Atopica Dog: Dosage, Side Effects & Alternatives

Atopica for dogs is an immunosuppressantwhich is used in atopic dermatitis.

As a veterinary drug, it should only be given to the dog if the veterinarian has approved the Atopica therapy. Atopica should never be administered alone.

You will now find out which things you have to consider when using and dosing and which side effects can occur.

Atopica for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?

Atopica for dogs is usually given at a so-called atopic dermatitis in dogs, i.e. a skin diseaseadministered.

This disease is usually associated with an allergy or its consequence. Allergies, in turn, contribute to an immune overreaction in the body.

This must therefore be stopped, which is why an immunosuppressant such as Atopica for dogs is prescribed.

Atopica for dogs is also effective against the itching associated with atopic dermatitis and against possible skin inflammation that is already present.

The active ingredient that acts here is cyclosporine or cyclosporine. The Atopica gel capsules contain this in strengths of 15 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg.

Proper use and dosage of Atopica for dogs

The correct dosage of Atopica for dogs lies at 5 mg cyclosporine per kilogram body weight of the dog.

How many capsules your dog gets also depends on the strength of cyclosporine contained in Atopica for dogs.

The following table shows you what this can look like:

Dog’s body weight in kilogramsAtopica 25 mgAtopica 50 mgAtopica 100 mg4 to 7.5 kg1x daily 1 capsule––7.5 to 15 kg1x daily 2 capsules 1x daily 1 capsule–15 to 29 kg– 1x daily 2 capsules 1x daily 1 capsule29 to 36 kg–1x daily 3 capsules–36 to 55 kg––2 capsules once a day

For dogs weighing more than 55 kilograms, we recommend that you discuss the correct dosage with your veterinarian.

Interesting

Pills are often confused. Atopica comes in the following colors & shapes: Blue/Grey (25 mg, oval & 100 mg, oblong) and Yellow/Grey (50 mg, oblong).

Atopica is ideally administered 2 hours before or after eating. This ensures that the effect is not canceled out by ingredients in the feed.

How long does it take for Atopica to work in dogs?

The action of Atopica for dogs continues only after 2 weeks a. Then you can see the first and sometimes significant improvements in your dog.

The duration of use is usually 4 weeks, since the disease should have subsided during this period.

However, in some cases, Atopica therapy may be continued for some time.

Now the dog no longer gets Atopica once a day, but only once a day every 48 hours.

What side effects can Atopica cause in dogs?

The most common side effects caused by Atopica are in dogs Vomiting, soft to slimy stools and diarrhea and lethargy.

These side effects occur because the dog’s body has to get used to the drug. They go away on their own after a short time.

If, on the other hand, you notice side effects that should not occur, please consult your veterinarian immediately and stop your dog’s treatment with Atopica immediately.

A consultation with your veterinarian can also make more than sense if you notice the following side effects with your fur nose:

  • anorexia
  • hyperactivity
  • coat changes
  • fainting spells & cramps

These side effects definitely do not have a positive impact on your dog’s well-being.

IMPORTANT

With this drug, diabetes mellitus has been observed as a long-term consequence in very rare cases. West Highland White Terriers were particularly affected.

When should I not use Atopica in dogs?

Atopica for dogs should not be used in pregnant or lactating bitches without first discussing this with the veterinarian.

Also, Atopica is not the right medicine for puppies younger than 6 months.

Also dogs, whose body weight is less than 2 kgshould not be treated with Atopica for dogs.

Please also note that your dog will not be treated with Atopica if it has been vaccinated with a so-called live vaccine.

Where is Atopica for dogs available?

As a prescription drug for dogs, Atopica is for dogs only available on presentation of a prescription in the pharmacy.

In some cases, however, it may also be the case that your veterinarian has this medication in stock and you can therefore obtain it from the veterinary practice.

What alternatives are there to Atopica for dogs?

Has your dog had a bad experience with Atopica for dogs? Then Lokivetmab can be an alternative to this drug.

It contains another active ingredient and can be useful if your dog is also allergic to cyclosporine in addition to the actual allergy.

Also can cortisone preparations are used that contain the active ingredient prednisolone included, such as prednitab and prednicortone.

Since these drugs sometimes have severe long-term consequences, they should only be used in extreme emergencies.

In the case of allergies, antihistamines are also often given to relieve itching and swelling.

Some home remedies can at least provide relief from the itching. Aloe vera and chamomile are possible alternatives here.

As with all medicines, the administration must be approved by the vet beforehand. He also knows which dosage is the right one for your four-legged friend.

Has your dog already had experience with Atopica? If so, what can you report here? We would be happy if you share these experiences and tips in the comments.