Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Alfaxalone is dosed at 24 mg/kg ICe (intracoelomic) once (induction) in red-eared sliders, per Hackenbroich C, Failing K, Axt-Findt U, et al. Alphaxalone-alphadolone anesthesia in Trachemys scripta elegans and its influence on respiration, circulation and metabolism. Proc 2nd Conf Euro Assoc Zoo Wildl Vet; 1998:431-436. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Alfaxalone is used in red-eared sliders for Surgical anesthesia, Anesthetic induction. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: ICe (intracoelomic), IM, IV. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Alfaxalone in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Alfaxan
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICe (intracoelomic) | 24 mg/kg | once (induction) | Surgical anesthesia | Moderate | Hackenbroich C, Failing K, Axt-Findt U, et al. Alphaxalone-alphadolone anesthesia in Trachemys scripta elegans and its influence on respiration, circulation and metabolism. Proc 2nd Conf Euro Assoc Zoo Wildl Vet; 1998:431-436. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| IM | 20 mg/kg | once (induction) | Anesthetic induction | Moderate | Innis CJ, Feinsod R, Hanlon J, et al. Coelioscopic orchiectomy can be effectively and safely accomplished in chelonians. Vet Rec. 2013;172:526-531. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1136/vr.101475 |
| IV | 5 mg/kg | once (induction) | Anesthetic induction | Moderate | Knotek Z. Alfaxalone as an induction agent for anaesthesia in terrapins and tortoises. Vet Rec. 2014;175:327-329. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1136/vr.102486 |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider'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 red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Alfaxalone dose ranges in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: ICe (intracoelomic) 24 mg/kg once (induction); IM 20 mg/kg once (induction); IV 5 mg/kg once (induction). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Alfaxalone in red-eared sliders: ICe (intracoelomic), IM, IV.
Alfaxalone is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Surgical anesthesia, Anesthetic induction.
These are general warnings for Alfaxalone across species; consult the red-eared slider 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 red-eared sliders — 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.