Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

768 APPENDIX B DRUG FORMULARY

Drug name (trade orother names)

Pharmacology andindications

Adverse effects andprecautions

Dosing information andcomments

Formulations

Dosage (unlessotherwise indicated,dose is the same fordogs and cat)

Difloxacinhydrochloride (Dicural)

Fluoroquinoloneantibacterial drug. Acts viainhibition of DNA gyrasein bacteria to inhibit DNAand RNA synthesis.Bactericidal with broadspectrum of activity. Usedfor variety of infections,including skin infections,wound infections, andpneumonia.

Adverse effects includeseizures in epilepticanimals, arthropathy inyoung animals, vomitingat high doses.

Drug

interactions:

May increase

concentrations oftheophylline if usedconcurrently.Coadministration with di-and trivalent cations (e.g.,sucralfate) may decreaseabsorption. Ocular safetynot established in cats.

Dose range can be usedto adjust dose, dependingon severity of infectionand susceptibility ofbacteria. Difloxacin isprimarily eliminated infeces rather than urine(urine is

<

5% of

clearance). Sarafloxacin isan active desmethylmetabolite.

11.4, 45.4, and136 mg tablets.

Dog: 5–10 mg/kg q24hpo.Cat: safe dose notestablished.

Dimenhydrinate(Dramamine, [Gravol inCanada])

Antihistamine drug.Converted to activediphenhydramine. Usedfor antiemetic treatment.

Primary side effect issedation.

There have been noclinical studies on the useof dimenhydrinate. It isprimarily used empiricallyfor treatment of vomiting.

50 mg tablets and50 mg/mL injection.

Dog: 4–8 mg/kg q8h po,IM, IV.Cat: 12.5 mg/cat q8h IV,IM, po.

Diphenhydraminehydrochloride(Benadryl)

Antihistamine used forallergy treatment andantiemetic.

Primary side effect issedation.

Antihistamine usedprimarily for allergicdisease in animals.

Available OTC;2.5 mg/mL elixir; 25,50 mg capsules andtablets; 50 mg/mLinjection.

Dog: 25–50 mg/dog q8hIV, IM, po.Cat: 2–4 mg/kg q6–8h po,or 1 mg/kg q6–8h IM, IV.