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Use of Tranquilizers, Analgesics, and Anesthetic Agents in Laboratory Animals
The appropriate use of analgesics, tranquilizers, and
anesthetic agents to prevent pain, distress, and suffering in research animals
is mandated by Public Law 89-544 (Animal Welfare Act) and its amendments, PHS
policy, NIH and NCI policies. Click the link below for general recommendations
for anesthetic and analgesic agents and doses.
Further assistance in
selecting suitable agents, dosages, and routes of administration can be obtained
from the Lab
Animal Sciences Program - Bethesda (LASP-Bethesda) veterinary
staff. The LASP-Bethesda veterinary staff
encourages all investigators to contact them for questions regarding the use of
anesthetic agents or any veterinary pharmaceutical for your procedures.
Pharmaceuticals may be obtained from VRP
Pharmacy by submitting a Purchase Request for
the desired compounds. The VRP
Pharmacy acquires and safeguards controlled
substances for non-human use at NIH. In addition, the pahrmacy procures, stocks,
and distributes other veterinary, human, and OTC drugs for clinical and research
purposes. The pharmacist is available for consultation involving protocol design
and drug applications, dosages, delivery methods, and interactions or adverse
effects.
The Anesthesia and Analgesia Table describes the
commonly used anesthetics and analgesics at NCI. Controlled drugs (ketamine,
barbiturates, valium, butorphanol, buprenorphine, morphine, etc.) require
specific record keeping and storage practices. For information on ordering,
handling and storage of controlled substances see NIH
Manual 1345: Handling and Safeguarding of Controlled Substances for Nonhuman
Use.
Paralytic agents (pancuronium, succinylcholine, etc.)
are not analgesics and must be used in combination with anesthetics during
painful procedures. Animals must be monitored for changes in heart rate and
blood pressure parameters to insure adequate levels of anesthesia.
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