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Roxee Meds Catalog

Alfaxalone

Medication catalog facts with explicit FDA-approval, off-label, source-limited, and safety context.

Both Catalog complete FDA data linked Rx required Injectable Solution Zoetis Inc. Official label facts Owner quick guide first

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Data freshness

Storefront facts
Catalog refreshed
May 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.

These are the storefront facts Roxee uses on browse cards and quick facts.

FDA applications
FDA application data refreshed
May 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m.

Sponsor, product, and application records imported from Animal Drugs @ FDA.

Safety reports
Safety data refreshed
May 5, 2026, 10:01 a.m.

openFDA reaction terms and case summaries are supporting evidence, not proof of causality.

Source timing details
Source timing details
  • Storefront facts: Source Roxee | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    The storefront fact projection used for browse cards and quick facts.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:04 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:04 AM UTC

Evidence

Reviewed / Updated / Sources

Reviewed by: Not available

Last reviewed: February 12, 2026

Updated: February 12, 2026, 10:44 PM UTC

Sources:
Image coming soon
Alfaxalone

Alfaxalone

Drug type: Generic ingredient • Branded profile FDA branded products available

Both Injectable Solution Rx required 100% storefront ready

Species: Both

Manufacturer: Zoetis Inc.

Medication Snapshot

Merged from the current Roxee medication system with field-level provenance, freshness, and completeness tracking.

Alfaxalone

Induction of general anesthesia. For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction Species commonly shown: Both, Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied, Cat, No Use Class Stated Or Implied.

Generic name
Alfaxalone
Brand names
Alfaxan® Multidose, ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE
Manufacturer
Zoetis Inc.
Species
Both, Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied, Cat, No Use Class Stated Or Implied
Dosage forms
Injectable Solution
Prescription
Prescription required
Completeness
100%
Validation
Needs review
Brand names
Alfaxan® Multidose ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE
Dosage forms
Injectable Solution

Indications / Uses

Induction of general anesthesia. For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction

Warnings / Contraindications

Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

  • Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

Side Effects

Top reported reactions (openFDA): Death, Tachycardia, Cardiac arrest, Vocalisation, Vomiting, Paddling.

FAQ

Both, Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied, Cat, No Use Class Stated Or Implied

Yes. Roxee shows this as prescription-only.

Injectable Solution

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Pet Owner Quick Guide

Start here first for the safest next-step summary before the deeper medication detail.

Used for:

Induction of general anesthesia.

Dosing note:

Exact dosing depends on your pet's species, weight, and health status. Use your veterinarian's instructions for the exact dose and schedule.

What to watch for:

  • Administer by intravenous injection only
  • When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available
  • wobbly/unsteady walking (1 reports)
  • trouble breathing (1 reports)
  • Loss of appetite (1 reports)

When to call the vet:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe lethargy (hard to wake, very low energy).
  • Collapse or fainting.
  • Facial swelling or hives.
  • Blood in vomit or stool.

Regulatory restrictions are shown in Vet View.

What to tell or ask your vet today:

  • Is this medicine the right fit for my pet’s current symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should call back right away?
  • How should I handle missed doses or refusal to take the medicine?
Major cautions & emergency warning signs

Side effects to monitor:

  • Administer by intravenous injection only
  • When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available
  • wobbly/unsteady walking
  • trouble breathing
  • Loss of appetite

Most reported reactions:

  • Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1 reports)
  • Trouble breathing (dyspnea) (1 reports)
  • Loss of appetite (1 reports)

Emergency warning signs:

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Severe lethargy (hard to wake, very low energy).
  • Collapse or fainting.
  • Facial swelling or hives.

Quick Facts

Official label facts first, then secondary summaries. Marketing content is separated below.

Species: Both
Manufacturer: Zoetis Inc.
Form: Injectable Solution
Identifiers:
NADA: 141342 NDC Package: 49480-003-01 NDC Package: 49480-003-02 NDC Package: 54771-6696-1 NDC Package: 54771-6696-2 NDC Package: 54771-6698-1 NDC Package: 54771-6698-2 NDC Product: 49480 NDC Product: 54771
Source metadata:

Warnings / Contraindications

Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

  • High: Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Source metadata:

Adverse Reactions

Snapshot first, detailed rows second. This section summarizes signal data and is not a diagnosis.

Tap or hover a reaction to see what it means in plain language.

Tracked signals
32
Reported cases
32
Serious reports
26
Species represented
2
Grouped by Body System
Digestive (1) · Loss of appetite Skin & allergy (1) · Hair loss at application site Neurologic (2) · Unsteady walking (ataxia), Convulsion Behavior (3) · Circling - behavioural disorder, Behavioral disorder (unspecified), Aggression Other (25) · Trouble breathing (dyspnea), Elevated triglyceride, Elevated thyroxine
Most Reported Reactions
Reaction Body system Cases Species Serious cases
Neurologic 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Dog 1
Digestive 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Dog 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Dog 1
Other 1 Cat 1
Other 1 Cat 1

Species coverage: Cat (21) Dog (11)

View detailed reaction table
Reaction Body system Species Seriousness Frequency Reports
Neurologic Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Digestive Cat Serious - 1
Skin & allergy Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Neurologic Dog Serious - 1
Behavior Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Behavior Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Behavior Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Non-serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Cat Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Other Dog Serious - 1
Source metadata:

Documents

Owner handouts and official technical documents open on-page first, with the original source still one click away.

Owner handouts

0
No owner handouts linked yet.

Official label / PI

0
No official label or package insert links yet.

SPL

2

FOI

3

Alfaxan® Multidose

SPL · SPL

FDA Structured Product Label

Alfaxan® Multidose

Rendered from Roxee's cached FDA SPL package contents for on-page reading. Use Open original for the raw FDA ZIP/XML source.

Sponsor
Zoetis Inc.
NADA
141-342
Status
RX
Form
Injectable Solution
Route
Intravenous
Species
Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied • Cat, No Use Class Stated Or Implied
Composition / specifications
Each milliliter contains 10 milligrams (mg) alfaxalone.

Cats

Indication
Induction of general anesthesia.
Dosage
Administer by intravenous injection over approximately 60 seconds or until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia, 2.2 to 9.7 mg/kilogram (kg) for cats that did not receive a preanesthetic or 1.0 to 10.8 mg/kg for cats that received a preanesthetic.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic
Dosage
Additional low doses of ALFAXAN, similar to a maintenance dose, may be required to facilitate the transition to inhalant maintenance anesthesia.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction
Dosage
Administer an intravenous bolus containing 1.1 to 1.3 mg/kg to provide an additional 7 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in preanesthetized cats; a dose containing 1.4 to 1.5 mg/kg provides an additional 3 to 5 minutes anesthesia in unpreanesthetized cats.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

Dogs

Indication
Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction
Dosage
Administer an intravenous bolus containing 1.2 to 1.4 mg/kg to provide an additional 6 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in preanesthetized dogs; a dose of 1.5 to 2.2 mg/kg provides an additional 6 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in unpreanesthetized dogs.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
Induction of general anesthesia
Dosage
Administer by intravenous injection over approximately 60 seconds or until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia, 1.5 to 4.5 mg/kg for dogs that did not receive a preanesthetic or 0.2 to 3.5 mg/kg for dogs that received a preanesthetic.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic
Dosage
Additional low doses of ALFAXAN, similar to a maintenance dose, may be required to facilitate the transition to inhalant maintenance anesthesia.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE SPL

SPL · Structured Product Label

FDA Structured Product Label XML for ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE. Use the source link for the full official labeling record.

FOI Summary sN 141-342 Approved June 6, 2018 .pdf

FOI · FOI

UCM417729.pdf

FOI · FOI

UCM326904.pdf

FOI · FOI

Veterinary reference (advanced)

Canonical medication sections are above. This legacy block remains available for deeper cross-reference without cluttering the primary workflow.

At a Glance

Quick facts and links to official labeling and safety signals.

Data freshness
  • Storefront facts: Source Roxee | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    The storefront fact projection used for browse cards and quick facts.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:04 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed May 5, 2026, 10:04 AM UTC
Official (FDA)
Identity: Generic ingredient • FDA branded products available
Official FDA brands: ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE
Manufacturer mapping: Zoetis Inc.
Case-reported brands (openFDA): MSK
Catalog species: Both FDA-labeled species: Cat, Dog
Rx/OTC: RX
Form/route: Injectable Solution Intravenous
Applications: NADA 141-342
NDC: Packages 54771-6696-1 54771-6696-2 Products 54771
Documents: 3 (FOI: 3) • SPL: 1 Label highlights Official documents
Safety (openFDA)
Top reactions: Dog 25 Cat 29 View
Case summaries: 11 (showing 8) View
openFDA reports are unverified and do not prove causation.

Diagnosis Codes

Diagnosis-code mappings are not available for this medication yet.

Counseling and Monitoring Highlights

Global Pet owner/Vet mode is controlled in the header. This section avoids duplicate in-page persona tabs.

Owner-facing counseling points
  • Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available. (Contraindication, High)
Top reaction signals
Unsteady walking (ataxia) (1) Trouble breathing (dyspnea) (1) Loss of appetite (1) Elevated triglyceride (1) Elevated thyroxine (1) Elevated lactate (1) Elevated creatinine (1) Desquamation (1)

Identifiers & Packages

Normalized identifiers (NDC/NADA/ANADA) and package metadata from regulator listings.

Identifiers
NADA: 141342 NDC Package: 49480-003-01 NDC Package: 49480-003-02 NDC Package: 54771-6696-1 NDC Package: 54771-6696-2 NDC Package: 54771-6698-1 NDC Package: 54771-6698-2 NDC Product: 49480 NDC Product: 54771
Package NDC Product NDC Form / Route Status
49480-003-01 49480 -
49480-003-02 49480 -
54771-6696-1 54771 -
54771-6696-2 54771 -
54771-6698-1 54771 -
54771-6698-2 54771 -

Enriched Documents

Documents are tiered by source trust: Official, Clinical, Manufacturer, Marketing.

  • ALFAXAN MULTIDOSE SPL • Structured Product Label • Official
    FDA Structured Product Label from the electronic animal drug product listing directory.
  • UCM326904.pdf • FOI summary • Official • April 29, 2026
    FDA FOI summary for application 141342
  • UCM417729.pdf • FOI summary • Official • April 29, 2026
    FDA FOI summary for application 141342
  • FOI Summary sN 141-342 Approved June 6, 2018 .pdf • FOI summary • Official • April 29, 2026
    FDA FOI summary for application 141342

Data Sources & Change Log

Every non-trivial field is expected to include provenance and update timestamps.

Official 35 Clinical 3 Manufacturer 0 Marketing 0
Current Field Facts
  • monitoring: Monitor blood glucose and ketones, hydration status, appetite, and clinical response at regular intervals. (Clinical, 2026-04-14)
  • monitoring: Monitor blood glucose and ketones, hydration status, appetite, and clinical response at regular intervals. (Clinical, 2026-04-12)
  • side_effects: Top reported reactions (openFDA): Death, Tachycardia, Cardiac arrest, Vocalisation, Vomiting, Paddling. (Clinical, 2026-04-11)
  • contraindications: Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients sh… (Official, 2026-04-12)
  • contraindications: Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients sh… (Official, 2026-04-12)
  • contraindications: Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients sh… (Official, 2026-04-11)
  • contraindications: Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients sh… (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-05-05)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-05-03)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-05-02)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-29)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-28)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-27)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-26)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-25)
  • manufacturer_name: Zoetis Inc. (Official, 2026-04-22)
  • prescription_required: Rx required (Official, 2026-05-05)
  • prescription_required: Rx required (Official, 2026-05-03)
  • prescription_required: Rx required (Official, 2026-05-02)
  • prescription_required: Rx required (Official, 2026-04-29)
Recent Revisions
  • monitoring updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • Clinical monitoring context for feline diabetes management.
  • usage updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • Usage statement from FDA warning letter and approved-product context.
  • drug_profile_type updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • FDA source confirms Senvelgo as a branded approved product.
  • manufacturer_name updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • FDA warning letter identifies the approved sponsor/manufacturer.
  • brand_names updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • FDA warning letter references Senvelgo as the approved animal drug.
  • approval_reference updated 2026-04-14 05:16 by curated_loader • Official FDA application reference for Senvelgo.
  • side_effects updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • usage updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • monitoring updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • Clinical monitoring context for feline diabetes management.
  • usage updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • Usage statement from FDA warning letter and approved-product context.
  • drug_profile_type updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • FDA source confirms Senvelgo as a branded approved product.
  • manufacturer_name updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • FDA warning letter identifies the approved sponsor/manufacturer.
  • brand_names updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • FDA warning letter references Senvelgo as the approved animal drug.
  • approval_reference updated 2026-04-12 22:03 by curated_loader • Official FDA application reference for Senvelgo.
  • side_effects updated 2026-04-12 10:05 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-04-12 10:05 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • usage updated 2026-04-12 10:05 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • side_effects updated 2026-04-11 10:05 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-04-11 10:05 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields

FDA Products & Applications (Animal Drugs @ FDA)

Official sponsor/proprietary-name/application-status records linked by active ingredient.

Product Sponsor Application Status Published
Alfaxan® Multidose
RX
Alfaxalone
Injectable Solution Intravenous
Zoetis Inc. NADA 141-342 Approved Apr 29, 2026

Data source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA (public search export).

What It's For (FDA Label Highlights)

Extracted from FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA product labeling. Always confirm details with your veterinarian.

Species: Dog, No Use Class Stated Or Implied • Cat, No Use Class Stated Or Implied
Composition / specifications
Each milliliter contains 10 milligrams (mg) alfaxalone.
Cats
Indication
Induction of general anesthesia.
Dosage
Administer by intravenous injection over approximately 60 seconds or until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia, 2.2 to 9.7 mg/kilogram (kg) for cats that did not receive a preanesthetic or 1.0 to 10.8 mg/kg for cats that received a preanesthetic.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic
Dosage
Additional low doses of ALFAXAN, similar to a maintenance dose, may be required to facilitate the transition to inhalant maintenance anesthesia.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction
Dosage
Administer an intravenous bolus containing 1.1 to 1.3 mg/kg to provide an additional 7 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in preanesthetized cats; a dose containing 1.4 to 1.5 mg/kg provides an additional 3 to 5 minutes anesthesia in unpreanesthetized cats.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Dogs
Indication
Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction
Dosage
Administer an intravenous bolus containing 1.2 to 1.4 mg/kg to provide an additional 6 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in preanesthetized dogs; a dose of 1.5 to 2.2 mg/kg provides an additional 6 to 8 minutes of anesthesia in unpreanesthetized dogs.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
Induction of general anesthesia
Dosage
Administer by intravenous injection over approximately 60 seconds or until clinical signs show the onset of anesthesia, 1.5 to 4.5 mg/kg for dogs that did not receive a preanesthetic or 0.2 to 3.5 mg/kg for dogs that received a preanesthetic.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.
Indication
For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic
Dosage
Additional low doses of ALFAXAN, similar to a maintenance dose, may be required to facilitate the transition to inhalant maintenance anesthesia.
Limitations
Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Usage

Induction of general anesthesia. For induction of anesthesia followed by maintenance with an inhalant anesthetic Maintenance of general anesthesia following induction

Source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA • Reference

Contraindications

Administer by intravenous injection only. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. When using ALFAXAN, patients should be continuously monitored, and facilities for the maintenance of a patent airway, artificial ventilation, and oxygen supplementation must be immediately available.

Top Reported Reactions (openFDA)

De-duplicated reaction terms grouped by body system from FDA openFDA reports (not verified; does not prove causation).

Digestive
Loss of appetite (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Digestive.

Skin & allergy
Hair loss at application site (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Skin & allergy.

Neurologic
Unsteady walking (1) • Cat Convulsion (1) • Dog

Showing top 5 for Neurologic.

Behavior
Circling - behavioural disorder (1) • Cat Behavioral disorder (1) • Cat Aggression (1) • Cat

Showing top 5 for Behavior.

Other
Trouble breathing (1) • Dog Elevated triglyceride (1) • Dog Elevated thyroxine (1) • Cat Elevated lactate (1) • Dog Elevated creatinine (1) • Cat
Show more (20)
Dilated pupils (1) • Cat Desquamation (1) • Cat Dehydration (1) • Cat Defect Unknown/Not Specified (1) • Cat Decreased haematocrit (1) • Cat Death (1) • Dog Cyanosis (1) • Dog Crust (1) • Cat Cardiac enlargement (1) • Cat Cardiac arrest (1) • Cat Bladder distension (1) • Cat Application site dry skin (1) • Dog Apnoea (1) • Dog Angioedema (1) • Dog Anaemia NOS (1) • Cat Administration error NOS (1) • Cat Adipsia (1) • Cat Abnormal ultrasound finding (1) • Cat Abnormal radiograph finding (1) • Dog Abdominal discomfort (1) • Dog

Showing top 5 for Other.

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Adverse Event Case Summaries (openFDA)

These are individual FDA adverse event reports. They are unverified and do not prove the medication caused the reaction.

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Female, 4 month, 2.4 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Parenteral • Reactions: Head shake - behavioural disorder, Unable to walk, Not drinking, Not eating, Unsteady walking (ataxia)… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-074782
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 4.00 Month
  • Weight: 2.400 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Parenteral
Reactions Reported:
Head shake - behavioural disorder Unable to walk Not drinking Not eating Unsteady walking (ataxia) Circling - behavioural disorder Unsteady gait
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Persian, Male, 10.83 year, 4.67 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Hair loss at application site, Defect Unknown/Not Specified • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-074803
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 10.83 Year
  • Weight: 4.670 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Hair loss at application site Defect Unknown/Not Specified
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Cat (unknown), Unknown • Drug: MSK, Unknown • Reactions: Aggression, Dilated pupils, Staring • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-073972
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Unknown
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
Reactions Reported:
Aggression Dilated pupils Staring
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Dog, Bulldog - French, Female, 8 year, 12.927 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Solution, Intravenous, Dose: 2.59 mL per animal • Reactions: Tachycardia, Apnoea, Cyanosis, Cardiac arrest, Death… • Outcome: Died

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-073109
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 8.00 Year
  • Weight: 12.927 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Intravenous
  • Form: Solution
  • Dose: 2.59 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Tachycardia Apnoea Cyanosis Cardiac arrest Death Angioedema
Outcomes: Died

Dog, Dachshund (unspecified), Female, 12 year, 4.536 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Solution, Intravenous, Dose: 0.65 mL per animal • Reactions: Apnoea • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-072789
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 12.00 Year
  • Weight: 4.536 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Intravenous
  • Form: Solution
  • Dose: 0.65 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Apnoea
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, ['Shih Tzu', 'Spitz - German Pomeranian'], Female, 8 year, 3.4 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown, Dose: 0.68 mL per animal • Reactions: Seizure NOS, Death • Outcome: Died

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-072468
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 8.00 Year
  • Weight: 3.400 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Dose: 0.68 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Seizure NOS Death
Outcomes: Died

Dog, ['Shih Tzu', 'Spitz - German Pomeranian'], Female, 8 year, 3.402 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Unknown, Dose: 0.68 mL per animal • Reactions: Seizure NOS, Death, Medication error NOS, Not eating, Leucocytosis NOS… • Outcome: Died

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-070810
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 8.00 Year
  • Weight: 3.402 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Dose: 0.68 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Seizure NOS Death Medication error NOS Not eating Leucocytosis NOS Pain NOS Elevated lactate Hyperglycaemia Abdominal discomfort Abnormal radiograph finding Neutrophilia Monocytosis Elevated triglyceride
Outcomes: Died

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Male, 13 year, 6.2 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Solution, Intramuscular, Dose: 1.30 mL per animal • Reactions: Not eating, Vomiting, Cardiac enlargement, Splenomegaly, Abnormal ultrasound finding… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-069596
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 13.00 Year
  • Weight: 6.200 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Intramuscular
  • Form: Solution
  • Dose: 1.30 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Not eating Vomiting Cardiac enlargement Splenomegaly Abnormal ultrasound finding Haematuria Pyuria Non-regenerative anaemia Decreased haematocrit Hypokalaemia Bladder distension Dehydration Elevated creatinine Not urinating Intentional misuse Urinary tract disorder NOS
Outcomes: Ongoing

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Overdose Information

No approved overdose-management text is linked yet. If overdose is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Storage & Handling

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