Miltefosine
Also known as: Milteforan, Impavido, Miltex
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING**: This medication is known to cause birth defects. **Pregnant women or women trying to conceive MUST NOT handle this drug.** - **Administration**: Always give this medication **poured onto food** (with a full or partial meal). This significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset and vomiting. - **Handling Precautions**: Wear **disposable gloves** when administering the liquid, as it can cause skin reactions. Do not shake the vial (to avoid foaming). - **Pet Interaction**: Do not allow treated dogs to lick people immediately after they have taken the medication. - **Side Effects**: Vomiting is very common. If your dog experiences severe vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian for advice (they may prescribe an anti-nausea medication).
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
- Canine leishmaniasis
- Canine leishmaniasis (alternative treatment to meglumine antimoniate)
- Leishmaniosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting (most common)
- Diarrhea
- Inappetence
- Potential nephrotoxicity
- Potential hepatotoxicity
- Vomiting (moderate, transient)
- Diarrhoea (moderate, transient)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to miltefosine
- Pregnant animals
- Lactating animals
- Breeding animals
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- > **Resistance Warning**: Do not underdose, as subtherapeutic levels significantly increase the risk of developing drug-resistant *Leishmania* strains. - Use with extreme caution in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction. - While leishmaniasis itself causes kidney and liver damage, miltefosine has a lower risk of severe renal tubular damage compared to meglumine antimoniate, though monitoring is still required.
Frequently asked questions
What is Miltefosine used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING**: This medication is known to cause birth defects. **Pregnant women or women trying to conceive MUST NOT handle this drug.** - **Administration**: Always give this medication **poured onto food** (with a full or partial meal). This significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset and vomiting. - **Handling Precautions**: Wear **disposable gloves** when administering the liquid, as it can cause skin reactions. Do not shake the vial (to avoid foaming). - **Pet Interaction**: Do not allow treated dogs to lick people immediately after they have taken the medication. - **Side Effects**: Vomiting is very common. If your dog experiences severe vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian for advice (they may prescribe an anti-nausea medication).
Is Miltefosine 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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