The Side Effects of Primor

Primor is a powerful prescription medication in tablet form for dogs. By combining two antibiotics, sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim, Primor has increased potency.

  1. The Benefits of Primor

    • Depending on the type of bacteria afflicting your pet, Primor can block the growth of the bacteria, or kill it. Primor is effective against many types of bacterial infections, including skin ailments, infected wounds, abscesses and urinary tract infections.

    What to Discuss With Your Vet

    • Before your pet begins a Primor regimen, tell your veterinarian if your dog is allergic to sulfa drugs or suffers from liver damage or a blood dyscrasias disorder such as leukemia. You should also alert your vet if your dog is expecting a litter or is lactating, as the effect of Primor on dogs in such conditions is still being studied.

    Side Effects You Can Avoid

    • Do not give your dog an antacid because it will reduce the effectiveness of Primor. If you forget to give your dog a dose of Primor, do not give it two tablets the next time--this can cause an overdose. To ensure that your dog does not develop sulfa crystals in its urine, make sure it drinks plenty of water daily. And store the medication properly in a tightly sealed container, away from light, heat and moisture. Since Primor is sensitive to humidity, do not store it in the bathroom. And of course, keep it out of the reach of children and animals.

    Side Effects to Watch for

    • Most dogs treated with Primor tolerate the drug well, but not all. Primor can cause dry eye, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. Some dogs experience an allergic reaction to Primor, such as swelling of the face, hives or excessive scratching; some may experience seizures or go into shock. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.

    Changes in Behavior

    • If your dog becomes unusually listless, or stumbles frequently when walking, or appears to have no strength, these could be signs of negative side effects of the drug. Also be alert to sudden personality changes in your dog such as increased aggression or excessive excitability. If any of these symptoms manifest themselves, contact your vet at once.