Sodium Stibogluconate
Also known as: Pentostam
* **Public Health:** Clients should understand the potential zoonotic and public health implications of leishmaniasis in dogs, which is highly dependent on the country and local vectors. * **Prognosis:** The prognosis for dogs with leishmaniasis remains **guarded**, even with aggressive treatment. Relapses are common. * **Risks & Costs:** Treatment carries a risk of severe side effects and can be financially demanding. Close monitoring by your veterinarian is essential.
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 cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Increased AST levels
- Pain on injection
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Hemolytic anemia
- Leukopenia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Myocardial injury and arrhythmias
- Renal toxicity
- Shock
- Sudden death
- Thrombophlebitis (with IV administration)
- Nephrotoxicity
- Hepatotoxicity
Cautions & contraindications
- Pre-existing cardiac arrhythmias
- Significantly impaired renal function
- Previous serious adverse reaction to a dose of stibogluconate
- Severe renal impairment
- Severe hepatic impairment
- **Contraindicated** in patients with pre-existing cardiac arrhythmias or significantly impaired renal function. * **Duration Warning:** The incidence of adverse effects reportedly increases significantly if the drug is administered for longer than 2 months. * **Pregnancy:** Has not been shown to cause fetal harm, but should be withheld during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. * **Nursing:** Controversial; the manufacturer states it should not be used in nursing mothers, though some human pediatric guidelines consider it compatible.
Drug interactions
- Amphotericin B: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity
- Allopurinol: Synergistic antileishmanial effect (often used together clinically)
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Stibogluconate used for in pets?
* **Public Health:** Clients should understand the potential zoonotic and public health implications of leishmaniasis in dogs, which is highly dependent on the country and local vectors. * **Prognosis:** The prognosis for dogs with leishmaniasis remains **guarded**, even with aggressive treatment. Relapses are common. * **Risks & Costs:** Treatment carries a risk of severe side effects and can be financially demanding. Close monitoring by your veterinarian is essential.
Is Sodium Stibogluconate 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.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app