ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/oxazepam
US brand names:Serax
Oxazepam is dosed at 0.2–0.5 mg/kg PO q12-24h in cats, per Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.992 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Short-acting benzodiazepine with no active metabolites (direct glucuronide conjugation). Enhances GABA-A receptor function.
DEA Schedule IV. Useful in patients with hepatic disease (no oxidative metabolism). Appetite stimulant in cats. May cause paradoxical excitement. Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity in cats (rare).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.2–0.5 mg/kg | q12-24h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.992 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.