Alpha-casozepine
Alpha-casozepine is a **benzodiazepine-like decapeptide** derived from milk protein (casein). It is used as a calming nutraceutical to reduce the impact of a range of stressors in dogs and cats, including unusual and unpredictable situations, kenneling, or changes to the normal environment (such as the arrival of a new baby). > **Clinical Warning:** A recent online review of the literature concluded that the evidence in support of the use of α-casozepine for the management of anxiety is weak. It is best utilized as an adjunct to environmental management and behavioral modification rather than a standalone treatment.
Mechanism: Acts as a **GABA-B agonist**. It mimics the properties of benzodiazepines by binding to GABA receptors in the central nervous system → promoting inhibitory neurotransmission → resulting in a mild calming or anxiolytic effect without significant sedation or muscle relaxation.
Dosing by species
- Stress and anxiety reduction · 15 mg/kg · PO · q24h · Start before exposure to stressor · Evidence for efficacy is considered weak.
- Stress and anxiety reduction · 15 mg/kg · PO · q24h · Start before exposure to stressor
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- None reported
Adverse effects
- Diarrhea (occasional)
Monitoring
- Clinical response to the stressor
- Fecal consistency (monitor for diarrhea)
Overdose
No specific overdosage information is provided. As a milk-derived nutraceutical, it has a very wide margin of safety. Massive overdose may lead to gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea).
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.