Albon Tabs
Generic Name
Sulfadimethoxine
Indications/Uses
Albon is used for the treatment of different kinds of bacterial infections commonly found in dogs and cats. It is a low-dosage, long-acting sulfonamide, mainly prescribed for the treatment of respiratory, genitourinary tract, enteric, and soft tissue infections in dogs and cats such as tonsillitis, pustular dermatitis, pharyngitis, anal gland infections, bacterial enteritis, nephritis, canine salmonellosis, metritis, and coccidiosis in dogs. Albon comes in powder and liquid form, and is ingested orally. The active ingredient is Sulfadimethoxine. In dogs, sulfadimethoxine is not acetylated unlike in other animals. It is excreted mainly as the unchanged drug. Sulfadimethoxine has a comparatively high solubility at the pH normally occurring in the kidney. Sulfadimethoxine maintains higher blood levels compared to most other long-acting sulfonamides, as the plasma protein binding is extremely high. A high degree of tubular re-absorption causes slow renal excretion. Albon, administered in single, reasonably small amounts, allows continuous therapeutic blood levels.
Precautions
Do not use Albon on animals allergic to it or any other sulfonamides (sulfa drugs). Albon should not be administered to pregnant or nursing animals or in animals with kidney or liver disease. Avoid giving antacids within 2 hours of this tablet’s consumption. The major symptoms of overdose might include vomiting, diarrhea or hyper-excitability. Make sure the pet drinks enough water. Be wary when giving phenylbutazone, methotrexate, probenecid, warfarin, salicylates, phenytoin or MAOIs like selegiline, along with Albon.
Side Effects
Albon might cause several side effects if not administered properly. The side effects mainly include dry eyes, fever, joint inflammation, diarrhea, kidney damage and allergic reaction resulting in facial swelling and hives.
Dosage Information
Albon is available by prescription as 250mg tablets and suspension 5%. The general initial dosage bacterial infections is 25mg/pound once a day given orally. The doasage for coccidial infections is 25mg/pound on the first day, followed by 12.5mg/pound for the next 12-20 days. The duration of medication can be adjusted depending on the response to treatment. Dogs and cats should be prescribed 1 teaspoonful of Albon Oral Suspension 5% per 10 lb of body weight (25 mg/lb or 55 mg/kg) as an initial dose, subsequently followed by 1/2 teaspoonful per 10 lb of body weight (12.5 mg/lb or 27.5 mg/kg) every 24 hours.
Brand Names
Albon (Pfizer Animal Health)