Quinacrine
* **Administration**: Give this medication after meals to reduce stomach upset. Ensure your pet has plenty of water available. * **Discoloration**: You may notice your pet's skin or urine turning a yellow color. This is a harmless side effect of the drug and does not mean your pet has jaundice or liver disease. * **Side Effects**: Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behaviors (like snapping at the air, known as 'fly biting'). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. * **Compliance**: It is crucial to finish the entire prescribed course, even if your pet seems better.
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
- Giardia
- Coccidiosis
- Giardia
- Coccidiosis
- Giardia or other susceptible protozoa (second-choice)
- Giardia or other susceptible protozoa (second-choice)
- Hemoprotozoal infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Yellowing of skin and urine (benign)
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal behaviors ('fly biting', agitation)
- Lethargy
- Pruritus
- Fever
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
- Hepatopathy (rare)
- Aplastic anemia (rare)
- Corneal edema (rare)
- Retinopathy (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hepatic dysfunction (relative)
- Pregnancy (relative, potential teratogen)
- Psychotic disorders (in humans)
- Psoriasis (in humans)
- Porphyria (in humans)
- > **Hepatic Impairment**: Use with extreme caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction, as the drug concentrates heavily in the liver. > **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Has caused fetal death in rats at high doses and is implicated in human birth defects. Weigh risks vs. benefits. > **Laboratory Interference**: Can cause falsely elevated plasma and urine cortisol values due to interfering fluorescence.
Drug interactions
- Alcohol: May cause a 'disulfiram-like' reaction if used concurrently.
- Hepatotoxic Drugs: Quinacrine concentrates in the liver; use with caution with other hepatotoxic agents.
- Primaquine: Quinacrine increases the toxicity of primaquine; do not use simultaneously.
Frequently asked questions
What is Quinacrine used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Give this medication after meals to reduce stomach upset. Ensure your pet has plenty of water available. * **Discoloration**: You may notice your pet's skin or urine turning a yellow color. This is a harmless side effect of the drug and does not mean your pet has jaundice or liver disease. * **Side Effects**: Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behaviors (like snapping at the air, known as 'fly biting'). Contact your veterinarian if these occur. * **Compliance**: It is crucial to finish the entire prescribed course, even if your pet seems better.
Is Quinacrine 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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