Product
Info
Allopurinol
is a drug used to decrease the amount of uric acid that is produced
in canines. Although the medication is not approved by the FDA for
use in animals, it is commonly prescribed by veterinarians as off
label use. It is available in 100mg and 300mg tablets.
What
the product cures
Allopurinol
aids in the prevention of bladder, kidney, and urethral stones that
develop due to increased uric acid levels.
Pet
Symptoms
Urolithiasis
is a condition that occurs when stones are formed in a dog’s
urinary tract. Stones that develop with the help of uric acid are
called urate stones and can affect the kidneys, ureters (tubes
connected from bladder to kidneys), and bladder. Not all canines show
signs of illness with the condition, but if there are symptoms, they
are usually related to the urinary tract. Some of these include;
trouble urinating, decreased urine output, bloody urine, whitish
colored urine, and blockage (where the dog is unable to urinate).
Prescription
medication is available to treat the condition as well as help
prevent it from reoccurring. However, the chances of a stone forming
may still be high. Surgery is also necessary when blockage occurs, at
it can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Most
vets recommend follow-up tests (radiograph, ultrasound imaging) about
once every 4 months so that the stones can be caught and treated
early on.
Pet
Ailments
High
levels of uric acid in the body can lead to health ailments in dogs
such as; kidney stones, bladder stones, and urethral stones.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Stones
caused by uric acid can develop in any breed, but Yorkies, English
Bulldogs, and Dalmatians are particularly at risk. Male dogs are also
more likely to be affected by these stones than females, especially
during the early adult stages.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
Is there anything I should tell my vet before giving my dog
Allopurinol?
Let
your vet known if your dog has been diagnosed with renal disease or
liver disease before starting treatment. You should also notify your
vet if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or is taking any additional
medication, vitamins, or supplements.
2.
What should I do if a dose is skipped?
If
it hasn’t been too long, give the missed dose right away;
otherwise, wait until it is time for the next dose and continue
giving the medication as scheduled. Do NOT give two doses at once in
order to make up for the missed one.
3.
What if I overdose my dog?
Take
your pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic if you think you
might have overdosed him/her.
4.
Can there be any side effects with Allopurinol?
As
with all drugs, there are possible side effects associated with
Allopurinol. Less severe side effects to look out for include;
decreased appetite, nausea, loose stools, lethargy, dizziness, and
joint inflammation. If your pet experiences any of the previously
listed symptoms, continue with treatment as directed and consult your
vet as soon as possible. More serious side effects linked to the
medication are; allergic reaction (trouble breathing, facial
swelling, rash, etc.), bloody urine, painful urination, fever,
arthritis, and vomiting. Seek immediate veterinary help if your dog
shows signs of serious side effects.
5.
Are there any medications that should be avoided?
Drugs
that you should tell your vet about before giving Allopurinol to your
pet and that should be avoided include; amoxicillin, ampicillin,
azathioprine, thiazide, theophylline, cyclosporine, warfarin, and
chemotherapeutic agents. Speak with your vet prior to starting your
dog on any other medication/supplements.
How
it Works
Allopurinol
is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, meaning that it stops uric acid from
accumulating in the body, thus lowering the risk of urate stones
forming.
Directions
for use
Allopurinol
can only be obtained with a prescription and should be administered
as indicated by your vet. Give medication with a meal and provide
your dog with plenty of water throughout treatment.
Dosage
and administration: Allopurinol
is recommended at a dose of 5mg/lb. once daily.
Ingredients
The
product contains 100mg or 300mg of allopurinol depending on the
strength.
Product
Cautions
Allopurinol
is NOT recommended for young dogs.
Allopurinol
is NOT for use in cats.
Give
medication with food.
Provide
clean water at all times throughout treatment.
Allopurinol
may result in drowsiness.
Do
NOT give to pregnant or lactating dogs.
Let
your vet know if your pet has been diagnosed with a liver or renal
condition before Allopurinol is prescribed.
Provide
your vet with a list of all the drugs and supplements that your dog
is taking before you start giving Allopurinol.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Store
medication in a safe place where children and pets cannot get ahold
of it.
Somewhat
flammable; keep at a safe distance from heat.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Do
NOT cause vomiting, unless instructed to do so by a health
professional. Avoid giving anything by mouth if the person is not
conscious. Seek immediate medical help.
If
in eyes: Take
off contact lenses and use water to flush the eyes for a minimum of
15 minutes. Consult a doctor if issues continue or develop.
If
on skin: Use
soap and water to wash affected area and apply moisturizer. Talk to a
physician if irritation does not subside or worsens.
If
inhaled: Place
person in a well-ventilated room and seek immediate medical help.
Mouth to mouth breathing may be necessary in case of respiratory
failure. If the person has trouble breathing, provide them with
oxygen.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
Store
at controlled room temperature in a dry area.
Disposal:
Contact
a local waste agency for information regarding disposal of medical
containers/substances.