Acepromazine Dosage Calculator

Calculate the appropriate acepromazine dosage for dogs, cats, and horses based on weight, administration route, and desired sedation level.

Enter the animal's weight in kilograms (kg)
Enter concentration in mg/mL (e.g., 10 for 10mg/mL solution)
10% = Light sedation, 100% = Maximum sedation

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the animal's weight in kilograms
  2. Select the animal type (dog, cat, or horse)
  3. Enter the medication concentration in mg/mL
  4. Choose the administration route (oral or injectable)
  5. Adjust the sedation level slider based on desired effect
  6. Click Calculate to see the recommended dosage

Formula Used

Dosage (mL) = (Weight × Dosage Factor) ÷ Concentration

Where:

  • Weight = Animal's weight in kilograms (kg)
  • Dosage Factor = Based on animal type, administration route, and sedation level (mg/kg)
  • Concentration = Medication concentration in mg/mL

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A veterinarian needs to calculate the appropriate acepromazine dosage for a 20kg dog requiring moderate sedation before a minor procedure. The medication concentration is 10mg/mL.

Given:

  • Animal Weight = 20 kg
  • Animal Type = Dog
  • Administration Route = Injectable
  • Medication Concentration = 10 mg/mL
  • Sedation Level = 50% (moderate)

Calculation:

Dosage Factor for dogs (injectable, moderate) = 0.6 mg/kg
Dosage (mg) = 20 kg × 0.6 mg/kg = 12 mg
Dosage (mL) = 12 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 1.2 mL

Result: 1.2 mL of acepromazine 10mg/mL solution

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

  • Pre-operative sedation for veterinary procedures
  • Management of anxiety and fear in animals during transport
  • Chemical restraint for examinations and treatments
  • Adjunct therapy in anesthesia protocols

Key Benefits

  • Precise dosage calculation reduces risk of under/over sedation
  • Adjustable sedation levels for different clinical scenarios
  • Species-specific dosing improves safety and efficacy
  • Volume calculation simplifies medication administration

Common Mistakes & Tips

Always use kilograms (kg) for weight calculations. If you only have the weight in pounds, divide by 2.2 to convert to kilograms. Using incorrect weight units can lead to significant dosage errors.

This calculator provides general dosage guidelines. Always consider individual patient factors such as age, breed, health status, concurrent medications, and previous reactions to acepromazine before administration.

Acepromazine is available in different concentrations (commonly 10mg/mL or 25mg/mL). Always verify the concentration of your specific medication and enter it correctly in the calculator to ensure accurate volume calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acepromazine typically begins to take effect within 15-30 minutes after oral administration and 5-15 minutes after injectable administration. Peak effects are usually seen within 30-60 minutes.

The duration of acepromazine's effects varies by species and individual, but typically lasts 4-8 hours in dogs and cats, and 2-4 hours in horses. Some animals may experience mild sedation for up to 12 hours.

Yes, acepromazine should not be used in animals with a history of seizures, liver disease, or heart disease. It should be used with caution in very young or geriatric animals, and in certain breeds like Boxers and sight hounds which may be more sensitive to its effects.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is intended for use by veterinary professionals only. It provides general dosage guidelines and should not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always consider individual patient factors and consult appropriate references before administering any medication. The authors of this calculator are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of this information.

References

Accuracy Notice

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calculator, dosage calculations should always be double-checked by a qualified veterinary professional. Individual patient factors may require adjustment of the calculated dose.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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health veterinary-medication-dosage acepromazine dosage medical body weight