Which drug is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiolysis in Fear Free premedication?

• A. Midazolam.
• B. Dexmedetomidine.
• C. Acepromazine.
• D. Ketamine.

Answer: (A)

An anxiolytic effect in Fear Free premedication is best achieved with a benzodiazepine that reduces anxiety by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. Midazolam fits this role well because it produces rapid, reliable anxiolysis and sedation with relatively short duration, helping animals stay calm during handling and veterinary visits while also providing mild amnesia that can ease stressful experiences. In addition, it tends to have a favorable respiratory safety profile compared with some other sedatives.

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist that provides sedation and analgesia, but it is not a benzodiazepine and its effects are mediated differently; it can cause bradycardia and hypotension, and does not deliver the specific benzodiazepine anxiolysis.

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer that sedates but does not consistently provide strong anxiolysis and can alter cardiovascular function, making it less ideal for targeted anxiety reduction.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that does not act as an anxiolytic in the benzodiazepine sense and can produce dissociation and emergence phenomena rather than true anxiety relief.

Thus, the benzodiazepine most commonly used for anxiolysis in Fear Free premedication is midazolam.