Evaluation of diphenhydramine as a sedative for dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare levels of sedation achieved by IM administration of diphenhydramine, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, and acepromazine in dogs.


METHODS
Prospective randomized study.


METHODS
56 dogs.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine at 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg (0.9, 1.8, or 3.6 mg/lb, respectively) i.m.; acepromazine at 0.1 mg/kg (0.05 mg/lb) i.m.; or saline solution at 0.05 mL/kg (0.02 mL/lb) i.m. Sedation was assessed by use of a 6-category descriptive system based on observation and interaction.


RESULTS
Dogs in the acepromazine group had significantly higher sedation scores than did dogs in the saline solution or diphenhydramine groups at 30 minutes. Dogs in the diphenhydramine groups did not have significantly different sedation scores from dogs in the saline solution group at any time point.


CONCLUSIONS
Diphenhydramine did not cause clinically appreciable sedation in healthy dogs. Diphenhydramine is not suitable as a sole sedative prior to general anesthesia in dogs.
Hofmeister
Erik H
EH
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Egger
Christine M
CM
D000075:Acepromazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000075:Acepromazine; D004155:Diphenhydramine