Tepoxalin
Also known as: Zubrin
* **Administration**: Place the tablet directly into your dog's mouth and hold the mouth closed for approximately 4 seconds. The tablet is designed to disintegrate rapidly in saliva, preventing the dog from spitting it out. * **Food**: Give this medication with food to improve absorption and potentially reduce stomach upset. * **Hydration**: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Dehydration increases the risk of kidney side effects. > **Important**: Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, black/tarry stools, loss of appetite, lethargy, or yellowing of the gums/eyes (jaundice).
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
- Pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia/inappetence
- Enteritis
- Lethargy
- Incoordination (<1%)
- Incontinence (<1%)
- Increased appetite (<1%)
- Eating grass (<1%)
- Flatulence (<1%)
- Hair loss (<1%)
- Trembling (<1%)
Cautions & contraindications
- Prior hypersensitivity reactions to tepoxalin
- Active gastrointestinal ulcers
- Dogs weighing less than 3 kg (cannot be accurately dosed)
- Dogs less than 6 months old (safety not established)
- Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic, cardiovascular, or renal function, or those at risk for developing nephrotoxic effects associated with NSAIDs (e.g., dehydrated patients or those on concomitant diuretic therapy). Safety has not been determined in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs; use with caution and informed consent. Discontinue if signs of inappetence, vomiting, fecal abnormalities, anemia, icterus, or lethargy are observed.
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Corticosteroids: May increase the occurrence of gastric ulceration; avoid concomitant use
- Digoxin: NSAIDs may increase serum levels of digoxin
- Fluconazole: May increase plasma levels of tepoxalin (extrapolated from human celecoxib data)
- Furosemide: NSAIDs may reduce saluretic and diuretic effects
- Methotrexate: Serious toxicity has occurred with concomitant NSAID use; use with extreme caution
- Nephrotoxic Drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): May enhance the risk of nephrotoxicity
- Other NSAIDs: May increase the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., ulceration, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Warfarin: Tepoxalin is highly protein bound (98-99%); may displace warfarin and increase bleeding risk. Monitor closely.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tepoxalin used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Place the tablet directly into your dog's mouth and hold the mouth closed for approximately 4 seconds. The tablet is designed to disintegrate rapidly in saliva, preventing the dog from spitting it out. * **Food**: Give this medication with food to improve absorption and potentially reduce stomach upset. * **Hydration**: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water. Dehydration increases the risk of kidney side effects. > **Important**: Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if you notice severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, black/tarry stools, loss of appetite, lethargy, or yellowing of the gums/eyes (jaundice).
Is Tepoxalin 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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