Azaperone is officially indicated for the “control of aggressiveness when mixing or regrouping weanling or feeder pigs weighing up to 36.4 kg” (Package Insert,Stresnil®—P/M; Mallinckrodt). It is also used clinically as a general tranquilizer for swine, to allow aggressive sows to accept their piglets, and as a preoperative agent prior to general anesthesia or cesarean section with local anesthesia.
Azaperone has been used as a neuroleptic in horses, but some horses develop adverse reactions (eg, sweating, muscle tremors, panic reaction, and CNS excitement) and IV administration has resulted in significant arterial hypotension. Because of these effects, most clinicians avoid the use of this drug in equines.
Azaperone has been used alone as a sedative and in combination with butorphanol and medetomidine (BAM) as an immobilization combination in cervids.
Drug information summarized from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook.
As a prescription-only veterinary compounding pharmacy, we formulate customized medications based on a valid prescription. Contact us if you don’t see the product you need.
