NOTE: This information is meant to provide clients with a better understanding of why a particular medication is used in a brief manner. This site is not meant to provide complete information on a particular medication, see your veterinarian for further information. None of these medications should be used without the proper advice of a veterinarian.
Advantage: Imidacloprid is the active ingredient in Advantage. Imidacloprid is a very specific neurological blocker that makes it very effective at killing adult fleas, but does not control ticks. Advantage can be applied topically to dogs or cats greater than 8 weeks old once monthly for excellent flea control. This is a very safe product with a low margin for side effects, unlike many over the counter products that can contain other potentially dangerous chemicals.
Albon: Albon contains sulfadimethoxine. Sulfadimethoxine is an antibiotic that also has effects on certain protozoa, especially coccidia. Coccidia are inhibited from replicating within the intestinal tract by this medication, thus enhancing clearance by the patient.
Amitraz: Amitraz is a nonspecific monoamine oxidase inhibitor that is often effective at controlling demodex mites. Amitraz is a topical medication and should only be applied upon the direction of a veterinarian. Some pets may become sedate after application. Amitraz should not be used in combination or should be used cautiously with certain antidepressants, tranquilizers or other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (anipryl and hydroxyzine).
Amitriptyline: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Antidepressants help to alleviate anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants achieve this by increasing the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. Some patients may become tired or agitated on these medications. Amitriptyline is also noted to have potent H1 antihistaminic activity and may be used for these purposes (mainly in the control of allergies). Amitriptyline may also have some local anesthetic effects making it useful in some cases of feline lower urinary tract disease. Main side effects include urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, dry mouth and hypotension. Use should be avoided in hyperthyroid and seizure patients.
Amlodipine: Norvasc is the trade name for amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that has increased selectivity for blood vessels than the heart. The action is to relax the blood vessels. For this reason Norvasc is often used to control high blood pressure in cats. Side effects include hypotension.
Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a penicillin related antibiotic with good anaerobic activity. Many bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase that can render this antibiotic inactive, the addition of clavulanic acid limits this (see Clavamox). As with all antibiotics it should be used on susceptible infections which can be identified with bacterial cultures. Amoxicillin has poor penetration to the skin and respiratory tract, often making it ineffective in chronic problems of these organ systems. Side effects are infrequent but may include; vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reaction or other.
Anipryl: Selegiline is the active ingredient in Anipryl, Deprenyl is also another name for Anipryl. Anipryl is a selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase B is responsible for the degradation of Dopamine in the central nervous system. By inhibiting this enzyme, levels of Dopamine are increased in the nervous tissue. This is important for diseases like Parkinson's in humans and Cognitive Dysfunction in dogs. Side effects in dogs are minimal and are mainly limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Anipryl is also used to treat hyperadrenocorticism in canines.
Aspirin: Acetylsalicylic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic effects. Aspirin has been used for many years to control inflammation and discomfort in both people and pets. Aspirin has a nonselective cycloxygenase inhibitor activity that comprises its anti-inflammatory effects. Thromboxane production is also decreased, reducing platelet adhesion. This gives aspirin its anticlotting effects. Aspirin should not be used in cats unless carefully instructed by your veterinarian as they metabolize aspirin and many medications very slowly. Dogs also metabolize aspirin more slowly than humans, so talk to your veterinarian. Most dogs will tolerate aspirin, but others may develop gastrointestinal ulcers. Rarely a pet will develop severe ulcers with the use of aspirin.
Atenolol: Atenolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are medications used in heart patients to slow the heart rate and control blood pressure. Atenolol is more selective for Beta-1 than Beta-2, resulting in less respiratory side effects than some beta-blockers. Atenolol is mainly used in cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Side effects include hypotension, slowed heart rates and infrequently vomiting or diarrhea.
Atropine: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug. This action is used to increase the heart rate and decrease respiratory and gastrointestinal secretions. Atropine is also a mydriatic agent (dilates the eye). This allows for a more thorough examination of the eye and also reduces spasm of the iris when pain is present.
Baytril: Enrofloxacin is the active ingredient in Baytril. Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone type antibiotic. This family of antibiotics has a very broad spectrum of activity and is effective at penetrating into most tissue with a high concentration. Baytril has poor activity against anaerobic type bacteria. Resistance can occur so culturing the lesion or infected fluid is important. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia. Baytril should be avoided in growing puppies as it may effect cartilage growth. Very high dosages may effect vision in cats.
Benadryl: Benadryl contains the H1 antihistamine blocker diphenhydramine. Antihistamines that block H1 are used for the control of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also be used to control motion sickness in dogs. Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness in dogs. Over-the-counter Benadryl may contain other ingredients besides diphenhydramine, mainly decongestants (pseudoephedrine). Vomiting, diarrhea and sedation are the main side effects, although with overdosage the pet may become hyperexcitable.
Cephalexin: Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is related to penicillin. Fewer allergic reactions are seen with this family of antibiotics than with the penicillin's. Cephalosporins are also more resistant to the enzyme beta-lactamase, making them more effective against a broader range of bacteria. Cultures are still important to find what antibiotic an organism is susceptible to. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea or uncommon allergic reactions.
Cestex: Epsiprantel is an anthelmintic used for the eradication of tape worms in dogs and cats. No significant side effects are reported.
Chlorpheniramine: Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine (H1) antagonist. Antihistamines are used to control allergies and allergic reactions in pets. Chlorpheniramine may result in drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia. Every patient may have different levels of allergy symptom relief with different antihistamines.
Cimetidine: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker. The brand name for cimetidine is Tagamet. H2 blockers act to decrease the release of acid into the stomach. Cimetidine has a shorter duration of action than some other H2 blockers and may interact with the metabolism of other drugs that are metabolized by the same microenzyme system. Cimetidine has few side effects in small animals.
Clavamox: Clavamox is an antibiotic that contains amoxicillin and an additional medication called clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid increases the efficacy of penicillin antibiotics by inhibiting the beta-lactamase enzyme produced by many bacteria that destroy some penicillin's. Cultures are important in determining if an antibiotic will be effective. See amoxicillin for more information.
Clemastine: Clemastine is an antihistamine (H2 blocker). It is used for controlling allergies in dogs. It may have less sedative effects than some antihistamines. Side effects include dry mouth, sedation, vomiting or diarrhea.
Clindamycin: Clindamycin is a lincosamide type antibiotic. Main uses are for anaerobic and mycoplasma infections, toxoplasma is also responsive. Clindamycin penetrates well into many tissues and may be used for other responsive infections as determined by culture. Side effects mainly include vomiting and diarrhea.
Clomicalm: Clomipramine is the active medication in Clomicalm. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is more selective than amitriptyline. Clomicalm is used for different behavioral conditions in dogs. It acts by increasing the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin. Main side effects include urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, dry mouth and hypotension. Avoid use in hyperthyroid or seizure patients.
Clotrimazole: Clotrimazole is a topical imidazole derivative. It is an effective medication against many yeast infections, particularly Malassezia. It is one of the ingredients in Otomax ear ointment. As a topical agent side effects are uncommon but local irritation may occur. .
Cyclosporine: Cyclosporine (Atopica) is an immune suppressing agent. It inhibits B and T lymphocyte cell activity. Its main activity is exerted by inhibiting the release of interleukin-2. Cyclosporine is used for immune-mediated diseases (allergies, pemphigus) and also in patients receiving organ transplants. Cyclosporine is also used as a topical preparation for use in patients that have keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Side effects include immunosuppression, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, gingival hyperplasia and pyoderma. The main side effects of the topical form are local irritation.
Cyproheptadine: Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine (H1 antagonist) that also has antiserotonin effects. It is used mainly for allergies in pet and as an appetite stimulant because of antiserotonin effects. It is occasionally used to treat Cushing's syndrome (mainly horses) by inhibiting the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
Deramaxx: Deramaxx is a new generation of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) that is selective for an enzyme called COX-2. This may make it less likely to cause intestinal upset or bleeding and very effective at controlling pain. It is related to Celebrex. Vomiting and diarrhea may still occur.
DES: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is an estrogen like drug. This medication is used mainly for estrogen-responsive urinary incontinences in dogs to increase urethral tone. Thrombocytopenia or other bone marrow abnormalities are the most common side effects.
Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that has many uses in patients when used appropriately. Dexamethasone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and may also be used as an immunosuppressive agent. Corticosteroids may be useful in shock, immune-mediated diseases and many other diseases. Side effects may include gastrointestinal ulceration, immunosuppression or iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome.
Diazepam: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that has sedative and anxiolytic effects in pets. Diazepam is used to control seizures in patients on an emergency basis, but is not long acting enough to use for long-term control. Diazepam also relaxes muscles and may be used for conditions in which this may be beneficial. Side effects include sedation, hyperexitability and some cats may develop liver disease.
Digoxin: Digoxin is a cardiac medication that helps increase the contractility of the heart while decreasing its rate. It is mainly used for supraventricular arrhythmias of the heart in dogs. Side effects include other arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia.
Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel-blocker that is used to control hypertension and certain arrhythmias of pets. The calcium channel-blocking activity of diltiazem is not as selective as that of amlodipine, making it more useful for heart arrhythmias. Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, and lethargy.
Doxepin: Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant that acts by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin. Doxepin is also a potent antihistamine (H1 antagonist) and may be used for the treatment of allergies. Side effects are minimal but may include constipation, dry mouth, hypotension, urinary retention or other.
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is a tetracycline type antibiotic. It is a broad spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic. Main uses are for susceptible infections such as the treatment of rickettsia, ehrlichia, leptospira, hemobartonella and mycoplasma type infections. Side effects include anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea.
Droncit: Praziquantel (Droncit) is an effective anthelmintic in eliminating tape worms in dogs and cats. It is available as an oral and injectable form. Overdosage may result in vomiting, diarrhea or salivation.
Enalapril, Benazepril and Lisinopril: Enalapril (Enacard) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Inhibition of this enzyme helps enalapril control high blood pressure in patients effectively by relaxing the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. these medications may also be of benefit in patients with renal disease that leads to protein loss (glomerulonephritis). Side effects may be anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension or hyperkalemia (elevated potassium). Potassium and renal values should be monitored when on this medication.
Epogen: Epogen is a recombinant human form of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is normally made by the kidneys and is responsible for the production/regulation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. In severe renal disease in cats, this hormone may be deficient, necessitating use of Epogen. Side effects include over-production of red blood cells, allergic reactions and antibody production (resistance) against erythropoietin may develop.
Etogesic: Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). NSAID's only block the production of the cycloxygenase pathway, unlike corticosteroids. Etodolac is more selective for cyclooxygenase-2, making it potentially less likely to cause gastrointestinal irritation than aspirin. It is used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. The main side effects are vomiting, diarrhea or gastrointestinal ulcers. As with any NSAID, liver disease may develop and gastrointestinal signs could occur.
Flagyl: Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an imidazole derivative that has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects within the gastrointestinal tract. Flagyl is commonly used to treat vomiting, diarrhea and other intestinal diseases including giardia and inflammatory bowel disease. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, anorexia or neurologic signs.
Frontline: Fipronil (Frontline) is a neurological agent that is effective at killing both fleas and ticks. Frontline Plus also contains an insect growth regulator which prevents the development of flea eggs. It must be applied topically once monthly for tick and flea control or only once every three months for only flea control. It is concentrated in the hair follicles, so it is resistant to being washed off. It is labeled for dogs and cats over 8 weeks of age. This is a very safe product and side effects are mainly limited to local skin irritation. This is unlike many over-the-counter products that may contain potentially dangerous chemicals.
Goodwinol: Rotenone (Goodwinol) is an anti-parasitic drug that is used as a topical treatment for localized cases of demodicosis. It is poorly absorbed when applied topically.
Heartgard: Heartgard contains a small amount of ivermectin. This is a once monthly oral medication that is very effective in preventing heartworm infection in dogs and cats. Heartgard Plus also contains pyrantel pamoate which adds control for intestinal parasites (round and hook worms). It may be given to cats and dogs over 6 weeks of age on a monthly basis for preventing heartworm infection. The dosage of ivermectin in Heartgard is very low, so side effects are uncommon, however collies and shelties may be more predisposed to neurological side effects.
Hydroxyzine: Hydroxyzine (Atarax) is an antihistamine (H1 antagonist) that also has monoamine oxidase inhibitor properties. It also has anxiolytic and antiemetic effects. Hydroxyzine is mainly used for the control of allergies (atopy) in dogs. Side effects are mainly transitory sedation.
Imuran: Azathioprine (Imuran) is an immunosuppressive agent that is used for certain immune-mediated diseases in dogs. It should not be used in cats. Side effects include platelet and bone marrow suppression, pancreatitis and skin eruptions and sometimes liver disease. It is often used in combination with corticosteroids or cyclosporine.
Insulin: Insulin is a natural hormone that is produced by beta-islets cells within the pancreas. Insulin attaches to cells within the body to allow the influx of glucose from the blood into those cells for energy. When a patient has diabetes mellitus, either the insulin is not being produced, or it is not attaching to and regulating the cells correctly. When this occurs, insulin may need to be supplemented depending on the type of diabetes mellitus. Most insulin used in dogs and cats currently is recombinant human insulin due to availability. There are many types of insulin including Lente, Ultralente, NPH, and Regular. PZI is only available on a special basis for hard to control patients. As a generalization, the main differences in these insulin's is the time of onset and the duration of action of each insulin. However, this is different in every patient, necessitating blood glucose curves and other means of monitoring insulin and glucose responses.
Interceptor: Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor) is an imidazole derivative anthelmintic that is effective at preventing heartworm when used correctly on a monthly basis. Milbemycin is also effective against intestinal parasites; round worms, hook worms and whip worms. Side effects are uncommon at recommended dosages. Sentinel is the combination of Inerceptor and Program for the added benefit of flea control.
Interferon: Interferon is an immunomodulating and antiviral agent that is naturally produced by the body. It is mainly used for viral upper respiratory infections in cats and feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus infected cats. Side effects at the dosages used in pets are uncommon but vomiting or diarrhea may occur.
Ivermectin: Ivermectin is a broad spectrum anthelmintic that is effective in controlling different forms of mange (mites), intestinal parasites and heartworms in dogs and cats. It has a very high margin of safety, however some collies and shelties may be more sensitive and exhibit severe neurological signs. This is very uncommon in the dosages used in heartworm medication.
Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is an imidazole derivative that is effective against many yeast and some fungal infections in dogs and cats. It may also be used to control Cushing's syndrome in dogs by inhibiting the synthesis of cortisone within the body. It is available as a topical and oral medication. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and transient elevations of liver enzymes or jaundice may develop. Itraconazole is a related drug with potentially fewer side effects and reaches better concentrations within the central nervous system.
Lasix: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop-diuretic (increases urination). Lasix acts by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium in the nephron portion of kidney. Lasix is mainly used in patients with cardiac failure and the development of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Pets will exhibit increase urination and drinking while on Lasix. Dehydration, hypochloremia (low chloride), hypokalemia (low potassium), and hyponatremia (low sodium) are potential problems if therapy is not monitored. .
Loperamide: Loperamide is a narcotic gastrointestinal motility modifier. It helps to give the intestinal tract more rhythmic contractions. It may be useful in certain cases of diarrhea. It is relatively safe with the main side effects being sedation, constipation and ileus. It is not recommended for use in pets under 20 pounds of weight.
Lysodren: Mitotane (Lysodren) is an adrenal cortex cytotoxic agent that is used in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome in dogs. By destroying the cortex of the adrenal gland, the excessive production of cortisol by the body can be controlled. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia. Some pets may be over-sensitive to the medication and actually become Addisonian (too little cortisol and mineralocorticoid production).
Meclizine: Meclizine is an antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist). This drug may exhibit greater inhibition of vomiting than other antihistamines, so it is occasionally used for pets with vomiting, motion sickness or vertigo.
Metoclopramide: Metoclopramide (Reglan) is used in dogs and cats for vomiting. It acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CRTZ) in the brain to decrease the urge to vomit. It also has peripheral activity to increase gastric motility. Metoclopramide is a safe medication but hyperactivity, depression or even seizures could occur. It should not be used in patients with seizures or with intestinal obstructions. It is considered to have superior antiemetic effects over antihistamines.
Miconazole: Miconazole is an imidazole derivative that is effective against certain yeast and fungal infections in dogs and cats. It is used as a topical agent. Side effects are limited to occasional skin irritation is some pets.
Mycophenolate: Mycophenolate is a new drug that suppresses the immune system. It may be of benefit in some immune mediated diseases where the body is attacking itself (certain hemolytic anemias).
Otomax: Otomax is a topical medication that contains a steroid (betamethasone), an antibiotic (gentamycin) and antiyeast (clotrimazole) medications in one ointment. It is often used to treat ear infections or other skin infection that need combination therapy. It is very effective in controlling ear infections when used appropriately and proper follow-up is adhered to. Flushing of the ears is important to successful treatment. Side effects are uncommon but local skin irritation or ototoxicity may occur.
Panacur: Fenbendazole (Panacur) is an imidazole derivative anthelmintic for use in dogs. It is a broad spectrum anthelmintic effective against most intestinal parasites, excluding tape worms. It is a very safe medication and has been used in cats as well.
Pepcid AC: Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is an H2 receptor blocker. By blocking histamine at H2 receptors, famotidine decreases the production of gastric acid. Pepcid is longer acting than many other H2 blocker, lasting up to 24 hours. This allows for once daily medication in some cases. Minimal side effects have been reported in animals.
Phenobarbital: Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used to control seizures in dogs and cats. The medication takes 2-3 weeks to reach steady levels in the body. Twice daily dosing is usually required. Therapeutic blood levels should be monitored to determine if enough medication is being absorbed to control seizures. Side effects include sedation, ataxia, increased drinking and urination, or in some cases elevations of liver values. Mild sedation and ataxia usually resolve after several weeks of therapy. Phenobarbital is general the first drug of choice for control of seizures.
Potassium Bromide: Potassium Bromide (KBR) is a salt that can control seizures in many patients. It takes much longer to obtain steady serum levels in the body so is not generally the first choice for seizure control.
PPA: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is an alpha-adrenergic stimulant. Its main use is for the control of urinary incontinence in dogs by increasing urethral sphincter tone. Side effects include anorexia, restlessness, tremors, urine retention and tachycardia.
Prednisone: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that inhibits the production of prostaglandins and leukotriens to reduce inflammation. It also has immunosuppressive effects. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, or iatrogenic Cushing's if prolonged high doses are used.
Program: Lufenuron (Program) is a flea larvicide. It is very effective at controlling fleas by sterilizing the adult fleas, thus stopping the life cycle and not allowing reinfestation.
Propulsid: Cisapride (Propulsid) is a dopamine antagonist that increase motility of the gastrointestinal tract. It is more effective at increasing lower and upper gastrointestinal motility than metoclopramide. It is does not have the central antiemetic effects that metoclopramide has though. Side effects include diarrhea, and it should not be used in patients with intestinal obstruction.
Revolution: Selemectin (Revolution) is a topical anthelmintic that is an effective preventative for heartworm, fleas and ticks in dogs and cats. It may also be used to treat ear mites and scabies mites. It is also labeled to control roundworms and hookworms only in cats. Selemectin is labeled for use in cats and dogs 6 weeks and older. Side effects are uncommon but include gastrointestinal upset and local skin irritation.
Rimadyl: Carprofen (Rimadyl) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory that is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. It is more selective for the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, making it less likely to cause vomiting in dogs than aspirin. Side effects may still include vomiting or diarrhea, rarely patients may exhibit liver disease.
Ranitidine: Ranitidine (Zantac) is an H2 receptor blocker. Blocking histamine at these receptors cause a decrease in gastric acid production. Ranitidine may also have a slight effect of increasing gastric motility.
SAM-E: Sulfa-adenylmethionine is an antioxidant that may be beneficial in the treatment of liver disease in some dogs and cats. It has not been proven to be of any benefit, but there are anecdotal reports of improvement in some liver cases.
Sotalol: Sotalol (Betapace) is a potassium channel blocker with beta-blocker effects. It is used to control ventricular arrhythmias in dogs. Side effects include bradycardia, hypotension and gastrointestinal upset.
Strongid: Pyrantel Pamoate is a broad spectrum anthelmintic used to treat and control round and hookworms in dogs and cats. Vomiting may occur.
Sucralfate: Sucralfate is an intestinal coating/protective agent used to treat gastric ulcer in dogs. Constipation may occur in some patients.
Sulfasalazine: Sulfasalazine is essentially two aminosalicylic acid (aspirin like) molecules bound together by what is called a 5-azo bond. When this medication is administered orally, it stays intact until it reaches the large intestine where it is broken into two particles. By staying intact until reaching the large intestine, less medication is absorbed systemically by the small intestine and more reaches the large bowel. With improved concentrations it is an excellent anti-inflammatory for colitis, without as much risk of gastric irritation. Side effects may include allergic reactions, vomiting, dry eye or even exacerbation of the colitis. It should not be used in cats or pets with sulfa drug hypersensitivities.
Tapazole: Methimazole (Tapazole) is used to control in hyperthyroidism in cats. It blocks the synthesis of levo-thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Some cats cannot tolerate the medication and may develop vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or liver disease. Other side effects include decreased platelet numbers or other bone marrow abnormalities.
Terbutaline: Terbutaline (Brethine) is a beta agonist, more selective for beta-2 receptors. This makes terbutaline an excellent bronchial airway dilator (asthma treatment). Side effects include anorexia, hypertension, nervousness, or vomiting. This medication should be used cautiously in patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline's are bacteriostatic antibiotics that are effective against many aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. They are also effective against rickettsia and mycoplasma organism. A culture can help determine efficacy in treatment. Tetracycline's also have an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing white blood cell attraction to a site. For this reason they are used in some immune-mediated diseases. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia may be seen. They should not be used in puppies less than 4 weeks old or pregnant dogs due to possible discoloration of teeth. Pets should also eat a small amount of food or take a drink of water after taking the capsule to prevent esophagitis.
Theophylline: Theophylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that results in dilation of airways. It is mainly used in patients with a cough resulting from bronchial spasm. Side effects include anorexia, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking or urination and hypertension.
Torbutrol: Torbutrol (butorphanol), Fentanyl and Hydromorphone are narcotic analgesics that are used to alleviate pain in pets. They may also be used to suppress the cough reflex in some patients. There are several forms available including a "patch" form that may be placed on the skin of the pet, giving several days of analgesia. The main side effects is sedation and some pets may become agitated.
Tresaderm: Tresaderm is a combination of a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory), antibiotic and antifungal medications. It is mainly used for combination ear or skin infections in dogs and cats. It is also generally effective against ear mites in cats when used appropriately. Side effects are usually limited to irritation of the skin, but some pets may exhibit inner ear irritation. It should be refrigerated to increase shelf life.
Trimethoprim-Sulfa: Trimethoprim-Sulfa's are a combination antibiotic that have a broad spectrum of activity. Good penetration of the drug is made into the skin and respiratory tract. Sulfa drugs may also be used for the treatment of coccidiosis in dogs and cats. Side effects include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and some pets may have hypersensitivities resulting in bone marrow abnormalities.
Tylosin: Tylosin is an broad spectrum antibiotic that has good anaerobic activity. It is often used in the control of diarrhea caused by clostridia organisms in dogs. It is also effective in treating chlamydiae and mycoplasma infections. Side effects may be anorexia or diarrhea.
Ursodiol: Ursodiol (Actigall) is a synthetic bile acid. It inhibits the reabsorption of toxic bile acids from the intestinal tract. Ursodiol is also believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the liver. For these reasons it is used in some cases of liver disease. It should not be used in patients with biliary obstruction.