APPENDIX B DRUG FORMULARY 803
Paroxetine (Paxil)Selective serotoninreuptake inhibitor (SSRI)much like fluoxetine(Prozac) in action. Usedfor obsessive-compulsivedisorders, aggression, andother behavioralproblems.Some effects similar tofluoxetine, but in someanimals, paroxetine isbetter tolerated.
Dosing recommendationsare empirical.
10, 20, 30, 40 mgtablets.
Dog: 0.5 mg/kg q24h po.Cat: 1/8 to 1/4 of a 10 mgtablet q24h po.
Pentoxifylline (Trental)Methylxanthine.Pentoxifylline is usedprimarily as a rheologicalagent in people (increasesblood flow throughnarrow vessels). It mayhave anti-inflammatoryaction via inhibition ofcytokine synthesis. Used indogs for some dermatoses(dermatomyositis) andvasculitis.May cause similar signs asother methylxanthines.Nausea and vomiting havebeen reported in people.When broken tablet isadministered to cats, thetaste is unpleasant.Results of clinical studiesin animals have not beenreported. Use in animals(and doses) based onexperience in people oranecdotal experience inanimals.400 mg tablets.Dog – 10 mg/kg q12h andup to 15 mg/kg q8h po or400 mg/dog for mostanimals.Cat: 1/4 of a 400 mgtablet (100 mg) q8–12hpo.Phenobarbital (Luminaland generic)Long-acting barbiturate.Phenobarbital’s major useis as an anticonvulsant, inwhich it potentiatesinhibitory actions ofGABA.Adverse effects are doserelated. Phenobarbitalcauses polyphagia,sedation, ataxia, andlethargy. Some tolerancedevelops to side effectsafter initial therapy.Hepatotoxicity has beenreported in some dogsreceiving high doses.Phenobarbital dosesshould be carefullyadjusted via monitoringserum/plasmaconcentrations. Optimumrange for therapeuticeffect is 15–40μg/mL.15, 30, 60, 100 mgtablets; 30, 60, 65,and 130 mg/mLinjection; 4 mg/mLoral elixir solution.Dog: 2–8 mg/kg q12h po.Cat: 2–4 mg/kg q12h po.Status epilepticus:administer in incrementsof 10–20 mg/kg IV (toeffect).(continued)