Allopurinol For Dogs, Cats, Reptiles, and Birds: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects Guide
Overview
Its action depends on preventing the conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and of xanthine to uric acid, xanthine oxidase inhibition reduces the production of uric acid.
Uses of Allopurinol
- Dogs:
- Treatment and prevention of hyperuricosuric, calcium oxalate, and uric acid uroliths.
- Treatment of leishmaniosis, often combined with meglumine antimonate or miltefosine.
- Cats:
- Treatment of leishmaniosis, though clinical experience is limited.
- Birds:
- Gout management via uric acid reduction.
- Reptiles:
- Gout management, with daily dosing to control uric acid buildup.
Allopurinol Dose For Dogs, Cats, Reptiles, and Birds
| Species | Condition | Dosage & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Uric acid urolith dissolution | 15 mg/kg PO every 12 hours for up to 4 weeks. Note: Use with low-purine, alkalinizing diets to reduce recurrence. |
| Urolith prevention | 5–7 mg/kg PO every 12–24 hours. Note: Monitor for xanthine urolith formation during long-term use. |
|
| Leishmaniosis | 10–15 mg/kg PO twice daily for 6–12 months with meglumine antimonate or miltefosine. Note: Treatment does not eliminate the parasite but controls symptoms. |
|
| Cats | Leishmaniosis | 10–20 mg/kg PO every 12–24 hours. Note: Limited clinical data available in this species. |
| Birds | Gout | 300–830 mg/L in drinking water. Note: Fresh solution must be prepared daily. |
| Reptiles | Gout | 20–25 mg/kg PO once daily, with doses up to 50 mg/kg if necessary. Note: Monitor hydration status to prevent uric acid buildup. |
Drug Dosage Calculator
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Common Side Effects of Allopurinol
- Xanthine urolithiasis: Long-term use without dietary modifications increases risk.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia have been reported.
- Bone marrow suppression: Particularly when combined with immunosuppressants.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash, liver enzyme abnormalities, and renal insufficiency.
Contraindications of Allopurinol
- Previous hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol.
- Use with caution in animals with renal or hepatic dysfunction.
- Avoid in red-tailed hawks due to toxicity concerns.
Some Notes:
- Drug Interactions:
- Aluminum hydroxide: Reduces allopurinol absorption.
- Cyclophosphamide: Increases the risk of bone marrow suppression.
- ACE inhibitors and aminopenicillins: Raise the likelihood of hypersensitivity reactions.
- Diuretics: Increase serum concentrations of allopurinol, potentially leading to toxicity.
- Theophylline: Reduced metabolism when used with allopurinol, leading to increased serum levels.
- Monitoring Recommendations:
- Regular urine pH monitoring to prevent urolith formation.
- Perform CBC and serum chemistry tests periodically.
- Use ultrasound imaging to detect the recurrence of uroliths during treatment.
- Precautions:
- Combine with a low-purine diet for long-term use to reduce complications.
- Monitor hydration, particularly in reptiles, to prevent uric acid accumulation.
- Allopurinol’s active metabolite, oxypurinol, is excreted in milk, so caution is required in nursing animals.
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