices.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- In vitro and in vivo intestinal and hepatic oxidative metabolism of typical cytochrome P450 3A substrates, midazolam, nifedipine, and quinidine, in minipigs: a comparison with humans, monkeys, and dogs.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Intraoperative gastroesophageal reflux in dogs undergoing mastectomy under opioid-based protocols: a preliminary endoscopic study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Assessing the sedative effects of intranasal midazolam in the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba): A dose-response study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.