Educational Articles
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Ephedra is prescribed most often treat breathing problems and is given by mouth. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure, agitation, restlessness, sleeplessness, nausea, tremors, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic, pregnant, nursing, are debilitated, elderly or young, or have glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, anxiety, enlarged prostate, liver disease, kidney disease or thyroid disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Ephedrine is most commonly given by injection (and rarely by mouth) and is used off label to treat low blood pressure and certain types of urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include restlessness, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with severe heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Epineprhine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). It may be added to local anesthesia drugs due to its ability to cause veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.
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Erythromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility problems in many animal species. Common side effects include diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have liver disease or dysfunction, or in pets such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Erythromycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Erythromycin ophthalmic comes in ointment form. Caution when using this medication in pocket pets as fatal diarrhea may occur if ingested orally.
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Estriol (brand name Incurin®) is a natural estrogen used to treat urinary incontinence and other diseases responsive to estrogen. Estriol is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or a compounded capsule, liquid tablet, or chewable tablet. This article discusses how this medication is given, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.
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Eyebright is an over the counter supplement, given by mouth or used topically as an adjunctive treatment for infection and inflammation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is a sensitivity reaction that may include redness, itching, or irritation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, have had eye surgery, or have diabetes. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Famotidine is an antacid given by mouth or into the vein and is commonly used off label to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and acid reflux. Side effects are uncommon but may include a slow heart rate, stomach upset, or dry mouth and skin. Use cautiously in pets that are geriatric or have liver, kidney, or heart disease.
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Felbamate is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizure disorders in dogs. It may be used when initial anticonvulsants are not effective or stop working. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Felbamate comes in tablet and liquid suspension forms.
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Fenbendazole (brand names Panacur®, Safe-Guard®) is a medication used to treat a variety of parasites in dogs. Its use in cats for the treatment of parasites is off label or extra label. Fenbendazole comes as oral granules or as a liquid suspension and is given by mouth. At regular doses, fenbendazole does not usually cause any side effects. Fenbendazole should not be used in puppies younger than six weeks of age or in sick animals.
