Proin for Cats

Proin is a drug generally used to treat urinary incontinence in cats. Although urinary incontinence is not very common in cats, pets that do have this problem can be treated with this medication. Older female cats are more likely to be incontinent although males too can suffer from this problem.

Proin for Cats

The generic name of this medication is Phenylpropanolamine and this is generally abbreviated as PPA. This prescription medication is not approved by the U.S. FDA but it’s legally prescribed as an extra label drug. The active ingredient in Proin is phenylpropanolamine, an adrenergic agent that strengthens and tightens the sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra. It prevents urine leakage or dribbling of urine.

Incontinence is more common in older spayed cats that don’t produce enough estrogen, a hormone that helps keep urethral muscles in good working order. Hence, Proin is often given in conjunction with estrogen supplements such as Diethylstilbestrol.

Dosage of Proin

Proin is available in the form of chewable tablets of strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg. It is also available in liquid form. The dosage depends on the weight of your pet and the recommended dosage is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per pound every 12 hours. However, it’s best to consult the veterinarian and administer the medication as prescribed. A missed dose can negate the effectiveness of the medication. Hence, you should administer the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it’s too close to the next dose in which case, you should miss it altogether in order to avoid an overdose.

An overdose can result in any of the side effects associated with the medication. You should ensure that your pet consumes the entire dose and you should endeavor to give him the medication at the same time daily. This medication takes a few days to be effective and needs to be administered over a long period of time.

Benefits of Administering Proin:

  • Proin is a supplement used to treat urinary incontinence in cats
  • It maintains phenylpropanolamine levels in the blood stream. 
  • It eliminates problems caused by high levels of PPA in the blood such as loss of appetite, hypertension and changes in heart rate.

Side Effects of Proin

Proin is a stimulant and your pet can experience adverse effects such as hypertension, hyper excitability, restlessness, difficulty in urinating, loss of appetite and rapid heart rate.

Contraindications of Administering Proin

Proin should not be administered to cats with diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma or heart disease. It should also not be administered if your cat has had previous allergic responses to phenylpropanolamine or related products. Pregnant and nursing cats should also not be given Proin as it might prove harmful to the fetus and the kittens.

Proin should not be given to cats for at least 2 weeks after being treated with MAO inhibitors or flea collars. The drug may interact with medications such as aspirin, tricyclic depressants and ephedrine and it should not be given in conjunction with these medications.

Storage of the Medication

The medication should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight in an airtight container. It should be kept away from children and pets.

Proin should be given exactly as prescribed to the pet it has been prescribed for. If your pet’s condition worsens or doesn’t improve despite treatment, you should check with the veterinarian. If your pet suffers from any of the side effects associated with the medication, it should be discontinued at once and the veterinarian should be notified at the earliest.

 

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