Zubrin (tepoxalin)
Generic Name
Tepoxalin
Indications/Uses
Zubrin (Tepoxalin) is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used in the treatment of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
Precautions
Do not administer Zubrin to dogs with hypersensitivity to the drug. Avoid prescribing the drug to breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and in dogs less than 6 months of age. Do not dispense Zubrin to animals that have a background of bleeding, inflammation, or perforation of the stomach wall or intestinal mucosa. Never administer the medicine to animals that are dehydrated or have low blood pressure. Use the drug with extreme caution in pets suffering from liver disease, heart failure or kidney disease. Zubrin is not suitable for cats. Zubrin exhibits the tendency to interact with other medications including aspirin, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone, dexamethasone or triamcinolone and other NSAID's such as carprofen, phenylbutazone or etodolac. Therefore, before administering the drug, inform the about the other medications the pet is receiving.
Side Effects
Some of the major side effects of Zubrin include stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal bleeding, dark stools, vomiting, loss of appetite, and peritonitis. If Zubrin is used in conjunction with corticosteroids such as aspirin or phenylbutazone, it could considerably enhance the chances for ulcers. The drug might also be responsible for liver, kidney, or blood clotting abnormalities.
Dosage Information
Zubrin is generally available in 30 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg, rapidly disintegrating tablets. The recommended dose of Zubrin for dogs is 4.5 mg per pound (10 mg/kg) once a day. The maximum period for treatment with this drug is four weeks. A rapidly disintegrating tablet, Zubrin dissolves quickly when it is exposed to saliva present in the mouth of the dog. As a result, the dog finds it difficult to spit it out. The mouth of the dog should be held tightly closed for 4 to 5 seconds after administering the drug in order to ensure dispersion of the medication. Administer Zubrin with food or within 1 – 2 hours of feeding.
Brand Names
Zubrin (Schering-Plough)