Library
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Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Hydroxyurea is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain cancers in cats and dogs. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and stomach ulcers, loss of toenails and/or hair coat. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or in pregnant pets unless absolutely necessary. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Chlorambucil is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Common side effects include fur loss and changes in hair coat, as well as gastrointestinal upset. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other alkylating medications, that have bone marrow disease, have an active infection, or that are pregnant or lactating. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Mitotane is primarily used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs. It has also been used to treat adrenal gland tumors. Mitotane reduces the amount of cortisone-like hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. These steroids are important for various body functions; however excessive levels of these hormones can cause problems.
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Cyclophosphamide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat various cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, carcinoma, and sarcoma. Common side effects include hair loss and hair coat changes. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that cannot be sufficiently monitored during treatment, are pregnant or lactating, have urinary obstruction, infection, bone marrow dysfunction, or have had an episode of blood in the urine that is not associated with a bladder infection. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Trilostane is a treatment for hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) and Alopecia X. It is given by mouth as a capsule, given with food. Common side effects include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. It is contraindicated in liver or kidney disease and pregnant animals. If an Addisonian crisis or any other negative reactions occur, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Carvedilol is a heart medication that may be prescribed off label in dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and turkeys for the treatment of heart conditions including abnormal heart beat frequencies (arrhythmias) and heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
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Nystatin combinations (brand names Panalog®, Cortalone®, Animax®, Derma-vet®, Quadritop®, Dermalog®, Dermalone®, EnteDerm®, Resortin®) are applied topically to the skin and are used on and off label to treat skin lesions in cats, dogs, and other mammals.
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Methionine (brand name Methio-Form) is a nutritional supplement used to make urine more acidic in cats and dogs. Urine acidifiers help manage certain types of urolithiasis (urinary stones). Methionine comes in gel, chewable, powder, and tablet forms. Monitor urine pH and seek immediate veterinary care if signs of Heinz-body anemia appear in cats (pale gums, red-brown urine, weakness).
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Bimatoprost ophthalmic is a topical eye medication prescribed off label to treat high fluid pressure and primary glaucoma in the eyes of dogs. It comes as a liquid eye drop to be administered on the surface of the eye. Bimatoprost ophthalmic is a prostaglandin. Pregnant women may wish to avoid the use of this drug in their households.
