The generic name for Alfaxan is alfaxalone.
Understanding Alfaxan: Its Generic Name and Purpose
Alfaxan is a brand name for a potent veterinary anesthetic. Knowing its generic name, alfaxalone, is crucial for understanding its chemical composition and how it functions. This neuroactive steroid is widely utilized in veterinary medicine for its effective anesthetic properties.
Key Information: Alfaxan and Alfaxalone
Here’s a quick overview of Alfaxan and its generic counterpart:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Alfaxalone (also known as alphaxalone or alphaxolone) |
| Brand Name | Alfaxan |
| Drug Class | Neuroactive steroid, general anesthetic |
| Primary Use | Currently used in veterinary practice as an induction agent for anesthesia and as an injectable anesthetic for various procedures in animals. |
| Mechanism | Alfaxalone acts on GABA-A receptors in the brain, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA, leading to central nervous system depression, which results in anesthesia. |
| Administration | Typically administered intravenously. |
| Veterinary Use | Commonly used in a range of species, including dogs, cats, and exotic animals, for procedures requiring general anesthesia, from minor surgeries to diagnostic imaging. Its rapid onset and recovery characteristics make it a popular choice for veterinary professionals. |
| Formulation | Alfaxalone is formulated to be water-soluble, which helps minimize injection site reactions and allows for easier administration compared to some other lipid-soluble anesthetics. |
Why Generic Names Matter
Understanding the generic name, alfaxalone, provides valuable insights:
- Global Recognition: Generic names are standardized internationally, facilitating clear communication among veterinarians and researchers worldwide, regardless of regional brand names.
- Active Ingredient Identification: It precisely identifies the active pharmaceutical ingredient responsible for the drug's effects, which is essential for dosage calculations, understanding pharmacokinetics, and predicting potential interactions.
- Research and Development: Most scientific literature and research studies refer to drugs by their generic names, ensuring consistency and clarity in academic and clinical contexts.
Alfaxalone's role as a modern anesthetic highlights advancements in veterinary pharmacology, providing a safe and effective option for inducing and maintaining anesthesia in animal patients.
