SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1. NAME OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Dolethal 200mg/ml Solution for Injection

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each ml contains:

Active substance: Pentobarbital sodium 200.00 mg

Qualitative composition of excipients and other constituents	Quantitative composition if that information is essential for proper administration of the veterinary medicinal product
Benzyl alcohol	10.40 mg
Ponceau 4R (E124)	0.01 mg
Propylene Glycol
Water for Injections
Isopropyl alcohol

A pink liquid solution for injection

3. CLINICAL INFORMATION

3.1 Target species

Small animals and cattle.

3.2 Indications for use for each target species

For euthanasia of small animals (mainly dogs and cats) and cattle.

3.3 Contraindications

Not to be used in animals intended for animal consumption.

Do not use for anaesthesia.

3.4 Special warnings

None

3.5 Special precautions for use

Special precautions for use in the target species:

Select the needle gauge based on the species and size of animal and check that the syringe and needle are mounted and secured correctly. It is important to ensure that any pressure created during delivery does not lead to the needle disconnecting from the syringe. The amount of the drug to be administered may mean that a smaller gauge needle may not deliver the necessary volume at an appropriate speed. Any volume administered outside the vein will reduce the efficacy of the dose.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

Care should be taken to ensure the pressure on the syringe is not too great to avoid accidental spraying of the face and eyes (see ‘Special precautions for use in the target species’).

Wear suitable protective gloves and glasses when handling the veterinary medicinal product. Avoid accidental self-administration and self-injection.

In the event of accidental self-administration, seek URGENT medical attention advising the physician of barbiturate poisoning and show the package leaflet or the label.

In the event of accidental exposure, the following action should be taken:

Spillage on skin - Wash immediately with water and then thoroughly with soap and water.

Eye exposure - Wash immediately with cold water and obtain medical advice.

Ingestion - Obtain medical attention immediately. Wash out mouth. Keep warm and rest. Accidental self-injection - Obtain URGENT medical attention, advising medical services of barbiturate poisoning. Do not leave patient unattended.

Advice to physician - Maintain airways and give symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Special precautions for the protection of the environment:

Not applicable.

3.6 Adverse events

Small animals and cattle.

None known

Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.

3.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Not applicable

3.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The effects of the veterinary medicinal product are increased by concomitant administration of sedatives (xylazine or acepromazine).

3.9 Administration routes and dosage

0.7ml per kg bodyweight by rapid intravenous injection. The product solution is not intended for dilution with water or any other fluid.

3.10 Symptoms of Overdose (and where applicable, emergency procedures and antidotes)

In the event of accidental administration to an animal not presented for euthanasia, measures such as artificial respiration, administration of oxygen and the use of analeptics are appropriate.

3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance

Not applicable.

3.12 Withdrawal periods

Not to be used in animals intended for human consumption.

4. PHARMACOLOGICAL INFORMATION

4.1 ATCvet code: QN05CA01

The active ingredient in the veterinary medicinal product is pentobarbital, which is a barbiturate. Barbiturates act by depressing the central nervous system, inhibiting accumulation of calcium in nervous tissue, which leads to liberation of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid. This leads to sedation and coma.

Barbiturates also act on cardiac and respiratory systems bringing on apnoea and cardiac arrest.

5. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

5.1 Major incompatibilities

None known.

5.2 Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.

Shelf life after first opening the immediate packaging: 3 months

5.3 Special precautions for storage

The product solution is not intended for dilution with water or any other fluid.

Protect from light.

Following withdrawal of the first dose use within 3 months. Discard any unused materials.

5.4 Nature and composition of immediate packaging

Carton containing colourless multidose glass bottles containing 100 or 250 ml non-sterile aqueous solution.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

5.5 Special precautions for the disposal of unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from the use of such products

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater.

Any unused product must be destroyed in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001).

Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.

6. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Vetoquinol UK Limited

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER

Vm 08007/5027

8. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

02 June 1992

9. DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE SUMMARY OF THE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

August 2026

10. CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription.

Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.

Approved 18 August 2026