Anipryl
Generic Name
Selegiline hydrochloride/L-deprenyl
Indications/Uses
Anipryl is a medication for veterinary use in treating certain complications in dogs alone. The medication is found extremely effective in dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome as well as various Cushing’s diseases due to pituitary tumors in dogs. Selegiline Hydrochloride, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is the active ingredient in the medicine that helps in controlling the clinical signs associated with the abovementioned complications in dogs. The medication is available only on prescription and is in the form of tablet meant to be taken orally.
Precautions
Do not use the medicine for diseases that are not of pituitary origin and in animals that seem to be hypersensitive to selegiline. As the possible affects of Anipryl on pregnant or nursing animals have not yet been clinically proven, the use of medicine on such animals can be risky. Take extra care when given with insulin, phenytoin, sulfonamides and phenothiazines, and in no way should the medicine be used with ephedrine. It will be always good to inform the veterinarian on the kinds of medications the pet is already taking, so that adequate precautions can be taken.
Side Effects
Selegiline, the main ingredient in Anipryl can trigger certain side effects like vomiting, extreme bowel movements, increased thirst and urination, agitation, drowsiness, disorientation, lack of appetite, hair loss etc.
Dosage Information
The dog has to be provided with oral dosages of one whole tablet, preferably in the morning hours. In case of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome stick to 0.5-1.0mg/kg dosage once in a day and for pituitary tumors, the preferable dosage is 1.0mg/kg. In almost all the cases, the response to the treatment is slow, which might take over a month or so. However, if the condition prevails even after 2 months of therapy, an increase in the dosage is advised.
Brand Names
Anipryl (Pfizer Animal Health), Eldepryl (Somerset)