Alfaxalone
Alfaxalone is a synthetic neurosteroid anesthetic agent used primarily in veterinary medicine for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. It acts by enhancing the activity of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, resulting in sedation, hypnosis, and muscle relaxation. The medication is commonly employed in small animals such as cats and dogs, and may also be used in exotic species.
Alfaxalone is a neurosteroid general anesthetic primarily used in veterinary medicine for surgical procedures in animals.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01AX05
- RxNorm
- 1544577
- Generic
- Alfaxalone
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Alfaxan
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- 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
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when necessary and benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid if possible due to potential uterine relaxation effects
fetal and uterine monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or avoid use; decision should be based on clinical need
monitor infant for sedation
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose by 25-50%
use lower doses due to increased sensitivity and reduced hepatic metabolism
closely monitor respiratory and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatricsuse age-appropriate dosing
used in veterinary pediatric patients; human pediatric data limited
close monitoring of vital signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal impairmentdose reduction may be required
use with caution in moderate to severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and adjust dose as needed
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentdose reduction may be required
use with caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment due to reduced metabolism
monitor liver function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
Veterinary anesthetic approval and usage history
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary use
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Alfaxalone is indicated for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in veterinary patients, particularly cats and dogs undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures. It may also be used for sedation and as part of anesthetic protocols in various animal species including horses and exotic pets.
Alfaxalone is a synthetic neurosteroid that enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system. This modulation leads to neuronal inhibition, resulting in hypnosis, sedation, and anxiolysis. The medication has a rapid onset of action and relatively short duration.
Alfaxalone is typically administered via intravenous injection. Side effects may include respiratory depression, excitation during recovery, and transient muscle movements. It should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or cardiovascular impairment. The formulation for human use was discontinued due to anaphylactic reactions, but the veterinary formulation remains widely used.
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
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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