Pyrimethamine is a systemic antiprotozoal agent indicated for parasitic infections in dogs, cats and horses.
INDICATIONS
- Toxoplasmosis (caused by Toxoplasma gondii): This is a significant indication in various species, including dogs and cats, where it can cause severe systemic or ocular disease.
- Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) (caused by Sarcocystis neurona): This is a key indication for the use of pyrimethamine in horses, often as a compounded oral suspension.
- Neosporosis (caused by Neospora species): This infection, particularly in dogs, is another condition for which the pyrimethamine/sulfonamide combination may be used.
- Coccidiosis (caused by Isospora or Eimeria species): Pyrimethamine in combination with sulfonamides is also used to treat intestinal coccidiosis in dogs and cats.
- Hepatozoonosis (caused by Hepatozoon americanum): The drug combination may be part of a multi-drug regimen for treating this tick-borne parasitic infection in dogs.
ADMINISTRATION
- Tablets:
- Tablets can be placed directly at the back of the animal’s mouth, and their mouth gently held closed until they swallow. Massaging their neck or blowing gently on their nose may encourage swallowing.
- Hiding the pill in a small, appealing treat (like a “pill pocket,” a small amount of peanut butter, or cream cheese) can be effective.
- Scored tablets can often be divided if the dosage requires it.
- With or Without Food: The medication can generally be given with or without food. If it causes an upset stomach or nausea, administering it with a meal is recommended.
- Do Not Mix with Food: The tablets may have an unpleasant taste, so mixing them into a large amount of food to disguise them is not recommended, as the animal may refuse the food and not receive the full dose.
- Ensure Full Dose is Swallowed: It is crucial to ensure the animal swallows the entire dose. Watch them after administration, as some pets may try to spit the pill out.
- Concurrent Medication: Pyrimethamine is often used in conjunction with a sulfonamide medication for best efficacy. A folinic acid supplement can be used to prevent potential bone marrow suppression side effects.
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