Allergy Itch Relief for Dogs with Chlorpheniramine

Chlorpheniramine represents a reliable solution for allergy itch in dogs, but it also proved to be effective in the treatment of other symptoms associated with allergies, such as watery eyes and skin rashes. This drug is found in the antihistamine class, which is a group of drugs meant to control and treat allergic reactions. As skin allergies may have unpleasant consequences for your dog, such as rashes and hair loss, you are highly recommended to visit the veterinarian as soon as you notice any of the symptoms.

Pharmaceutical Mechanism of Chlorpheniramine

In some drugs, Chlorpheniramine is combined with a cough suppressant called dextromethorphan. This way, the allergic reaction is approached from more than one direction, and the duration of the treatment drops considerably. Chlorphenamine treats the allergy by blocking histamine, which is an organic compound that is released as part of an immune response. The symptoms that are relieved after taking this drug include:

  • Itchiness
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Urticaria
  • Watery eyes

In addition, Chlorphenamine can be used for treating colds or the flu.

Recommended Dosage

The drug is available as capsules, in liquid form or as tablets. The capsules and the tablets should not be crushed prior to the administration. The dosage ranges between 2 and 8 mg, give once or twice a day. However, for a precise dosage, you are highly recommended to talk to a veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and on the size of the dog, the vet will determine the most effective dosage.

Contraindications of Chlorphenamine

There are situations when Chlorphenamine should not be given to your dog. For example, this drug is not recommended for pregnant dogs and for ones that suffer from any of the following medical conditions:

  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Prostate diseases
  • Urinary obstruction

Before administering Chlorphenamine to your dog, you need to make sure that the allergens have been removed. This way, you increase the effectiveness of the treatment, while also preventing the symptoms from becoming worse. The vet may need to do an allergy test on your dog, in order to determine the substance that causes the allergic reaction. Some of the most common allergens include:

  • Certain foods
  • Flea bites
  • Pollens
  • Shampoo

As soon as you know the allergy test results, you need to get rid of the irritants. A parasite treatment may be needed in addition to Chlorphenamine, if the allergic reaction is caused by parasites.

You may want to talk with the veterinarian about the possible interactions of Chlorphenamine with other drugs. This is important especially if your dog will follow a treatment for another medical condition concomitantly with the one for the allergy itch. Knowing about the interactions of Chlorphenamine will help in the prevention of any side effects.

Side Effects of Chlorphenamine

This drug does not have such a strong sedative effect as other first-generation antihistamines, but it still may cause several side effects such as:

  • Constipation
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry mucous membranes
  • Nausea
  • Poor appetite
  • Vision problems
  • Vomiting

If any of these side effects are noticed, the veterinarian may decide to lower the dosage or to recommend an alternative to Chlorphenamine.

 

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