Atopica Drug for Dog Allergies

When a dog inhales allergens such as mold, dust or mites, he may have an allergic reaction called atopy. The reactions typically manifest through itchy skin problems called atopic dermatitis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a cyclosporine treatment for atopic dermatitis called Atopica. The Atopica treatment blocks the release of specific chemicals from white blood cells that cause the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, according to Dr. Race Foster, DVM, and Dr. Marty Smith, DVM.

  1. Benefits

    • Atopica targets key cells in your dog's immune system that cause the allergic reactions to atopic dermatitis. While traditional treatments provide temporary relief of atopic symptoms, with continued use, Atopica permanently relieves them, according to the Atopica.com website.

    Dosage and Administration

    • Atopica is an oral gel capsule available in 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg strengths. Atopica should not be given to dogs younger than 6 months or dogs weighing less than 4 lbs. When starting the Atopica treatment, you should give your dog one dose per day for a period of 30 days, according to its body weight. Dogs between 4 and 9 lbs. will need 10 to 20 mg per day; between 9.1 and 33 lbs. will require 25 to 50 mg daily; and dogs ranging from 33.1 to more than 120 lbs. will need 100 to 200 mg per day, according to the Atopica.com dosage instruction chart. Following the initial 30-day treatment, you may taper off and administer Atopica every other day or twice a week, and you should give Atopica to your dog at least one hour before or two hours after feeding, according to the Atopica.com dosage and administration instructions sheet.

    Side Effects

    • Possible side effects of Atopica include vomiting, diarrhea, pruritus (a condition of the skin that provokes the urge to scratch), lethargy, anorexia and seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects and they typically subside with continued dosing, making temporary modifications to doses (reducing or stopping dosages) or by administering small amounts of food with each dose, according to the Atopica.com product information sheet.

    Considerations

    • Atopica will not provide immediate relief of atopic dermatitis symptoms such as scratching; it will take approximately four weeks of consistent Atopica use before the signs of atopy subside, according to Foster and Smith.

    Warnings

    • Prolonged use of Atopica may result in a bacterial or fungal infection as it suppresses your dog's immune system and makes your pet more susceptible to infections, according to 1-800-PetMeds. Dogs with kidney disease, stomach ulcers and blood disorders should not use Atopica because it can worsen these conditions. Always consult your veterinarian about how to administer Atopica to your dog based on its specific treatment needs to avoid overdose or further complications.