alfaxalone

Alfaxalone is a synthetic neuroactive steroid and general anesthetic primarily used in veterinary medicine for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia in dogs and cats. It acts as a central nervous system depressant by modulating gamma aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in the brain. At low concentrations it positively modulates chloride current through these receptors; at higher concentrations it acts as a GABA agonist similar to barbiturates. This results in hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes and profound sedation or anesthesia depending on dose. Alfaxalone is structurally related to allopregnanolone but lacks progestogenic or endocrine hormonal activity. It has a high therapeutic index and is considered fast acting with minimal cardiorespiratory effects when used appropriately[1][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

AlfaxanAlfaxan Multidose

Other names

3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnane-11,20-dione11-oxo-3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone5α-pregnan-3α-ol-11,20-dione