Reptile · Eublepharis macularius · typical adult weight 0.04–0.10 kg
Alfaxalone is dosed at 5 mg/kg IV (jugular vein) single induction dose (frequency not stated) in leopard geckos, per 336. Morici M, DiGiuseppe M, Spadola F, et al. Intravenous alfaxalone anaesthesia in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). J Exot Pet Med. 2018;27:11-14. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.234 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2017.08.008. Alfaxalone is used in leopard geckos for Sedation for tracheal intubation, Sedation for physical examination and venipuncture. Routes documented in leopard geckos: IV (jugular vein), SC. A typical adult leopard gecko weighs 0.04–0.10 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Alfaxalone in leopard geckos, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Alfaxan
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV (jugular vein) | 5 mg/kg | single induction dose (frequency not stated) | Sedation for tracheal intubation | Moderate | 336. Morici M, DiGiuseppe M, Spadola F, et al. Intravenous alfaxalone anaesthesia in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). J Exot Pet Med. 2018;27:11-14. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.234 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2017.08.008 |
| SC | 15 mg/kg | single dose, combined with midazolam 1.0 mg/kg SC | Sedation for physical examination and venipuncture | Strong | Doss GA, Fink DM, Sladky KK, Mans C. Comparison of subcutaneous dexmedetomidine-midazolam versus alfaxalone-midazolam sedation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). Vet Anaesth Analg. 2017;44(5):1175-1183. doi:10.1016/j.vaa.2017.03.007 https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/28882371 |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your leopard gecko's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.
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 leopard geckos may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Alfaxalone dose ranges in leopard geckos, with cited source references: IV (jugular vein) 5 mg/kg single induction dose (frequency not stated); SC 15 mg/kg single dose, combined with midazolam 1.0 mg/kg SC. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Alfaxalone in leopard geckos: IV (jugular vein), SC.
Alfaxalone is indicated in leopard geckos for: Sedation for tracheal intubation, Sedation for physical examination and venipuncture.
These are general warnings for Alfaxalone across species; consult the leopard gecko dosing table above for species-specific guidance. 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.
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 leopard geckos — 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.