Non-dissociative induction agents

Question 1

Alfaxalone

Answer 1

• AKA Alfaxan
• 10mg/ml
• Non-dissociative induction agent
• Provides muscle relaxation, no analgesic properties
• IV or IM administration
• Dogs and cats: 1-4 mg/kg IV or IM, given to effect
• Recommended starting dose: 1.5 mg/kg IV, use with a premedication
• Rapid onset, short acting (10 minutes IV, 1 hour SQ/IM)
• Give slowly, to effect
• Use with co-induction to minimize dose needed and negative effects
• Minimal cardiovascular effects
• Can be used as TIVA agent
• Adverse effects: respiratory depression or apnea
• Caution when giving IM- be prepared to intubate

Question 2

Propofol

Answer 2

• Dissociative induction agent
• 10 mg/ml
• Provides muscle relaxation, no analgesic properties, anticonvulsant
• IV administration ONLY
• Dogs and cats: 2-6 mg/kg
• Recommended starting dose: 3 mg/kg, use with a premedication
• Rapid onset, short acting (longer than alfaxalone)
• Give slowly, to effect
• Use with pre-meds and co-induction agents to minimize dose needed and negative effects
• Minimal cardiovascular effects
• Can be used as TIVA agent
• Adverse effects: marked respiratory depression or apnea, hypotension, injection site pain (consider Lidocaine), excitability phase when given with inadequate pre-med or no co-induction