Pet Medication 101: Adequan
It’s important to understand a medication’s uses and side effects before giving it to your pet. This medication info sheet is meant to give you a good understanding of what Adequan is used for, how it works, and potential side effects in cats and dogs. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.
1. Drug Name:
polysulfated glycosaminoglycan
2. Brand Name:
Adequan
3. How Dispensed:
Prescription-only
4. Forms:
Injectable 100mg/ml in 5ml vials, Injectable 250mg/ml in 1ml single use vials
5. Drug Type/Class:
Proteolytic Enzyme Inhibitor, chondroprotectant
6. Uses in Dogs and Cats:
Adequan is used to treat arthritis, joint dysfunction, and lameness in dogs and horses. It is commonly used “off-label” in cats as well.
7. How it Works:
Adequan improves the synovial (joint) fluid and helps promote cartilage repair within the joint.
8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdosage:
You can see pain at the injection site as well as abnormal bleeding, vomiting, anorexia, depression/lethargy, and diarrhea.
9. Drug Interactions:
There are no significant drug interactions; however, it should be used cautiously with other drugs that may cause bleeding problems (NSAIDs) like carprofen, aspirin, and meloxicam.
10. Cautionary Statements:
Although rare, joint sepsis (infection) can occur. There have also been reports of coagulation (bleeding) problems related to overdosing.
Read more:
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs
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