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Educational Articles

Medications & Supplements

  • Niacinamide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat inflammatory skin conditions in conjunction with other medications. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are undergoing skin allergy testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Nitenpyram is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat adult flea infestations and fly larvae infestations. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is itchiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in pets that weigh less than 2 pounds, or in pets younger than 4 weeks old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial urinary bladder infections. It is typically used as a second-line antibiotic, when broad-spectrum antibiotics have not cleared the infection. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in veterinary medicine. Nitrofurantoin comes in capsule or liquid forms given orally. Never use in food-producing animals or animals intended for food.

  • Nitrofurazone topical (brand names Fura-Septin®, Furazone, others), is an antimicrobial used to treat surface bacterial infections, wounds, and skin ulcers in dogs. Some products may be labeled for use in cats. Nitrofurazone topical comes in ointment and powder forms. It is prohibited for use in food-producing animals.

  • Nystatin combinations (brand names Panalog®, Cortalone®, Animax®, Derma-vet®, Quadritop®, Dermalog®, Dermalone®, EnteDerm®, Resortin®) are applied topically to the skin and are used on and off label to treat skin lesions in cats, dogs, and other mammals.

  • Nystatin, neomycin sulfate, thiostrepton, and triamcinolone topical/otic (brand names Animax®, Dermalog®, Panalog®, Quadritop®) is a combination antimicrobial (neomycin, thiostrepton), antifungal (nystatin), and steroid (triamcinolone) medication used to treat infections and inflammation of the skin, ears, and anal glands in cats and dogs. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” in other animals or conditions. This medication comes in ointment form.

  • Nystatin is an antifungal, given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, and used off label to treat Candida fungal infections in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are rare, but at high doses, it could cause stomach upset or mouth irritation. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it.

  • Oclacitinib is given by mouth and is used to treat allergic dermatitis in dogs and has also been used off-label to treat other types of skin conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Do not use in pets with severe infections or in pets younger than 12 months old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Ocular lubricants (brand names OptixCare® Eye Lube Plus, Remend® Eye Lubricating Drops, I-Drop® Vet Plus Lubricant/Gel) are tear replacement agents used to add moisture to the eyes in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Ocular lubricants come in gel and liquid drop forms.

  • Ofloxacin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic species. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Ofloxacin ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form.