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Reptiles & Amphibians + Medications & Supplements

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Chloramphenicol (brand names Chloromycetin®, Viceton®) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections in many species. Chloramphenicol comes as tablets, capsules, liquid suspension, and in an injectable form (chloramphenicol sodium succinate). Injectable forms will be administered by your veterinarian.

  • Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used on and off label. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat pain and inflammation. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs in the same class, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfadimethoxine is an antimicrobial given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, used primarily to treat coccidiosis. Its use for treating small mammals and reptiles is off label. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant, lactating, or have severe liver or kidney dysfunction. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Ketoconazole is an antifungal given by mouth in the form of a tablet, used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it and use extreme caution when using in cats or pregnant pets.

  • Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.

  • Emodepside + praziquantel (brand name Profender®), is an antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats. Emodepside + praziquantel comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin.

  • ZYMOX® Enzymatic Ear Solution is an over-the-counter ear solution used to treat bacterial and yeast ear infections, ear inflammation, and conditions like swimmer's ear in pets.

  • Vitamin E and selenium are essential nutrients with antioxidant properties that work together to prevent oxidative damage and support the immune system. They are used in animals to treat skin diseases, liver disease, cognitive dysfunction, and dietary deficiencies.

  • Voriconazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are not well-known but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite.