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Medications & Supplements

  • Ammonium chloride is used off label and given by mouth to treat metabolic alkalosis, struvite stones, and certain toxicities occasionally in small animals and more often in large animals. The most common side effects include pain at the injection site or stomach upset if given by mouth. Do not use in pets with severe liver, kidney, heart, or lung disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Amitriptyline is used off label and given by mouth to treat behavioral and pain disorders in dogs, cats, and occasionally birds. Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. This medication should not be used in pets sensitive to TCAs, seizures, or pets currently using MOIs or flea collars. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Amitraz is a topical solution in the form of a medicated dip, spot-on treatment, or collar used to treat demodectic mange or for the prevention of flea and tick infestations. Common side effects include sedation, incoordination while walking, slow heart rate, gastrointestinal effects, skin irritation, and temporary high blood sugar. This medication is contraindicated in very young animals, and used with caution in old, debilitated, diabetic, or small-breeds. While animals may exhibit signs of sedation, contact your veterinary office if your pet cannot be aroused from sleep or if the sedation lasts for more than 72 hours. Amitraz is toxic if swallowed.

  • Aminocaproic acid is a medication that blocks the breakdown of blood clots, and is used to treat postoperative bleeding, especially in sighthounds. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or it can be given by injection by your veterinarian in the hospital. Side effects are uncommon but can include vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Do not use this medication in pets that are currently experiencing clotting in the vessels, and use with caution in pets with heart, liver, or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used off label to treat high phosphate levels in pets with kidney disease. It is given by mouth, with meals, in the form of a liquid gel, powder, or a compounded capsule. The most common side effect is constipation, and therefore it should be used with caution in pets with a gastrointestinal obstruction or pets prone to constipation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Amantadine is an antiviral medication given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, that is mainly used off label for its pain control effects in pets. Common side effects include agitation and gastrointestinal effects. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, or that have untreated glaucoma. It should be used with caution in pets with liver, kidney, or heart disease, or in pets with eczema or seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Calcium acetate is given off label and by mouth to treat elevated blood phosphorus levels, especially due to kidney disease. Side effects may include nausea or stomach upset. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to it or have high blood calcium levels. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Chlorhexidine + ketoconazole topical is used to treat superficial skin infections or overgrowth in dogs and cats. When given as directed, side effects are rarely noted, but could include skin irritation. If you suspect an overdose or accidental ingestion, call your veterinary office immediately.

  • Mycophenolate is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off-label to treat autoimmune disease in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to mycophenolate, are pregnant, or nursing. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Capromorelin is an appetite stimulant used to encourage appetite in dogs and help manage weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease. It is a liquid solution given by mouth. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination, and intestinal sounds. This medication should not be used in pets allergic to it and be used with caution in those with liver and kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.