Azaperone

Azaperone is a pyridinylpiperazine and butyrophenone neuroleptic drug with sedative and antiemetic effects, which is used mainly as a tranquilizer in veterinary medicine.

Azaperone acts primarily as a dopamine antagonist but also has some antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties as seen with similar drugs such as haloperidol.

Azaperone may cause hypotension and while it has minimal effects on respiration in pigs, high doses in humans can cause respiratory depression.

The most common use for azaperone is in relatively small doses as a "serenic" (to reduce aggression) in farmed pigs, either to stop them fighting or to encourage sows to accept piglets.

Azaperone is also used in combination with strong narcotics such as etorphine or carfentanil for tranquilizing large animals such as elephants.

52%: [ 5 ] Patent: [ 6 ] Improved method: [ 7 ] Radiolabelled: [ 8 ]