Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Midazolam is dosed at 1.5 mg/kg IM once (sedation) in red-eared sliders, per Oppenheim YC, Moon PF. Sedative effects of midazolam in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). J Zoo Wildl Med. 1995;26:409-413. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.247 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Midazolam is used in red-eared sliders for Sedation. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IM. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Midazolam in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Versed
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 1.5 mg/kg | once (sedation) | Sedation | Moderate | Oppenheim YC, Moon PF. Sedative effects of midazolam in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). J Zoo Wildl Med. 1995;26:409-413. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.247 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity, increasing chloride conductance. Provides anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
May cause paradoxical excitement in healthy dogs when used alone. Water-soluble (less painful IM than diazepam). Respiratory depression at high doses. Flumazenil is the reversal agent.
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.
Midazolam dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IM 1.5 mg/kg once (sedation). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Midazolam in red-eared sliders: IM.
Midazolam is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Sedation.
These are general warnings for Midazolam across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. May cause paradoxical excitement in healthy dogs when used alone. Water-soluble (less painful IM than diazepam). Respiratory depression at high doses. Flumazenil is the reversal agent.
Why a species-specific page? Midazolam 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.