Dirlotapide
Also known as: Slentrol
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **Not a Magic Cure:** Dirlotapide helps your dog lose weight by decreasing appetite and reducing fat absorption. However, successful long-term weight management requires permanent changes in diet and exercise. * **Temporary Effect:** The decreased appetite is temporary and will fade 1-2 days after stopping the medication. If you do not control food intake after stopping the drug, your dog will regain the weight. * **Side Effects:** About 1 in 4 dogs will experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea, usually during the first month or after a dose increase. If vomiting occurs, you can try giving the medication at a different time or with/without food. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian if your dog completely stops eating for more than one day, or if vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days. * **Administration:** Use the provided oral dosing syringe. It can be given directly into the mouth or on a small amount of food. Wipe the syringe clean with a dry cloth after use—do not wash it with water. * **Safety Warning:** Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally exposed to eyes, flush immediately with clean water.
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
- Weight Loss Phase (First 14 days)
- Weight Loss Phase (Days 15 to 28)
- Weight Loss Phase (Subsequent Months)
- Weight Management Phase
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting (especially during the first month or 3-4 hours post-dose)
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Salivation
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Elevated serum hepatic transaminases
Cautions & contraindications
- Cats (high risk of hepatic lipidosis)
- Dogs with liver disease
- Dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy
- Unmanaged endocrine disease (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism/Cushing's disease)
- **Important Precautions:** * **Species Restriction:** Do NOT use in cats. Rapid weight loss in obese cats significantly increases the risk of fatal hepatic lipidosis. * **Endocrine Disease:** Pre-existing endocrine diseases (like Cushing's or hypothyroidism) must be managed prior to initiating dirlotapide therapy. * **Duration of Use:** Safe use for longer than one year has not been evaluated. * **Reproductive Safety:** Safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been established. * **Hepatic Effects:** May cause mild to moderate elevations in serum hepatic transaminases early in treatment.
Drug interactions
- Narrow therapeutic index oral drugs: Potential altered absorption rate and extent; administer at least 2 hours prior to dirlotapide.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K): Decreased plasma concentrations during the initial treatment phase; levels typically stabilize and recover during the weight stabilization phase.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dirlotapide used for in pets?
**Important Information for Pet Owners:** * **Not a Magic Cure:** Dirlotapide helps your dog lose weight by decreasing appetite and reducing fat absorption. However, successful long-term weight management requires permanent changes in diet and exercise. * **Temporary Effect:** The decreased appetite is temporary and will fade 1-2 days after stopping the medication. If you do not control food intake after stopping the drug, your dog will regain the weight. * **Side Effects:** About 1 in 4 dogs will experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea, usually during the first month or after a dose increase. If vomiting occurs, you can try giving the medication at a different time or with/without food. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian if your dog completely stops eating for more than one day, or if vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days. * **Administration:** Use the provided oral dosing syringe. It can be given directly into the mouth or on a small amount of food. Wipe the syringe clean with a dry cloth after use—do not wash it with water. * **Safety Warning:** Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally exposed to eyes, flush immediately with clean water.
Is Dirlotapide 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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