Acepromazine
Acepromazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic medication that acts as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. It is primarily used as a sedative and tranquilizer to manage anxiety, agitation, and psychotic symptoms. While more commonly used in veterinary medicine, it has applications in humans for certain psychiatric and pre-anesthetic conditions.
Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer used to manage anxiety, agitation, and as a pre-anesthetic sedative by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AA04
- RxNorm
- 155
- Generic
- Acepromazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- PROMACE
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesterreduce dose if essential
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus; avoid in early pregnancy unless absolutely necessary
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose and avoid prolonged use
avoid use near term due to potential effects on neonate; discontinue at least 2 weeks before delivery if possible
monitor neonate for extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation after birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12significant dose reduction required
use with extreme caution in children; not typically recommended for pediatric use due to limited safety data
close monitoring of vital signs, sedation levels, and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lowest effective dose, typically 25-50% of adult dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to sedative and hypotensive effects; increased fall risk
regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno significant dose adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
significant dose reduction required; use with caution
frequent monitoring of drug levels and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; drug is extensively metabolized in liver
monitor liver function tests and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use or use with extreme caution at very low doses
avoid if possible due to significantly impaired metabolism; contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment
frequent monitoring of liver function and drug levels if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; passes into breast milk
monitor infant for excessive sedation and feeding difficulties
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Originally approved for human use, now primarily veterinary
Drug class
Chemical class: phenothiazine derivatives
Common uses
Primary use in veterinary medicine for sedation and pre-anesthetic medication
Mechanism of action
Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain
Acepromazine is used to treat anxiety disorders, agitation, and psychotic symptoms in humans, though its primary applications are in veterinary medicine for animal sedation and calming. It is also employed as a pre-anesthetic medication and antiemetic agent.
Acepromazine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which reduces dopamine-mediated neurotransmission. This dopaminergic blockade produces sedative, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects. It also has alpha-1 adrenergic blocking and antihistamine properties.
Acepromazine can cause significant hypotension, sedation, and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma, severe cardiovascular disease, or those with known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines. Use with caution in elderly patients and those with liver impairment. It may enhance the effects of other CNS depressants.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy