Pet Medication 101: Proin 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 Proin (phenylpropanolamine) 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: 2. Common Names or Brand Names: 3. How Dispensed: 4. Forms: 5. Drug Type/Class: 6. Uses in Cats and Dogs: 7. How it Works: 8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose: 9. Drug Interactions: 10. Cautionary Statements: Additional Information: Read more: Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s incontinence or another condition? Are you concerned about your pet?Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes.Professional vet advice onlineLow-cost video vet consultationsOpen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Book Video Consultation 1. Drug name:Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)2. Common Names or Brand Names:Proin, Propalin, Cystolamine, Uricon, Uriflex-PT3. How Dispensed:In the US, Proin is a prescription and veterinary use only medication. It is no longer produced for human use.Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administration and cautions as these will be tailored to your specific pet.4. Forms:Liquid or tablet (can be chewable tablet as well) of 25mg, 50mg and 75mg It acts fairly quickly and takes effect within 1-2 hours.5. Drug Type/Class:Sympathomimetic – imitates the sympathetic or “Fight or Flight” system6. Uses in Cats and Dogs:Used to treat urinary incontinence due to poor muscle tone in the urethral sphincter7. How it Works:Proin acts on receptors that cause typical “Fight or Flight” “fear” nervous system response, causing the bladder outlet sphincter to tighten, increasing heart rate and blood pressure8. Side Effects and/or Signs of Overdose:VomitingDiarrheaLack of appetiteIncreased thirstRestlessnessIrritabilityDifficulty urinatingSerious Side Effects:SeizuresCollapseStroke-like signs (like not being able to walk)9. Drug Interactions:AspirinIsoflurane/Desflurane/Sevolurane (inhalant anesthetics)monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – social phobia treatmentsNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – like Carprofen, RimadylReserpineother sympathomimeticstricyclic antidepressants10. Cautionary Statements:Blood pressure should be monitored frequently when your pet first starts taking phenylpropanolamine, and then at least twice per year.Should not be used in pregnant pets or in pets allergic to itShould be used cautiously in pets with glaucoma, seizures, enlarged prostate, elevated thyroid hormone, diabetes mellitus, heart or vessel disorders, kidney disease, or high blood pressureShould be used cautiously in nursing pets, as safety has not been studiedProvide access to fresh water at all timesMeasure the liquid form carefullyIt is often best to give with some food to avoid stomach upsetIf there is incontinence at night, the larger dose (if there is one) should be given before bedtime at nightAdditional Information:Since bladder control comes from the nerves in the pelvic area, some pets can be helped by veterinary chiropractic adjustment without the need for worrisome side effects and monitoring. See our article about Veterinary Chiropractic as well as Acupuncture.Read more:Why does my pet need a urinalysis?Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in DogsBladder Stones in DogsNeed to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s incontinence or another condition?Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.