APPENDIX B DRUG FORMULARY 749
Amitriptylinehydrochloride (Elavil)
Tricyclic antidepressantdrug. Action is viainhibition of uptake ofserotonin and othertransmitters at presynapticnerve terminals. Used inanimals to treat variety ofbehavioral disorders, suchas anxiety. Used in cats forchronic idiopathic cystitis.
Multiple side effects areassociated with tricyclicantidepressants, such asantimuscarinic effects (drymouth, rapid heart rate)and antihistamine effects(sedation). High doses canproduce life-threateningcardiotoxicity. In cats,reduced grooming,weight gain, and sedationare possible.
Doses are primarily basedon empiricism. There areno controlled efficacytrials available for animals.There is evidence forsuccess treating idiopathiccystitis in cats.Clomipramine is preferredfor behavior problems.
10, 25, 50, 75, 100,150 mg tablets;10 mg/mL injection.
Dog: 1–2 mg/kg poq12–24h.Cat: 2–4 mg per cat/daypo; cystitis: 2 mg/kg/day(2.5–7.5 mg/cat/day).
Amoxicillin + clavulanatepotassium (Clavamox)β-lactamantibiotic +β-lactamaseinhibitor. Inhibits bacterialcell wall synthesis.Generally broad-spectrumactivity. Used for a varietyof infections in all species(clavulanate/clavulanicacid).Usually well tolerated.Allergic reactions arepossible. Diarrhea ispossible with oral doses.Dose recommendationsvary depending on thesusceptibility of bacteriaand location of infection.Generally, more frequentor higher doses neededfor gram-negativeinfections.62.5, 125, 250,375 mg tablets and62.5 mg/mLsuspension.Dog: 12.5–25 mg/kgq12h po.Cat: 62.5 mg/cat q12h po.Consider administeringthese doses q8h forgram-negative infections.Amphotericin B(Fungizone)Antifungal drug.Fungicidal for systemicfungi, by damagingfungal membranes.Produces a dose-relatednephrotoxicosis. Alsoproduces fever, phlebitis,and tremors.Administer IV via slowinfusion diluted in fluids,and monitor renalfunction closely. Whenpreparing IV solution, donot mix with electrolytesolutions (use D-5-W, forexample); administer NaCIfluid loading beforetherapy.50 mg injectablevial.0.5 mg/kg IV (slowinfusion) q48h to acumulative dose of4–8 mg/kg.(continued)