Pet Medication 101: Adequan

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:

Arthritis in Cats

Causes of Limping in Cats

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs

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