Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP)
Also known as: Percorten-V, Cortiron, Zycortal
* **Watch for Addisonian Crisis:** Clients should be familiar with the symptoms associated with hypoadrenocorticism (e.g., weakness, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea) and report these to the veterinarian immediately. * **Watch for Overdose:** Signs of too much medication include excessive thirst and urination (PU/PD), swelling/edema, or rapid weight gain. * **Stress Dosing:** Your pet will likely need extra oral steroids (like prednisone) during stressful events (boarding, vet visits, illness). * **At-Home Injections:** If administering at home, **shake the vial vigorously** before drawing up the dose to ensure the macrocrystals are fully suspended. Ensure proper intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) technique.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Maintenance therapy of hypoadrenocorticism
- Maintenance therapy of hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Hypoadrenocorticism
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Injection site irritation
- Polyuria (PU)
- Polydipsia (PD)
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia
- Hypertension
- Edema
- Weight gain (fluid retention)
Cautions & contraindications
- Congestive heart failure
- Severe renal disease
- Edema
- > **CRITICAL WARNING:** Do **NOT** administer intravenously (IV). Acute collapse and shock may result. If given IV, treat immediately for shock with IV fluids and glucocorticoids. * **Glucocorticoid Supplementation:** DOCP lacks glucocorticoid activity. All animals with hypoadrenocorticism should receive additional glucocorticoids (2-10 times basal) during periods of stress or acute illness. * **Contraindications:** Contraindicated in dogs suffering from congestive heart failure, severe renal disease, or edema. * **Pregnancy:** Use in pregnant animals only when potential benefits outweigh risks (safe use not established). Safe for nursing offspring. * **Individualized Dosing:** 'Cookbook' dosing without ongoing monitoring is inappropriate due to variable sensitivity.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Patients may develop hypokalemia if mineralocorticoids are administered concomitantly.
- Aspirin: DOCP may reduce salicylate levels.
- Digoxin: Because DOCP may cause hypokalemia, it should be used with caution and increased monitoring when used in patients receiving digitalis glycosides.
- Insulin: Potentially, DOCP could increase the insulin requirements of diabetic patients.
- Potassium-depleting diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazides): Patients may develop hypokalemia if administered concomitantly; as diuretics can cause a loss of sodium, they may counteract the effects of DOCP.
Frequently asked questions
What is Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) used for in pets?
* **Watch for Addisonian Crisis:** Clients should be familiar with the symptoms associated with hypoadrenocorticism (e.g., weakness, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea) and report these to the veterinarian immediately. * **Watch for Overdose:** Signs of too much medication include excessive thirst and urination (PU/PD), swelling/edema, or rapid weight gain. * **Stress Dosing:** Your pet will likely need extra oral steroids (like prednisone) during stressful events (boarding, vet visits, illness). * **At-Home Injections:** If administering at home, **shake the vial vigorously** before drawing up the dose to ensure the macrocrystals are fully suspended. Ensure proper intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) technique.
Is Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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