Question 1

What is Alfaxalone used for?

Accepted Answer

Alfaxalone is indicated for: Anaesthesia induction, Anaesthesia induction (chamber alternative), Anesthetic induction, Induction of general anesthesia, Minor procedure sedation, Restraint, Sedation, Seizure control (emergency), Short procedure anesthesia (endoscopy), Short procedure sedation (minor), short procedures.

Question 2

What routes can Alfaxalone be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: IV, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Alfaxalone dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Alfaxalone dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 10 species: African Grey Parrot, African Pygmy Hedgehog, Ball Python, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Chinchilla, Dog (Domestic), Ferret, Guinea Pig, Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Alfaxalone a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Alfaxalone is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Alfaxalone?

Accepted Answer

Apnea with rapid IV injection — titrate slowly. No analgesic properties. Short shelf life once broached (use within 6 hours unless preserved formulation). Good safety profile in exotic species.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Alfaxalone?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Alfaxalone: Apnea with rapid IV injection — titrate slowly. No analgesic properties. Short shelf life once broached (use within 6 hours unless preserved formulation). Good safety profile in exotic species.

Question 7

How does Alfaxalone work?

Accepted Answer

Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	IV	1–2 mg/kg	once	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IM	3–5 mg/kg	once	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Alfaxalone

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Alfaxalone dosing data (23 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 23 dose rules

Backed by 6 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 23 cited rules)

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Other formulations of Alfaxalone