Reptile · Correlophus ciliatus · typical adult weight 0.04–0.06 kg
Diazepam is dosed at 0.2–2 mg/kg IM, IV single dose (give 20 min prior to anesthesia) in crested geckos, per Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:442-452. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.238 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Diazepam is used in crested geckos for Muscle relaxation / preanesthetic sedation. Routes documented in crested geckos: IM, IV. A typical adult crested gecko weighs 0.04–0.06 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Diazepam in crested geckos, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Valium
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM, IV | 0.2–2 mg/kg | single dose (give 20 min prior to anesthesia) | Muscle relaxation / preanesthetic sedation | Weak | Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:442-452. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.238 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your crested gecko's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance, producing sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
HEPATOTOXICITY in cats (oral use — acute hepatic necrosis, sometimes fatal). Short duration in dogs (rapid redistribution). Avoid IM (erratic absorption). Reversible with flumazenil. Controlled substance.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for crested geckos may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Diazepam dose range in crested geckos, with cited source references: IM, IV 0.2–2 mg/kg single dose (give 20 min prior to anesthesia). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Diazepam in crested geckos: IM, IV.
Diazepam is indicated in crested geckos for: Muscle relaxation / preanesthetic sedation.
These are general warnings for Diazepam across species; consult the crested gecko dosing table above for species-specific guidance. HEPATOTOXICITY in cats (oral use — acute hepatic necrosis, sometimes fatal). Short duration in dogs (rapid redistribution). Avoid IM (erratic absorption). Reversible with flumazenil. Controlled substance.
Why a species-specific page? Diazepam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in crested 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.