Is Albon Used for Dogs That Have Worms?

Albon is the brand name for the sulfa drug Sulfadimethoxine made by Pfizer. It is an antiprotozoal medication used to treat many types of bacterial infections.

  1. History

    • Sulfa drugs were created in 1932 by scientist Gerhard Domagk, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology in 1939. Sulfa drugs saved many lives during the second World War.

    Features

    • Albon is a sulfonamide class of drug that works by blocking the action of folic acid in a cell. Bacteria rely on folic acid to reproduce. Since mammals get their folic acid through diet, this action does not affect their cells the same way.

    Function

    • Albon is not a dewormer, but it is effective against the parasitic disease coccidiosis. Coccidia are not worms and anthelmintics (deworming medications) are not effective against these microscopic parasites.

    Side Effects

    • Potential side effects of taking Albon are gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Toxicity studies indicate that the drug is very safe.

    Contraindications

    • This drug should not be administered to pregnant dogs. Studies in pregnant animals have shown developmental effects on the fetus. It should not be given to dogs with a known allergy to sulfa drugs.