About Atopica Medicine for Dogs

Atopica is an oral medicine for the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis in dogs. It contains cyclosporine A, a selective immunosuppressor. Cyclosporine has anti-inflammatory effects on atopic dermatitis, targeting skin allergies at the source. Because this drug inhibits immune system response, a veterinarian should perform a thorough clinical checkup before beginning treatment. Side effects are usually mild, but the medication may cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.

  1. Atopic Dermatitis

    • When allergies occur in dogs, instead of the sneezing and runny nose seen in humans, the symptoms manifest in the skin. Allergens like pollen, mold, tobacco smoke, wool fabric and dust mites can trigger an allergic skin reaction, causing cells within the immune system to produce chemical messages that cause itching and inflammation. When your dog licks, scratches or bites at his skin, he creates further irritation, inflammation, infections and sores. Atopic dermatitis is the most common allergic skin disease seen in dogs. Some of these dogs also have food allergies.

    Properties

    • Atopica is a cyclic polypeptide containing 11 amino acids, which act on T-lymphocytes.Capsules are available in four strengths: 10mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg cyclosporine per capsule. The shelf life of Atopica is three years, and it should not be stored at temperatures above 25C. Capsules should not be removed from their blister packs until use.

    Dosage

    • Recommended dosage is 5mg per kg of body weight per day until you see a satisfactory improvement. Atopica should be given two hours prior to feeding or two hours after feeding. You usually see results within four to eight weeks. If no improvement occurs after eight weeks, you should stop the medication. Once symptoms are adequately controlled, you should give your dog Atopica every other day. If symptoms are controlled with this level of dosing, then you can give the medication to your dog every third or fourth day.

    Time Frame

    • Your veterinarian will adjust the frequency of the medication as needed for satisfactory results. When the symptoms are controlled, you may then stop the drug. Treatment should be resumed at daily dosages if clinical symptoms reappear. In some cases, repeated courses of treatment may be required. Dogs can usually tolerate several months of treatment with Atopica.

    Side Effects and Considerations

    • The most commonly observed side effects are vomiting, stools containing mucous, soft stools or diarrhea. Generally, the side effects are mild, transient and do not require suspension of treatment. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may occur during the initial treatment period. Your vet should complete a clinical exam before the use of Atopica, because the drug inhibits T-lymphocytes, which decreases immune system response in the event of a malignancy. You should not give Atopica to dogs with a history of malignant neoplasia or dogs used for breeding.