Alfaxalone for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Alfaxalone is used in dog for Sedation, Induction of general anesthesia, Short procedure sedation (minor). Routes documented in dog: IM, IV. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Alfaxalone in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Alfaxan
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 3–5 mg/kg | once | Single dose | Sedation | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| IV | 1–3 mg/kg | once | Single induction dose; titrate to effect | Induction of general anesthesia | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| IV | 0.5–1.5 mg/kg | once | Single dose; top up as needed | Short procedure sedation (minor) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.
Side effects & warnings
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.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Anesthetic drugs with dog dosing
Alfaxalone dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Alfaxalone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.