Amantadine for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Did you know amantadine is used for humans and dogs alike? It helps treat flu and Parkinson’s disease in people and manages pain in dogs1. Brands like Symmetrel®, Gocovri®, Osmolex ER®, and Endantadine® make it easy to get for pets.
Vets often mix amantadine with other drugs like NSAIDs, opioids, or gabapentin for better pain relief in dogs1. Even though it’s not officially approved for pets, amantadine is a key tool for vets to help dogs with pain.
Key Takeaways
- Amantadine is mainly used in small animals for pain relief, often with other drugs.
- Using amantadine in cats and dogs for pain is considered “off label” or “extra label.”
- Side effects in dogs can include agitation, soft stools, diarrhea, and feeling gassy.
- Amantadine works for a short time, usually stopping within 24 hours in pets.
- Be careful with amantadine if your pet has liver or kidney issues.
Table of Contents
Understanding Amantadine (Symmetrel®, Gocovri®, Osmolex ER®, Endantadine®) for Dogs
Amantadine is a drug used in vet medicine for different needs, including helping dogs with pain. It’s not directly made for pain relief in dogs but works well as an extra treatment for pain. This includes pain from osteoarthritis (OA) and neuropathic pain2.
What is Amantadine?
Amantadine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the nervous system. These receptors help send pain signals to the brain. By stopping these receptors, amantadine can lessen the pain sensitivity in dogs with chronic pain.
How Does Amantadine Work for Pain Relief in Dogs?
Amantadine is great for chronic pain in dogs because of how it works. When pain signals keep coming, the nervous system can change, making pain worse. Amantadine stops this change, helping dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis2.
“Amantadine is one of the adjunctive medications used in multi-modal therapy plans for canine OA.”2
Amantadine also helps by stopping the nervous system from getting too sensitive to pain. This means it can help dogs feel less pain overall. It’s part of a full plan to manage pain in dogs.
Amantadine is versatile in vet care because it can be used with other pain treatments. This includes things like NSAIDs, physical therapy, and changes in diet2. Using different methods together can help dogs feel better and might even mean they don’t need as many NSAIDs231.
Conditions Treated with Amantadine in Dogs
Amantadine helps dogs with chronic pain and nerve issues. It’s especially good for arthritis and nerve damage. This medicine is a big help for dogs with pain and nerve problems.
Arthritis and Chronic Pain Management
Amantadine is often used to ease arthritis pain in dogs. Research shows it works better with other painkillers than just one alone4. It helps calm down the overactive nerves that cause pain from arthritis.
Using amantadine with other pain meds and supplements helps dogs feel better. This approach improves their life quality, especially for those with osteoarthritis2.
Neuropathic Pain and Nerve Damage
Amantadine is also great for dogs with nerve pain and damage. It stops and reverses nerve changes that cause chronic pain. This makes it a key treatment for nerve pain, besides arthritis and other chronic pain1.
It targets the nerve issues that cause pain, helping dogs with nerve problems from injuries or other conditions1.
Amantadine is a versatile medicine for chronic pain in dogs. It helps with both physical and nerve pain. This makes it a valuable tool for vets to improve dogs’ lives421.
Dosing and Administration of Amantadine for Dogs
Recommended Dosage and Frequency
The right dose for amantadine in dogs is 3 to 5 mg/kg, taken once or twice a day. Twice a day is better for reducing chronic pain1. It’s advised to treat for at least 21 days, but some dogs might need it longer1.
Available Formulations and Administration Methods
Amantadine comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions for dogs1. This makes it easier to give to dogs that don’t like certain ways of taking medicine1. You can give it with or without food, but if your dog vomits, add a small meal or treat1.
For chronic pain in dogs and cats, amantadine is often used with other medicines like NSAIDs and gabapentin5. It helps by blocking a receptor in the nervous system, making pain better5. The frequency of giving it can vary5.
It might take up to 3 weeks for amantadine to work fully in dogs5. If your pet has a medical emergency, call your vet or an animal hospital right away15.
“Amantadine is now infrequently used in horses for equine influenza treatment.”5
Potential Side Effects of Amantadine in Dogs
Using amantadine for pain relief in dogs comes with both common and concerning side effects. Most dogs don’t have adverse reactions, but some may feel side effects early on.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of amantadine in dogs include agitation, vomiting, flatulence, or diarrhea1. These effects are usually mild and go away as the dog gets used to the medicine.
Less Common But Concerning Side Effects
Some dogs might have serious side effects like ataxia (wobbly gait), agitation, or dry mouth1. If these happen, stop the medicine and call the vet right away. They could mean the dog’s condition is getting worse or reacting badly to the drug.
Amantadine is mainly used for pain in pets, but it’s not officially approved for dogs and cats1. Owners should watch their dogs for any odd reactions or changes in behavior. If you notice anything strange, tell your vet right away.
In summary, amantadine is usually safe for dogs, but knowing the possible side effects is key. Always work closely with your vet to make sure it’s safe and effective for your dog617.
Precautions and Contraindications
When using amantadine in dogs, it’s important to know the precautions and contraindications8. Dogs with kidney, liver, heart, or seizure issues should be careful with amantadine1. Also, pregnant or nursing dogs should not use it.
Vets should watch closely over dogs on long-term amantadine therapy8. Blood tests every 6 months are needed to check on organ health and how the dog is handling the drug.
Be careful when mixing amantadine with other drugs like anticholinergic drugs, stimulants, or certain antibiotics1. These combinations can lead to interactions. Always have your vet check on your pet closely.
Amantadine is usually safe for dogs, but always follow your vet’s advice and watch your pet closely when giving it to them.
“Amantadine should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, eczematoid dermatitis, seizures, and during pregnancy or nursing.”1
Combining Amantadine with Other Pain Medications
Amantadine is often given with other pain medicines, not alone, as it doesn’t work well by itself9. Vets might use amantadine with NSAIDs like carprofen for arthritis2. NSAIDs are key for pain relief in dogs with OA who can take them safely. Amantadine boosts the pain relief level.
Using Amantadine with NSAIDs
Vets might give amantadine and NSAIDs like carprofen to dogs with arthritis2. Some dogs with OA might stop using NSAIDs with multi-modal therapy2. This mix of meds helps manage chronic pain in dogs.
Using Amantadine with Gabapentin or Tramadol
Vets might also mix amantadine with gabapentin or tramadol2. Tramadol, amantadine, and gabapentin help with OA in dogs1. Gabapentin and amantadine can lessen the nerve sensitivity from chronic pain. Tramadol can also be added to amantadine for better pain control in dogs.
Using amantadine in cats and dogs for pain is not standard use1. Vets might give this drug with other pain relievers for better pain management in dogs912.
Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
When giving amantadine to dogs, watch for any bad side effects1. Vets might check on the dog to make sure the medicine is helping. Amantadine can take two to three weeks to fully work, as it changes the nervous system to help with chronic pain5.
If the vet thinks amantadine isn’t easing the pain enough, they might change the dose or try something else. They’ll look at how the dog reacts and any side effects1. The aim is to find the best way to manage the dog’s pain.
| Monitoring Considerations | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Lack of Efficacy | Adjust dosage or switch to alternative treatment |
| Adverse Effects | Discontinue or modify amantadine as needed |
| Missed Doses | Resume normal dosing schedule, do not double up |
Vets keep a close eye on how dogs react to amantadine and adjust as needed1. Working together with pet owners is key to getting the best results for dogs with chronic pain.
“Careful monitoring and timely adjustments are key to successful amantadine treatment in dogs with chronic pain conditions.”
In short, vets don’t need to monitor amantadine closely, but they might5. By working with owners and adjusting the treatment, vets can make amantadine work best for dogs with chronic pain152.
Cost and Availability of Amantadine
Amantadine is a pricey antiviral drug used for dogs with pain5. It comes in tablets and capsules of different strengths for dogs5. Even though it’s not made for dogs, vets often use it “off-label” for chronic pain and arthritis5.
The price of amantadine for dogs changes based on the brand, type, and strength1. A month’s dose for a medium-sized dog can be $50 to $100 or more1. Owners should talk to their vet about the cost to be ready for the expense.
Amantadine is usually found in most vet pharmacies and vets can order it for dogs1. But, not all brands and types are easy to get, and vets might suggest other pain treatments if amantadine is hard to find1.
The cost and availability of amantadine for dogs can change based on where you live, the vet clinic, and your situation1. Pet owners should talk to their vet to find the best and most affordable pain relief for their dogs1.
Conclusion
Amantadine (Symmetrel®, Gocovri®, Osmolex ER®, Endantadine®) is a key part of managing pain in dogs. It’s often used with other drugs for chronic pain like arthritis10 and nerve pain. This medicine helps by easing the over-sensitivity in the nervous system, making dogs feel better11.
Most pets can take amantadine without issues, but owners should watch for side effects. Working closely with a vet is crucial when using this drug for pain relief. The market for vet pain management in the U.S. is growing fast, with a 5.10% annual growth rate from 2023 to 203011. This growth is thanks to more pets being adopted, more money for pet care, and the benefits of pets for mental health11.
As more dogs need help with pain, amantadine stays a key option for vets. It helps dogs feel better and live better lives. By following a vet’s advice, pet owners can help their dogs with amantadine and other pain relief methods.
FAQ
What is amantadine and how is it used in dogs?
How does amantadine work to reduce pain in dogs?
What conditions can amantadine be used to treat in dogs?
What is the recommended dosage and frequency for amantadine in dogs?
What are the potential side effects of amantadine in dogs?
When should amantadine be used with caution in dogs?
How is amantadine typically combined with other pain medications for dogs?
Is there any specific monitoring required for dogs taking amantadine?
How expensive is amantadine for veterinary use?
Source Links
- Amantadine | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Multi-Modal Pain Management in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy In Dogs
- First Aid for Limping Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Amantadine (Symmetrel®, Gocovri®, Osmolex ER®, Endantadine®)
- First Aid for Limping Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Canine Chiari Malformation (CM) & Syringomyelia (SM) and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Our guide to Amantadine | Davies Veterinary Specialists
- Pet Medications – Advice from Vets | [site:name]
- Osteoarthritis In Dogs – Symptoms & Treatment
- United States Veterinary Pain Management Market
