General Description: Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to control various behavior problems in dogs (ex. separation anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, etc). It is primarily used in dogs, but with caution may be used in cats. Best results are achieved with most behavior drugs by simultaneous use of behavior modification training. Clomipramine is available in tablet or capsule form.
What is this drug?
A tricyclic antidepressant.
Given by mouth.
Reason for prescribing
To reduce the signs of separation anxiety in dogs older than 6 months
To alleviate inappropriate barking or destructive behavior, obsessive compulsive disorders (ex. compulsive grooming, wool-sucking), dominance aggression as well as inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation)
Most often used in dogs, but may be used with caution in cats. Since a convenient dosage form is not available commercially for cats, it is often compounded at a special pharmacy.
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Dogs with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline).
Male breeding dogs, nursing mothers
Working dogs, as they may become too sedated to perform their duties
Use with caution in pets with a history of seizures, liver disease, cardiac disorders, glaucoma, thyroid disorders, urinary retention or reduced gastrointestinal function
Directions:
May be administered as a single daily dose or divided twice daily. Divided doses may minimize side effects and will allow patients to adapt.
To reduce the incidence of vomiting, give with a small amount of food.
Avoid feeding cheese while pet is on Clomipramine.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What results should I expect?
Should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral management program
Once desired response has been achieved, the dose may be tapered and/or discontinued as appropriate behavior has been learned
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
Signs of the condition your pet has
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature .
People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Accidental ingestion can be considered serious. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Lethargy, depression, increase or decrease in appetite, weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, heart irregularities, tremors, elevation in liver enzymes
Increased drinking, dry mouth (frequent licking of lips), retention of urine and/or difficulty passing urine
Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
May alter blood glucose levels
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to tricyclic antidepressant drugs
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Incompatible with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Do not give in combination, or within
14 days before or after treatment with these products: Anipryl®, isoniazid, Mitaban®, Preventic®, and ProMeris™ for dogs.
Use cautiously with antithyroid products, anticholergics, barbiturates, cimetidine, CNS depressants, fluoxetine, phenytoin or sympathomimetic products
Should not be given at the same time as drugs which lower the seizure threshold
Overdosing?
An overdose situation can be life-threatening. The following signs have been reported: incoordination, heart irregularities, vocalization, seizure, collapse. Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
This is just a summary of information about clomipramine. If you have any questions or concerns about clomipramine or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, clomipramine should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your pet’s response to clomipramine at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your pet is responding as expected and if your pet should continue receiving clomipramine.
