Diminazene
Also known as: Berenil, Azidine, Veriben, Pirocide
> **Important**: This medication is used to treat serious blood parasites. * **Cure vs. Suppression**: Depending on the species treated, parasites may not be completely eradicated. Your pet may still carry the parasite even after treatment, and retreatment may be required. The goal is often to resolve clinical illness rather than achieve a complete cure. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or pain and swelling at the injection site. * **Neurological Signs**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice stumbling, weakness, or seizures, as these can be signs of drug toxicity.
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
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa)
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa)
- Treatment of cytauxzoonosis
- Treatment of cytauxzoonosis
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa)
- Treatment of susceptible protozoal (Trypanosomes, Babesia) infections (West Africa)
- Treatment of Babesia (B. canis / B. gibsoni)
- Small Babesia (Okinawa)
- Treatment of Babesia (South Africa)
- Treatment of African trypanosomiasis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Transient decreases in blood pressure
- Ataxia (rare, <0.1%)
- Seizures (rare, <0.1%)
- Death (rare, <0.1%)
Cautions & contraindications
- Camelids (highly susceptible to toxic effects)
- Use with extreme caution in dogs at doses of 7 mg/kg or higher due to a significantly increased risk of severe neurotoxicity. Camels are highly susceptible to toxicity and the drug is generally contraindicated in camelids. Safety for nursing offspring has not been established as the drug distributes into milk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diminazene used for in pets?
> **Important**: This medication is used to treat serious blood parasites. * **Cure vs. Suppression**: Depending on the species treated, parasites may not be completely eradicated. Your pet may still carry the parasite even after treatment, and retreatment may be required. The goal is often to resolve clinical illness rather than achieve a complete cure. * **Side Effects**: Watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or pain and swelling at the injection site. * **Neurological Signs**: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice stumbling, weakness, or seizures, as these can be signs of drug toxicity.
Is Diminazene 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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