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

• A. Dexmedetomidine.
• B. Diazepam.
• C. Lidocaine.
• D. Acepromazine.

Answer: (D)

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer, and phenothiazines are used specifically for anxiolysis and calming without providing analgesia. In Fear Free premedication, the goal is to reduce fear and stress before procedures, and acepromazine achieves this by producing sedation and a calmer demeanor through dopamine receptor antagonism in the brain. It is the only drug listed that belongs to the phenothiazine class, which is why it best fits the anxiolysis role. The other drugs represent different pharmacologic classes—dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with sedative and analgesic effects, diazepam is a benzodiazepine with anxiolytic/sedative properties, and lidocaine is a local anesthetic. Acepromazine is chosen for anxiolysis because it provides the calming effect without analgesia, aligning with Fear Free premedication goals.