General Description: Oxazepam is a tranquilizer similar in nature to diazepam (Valium®). In dogs and cats, it is often used to treat anxiety disorders, plus is used as an appetite stimulant in cats. Sedation and drowsiness are a common side effect. Since the smallest tablet or capsule available is 10 mg and your pet may need a fraction of this dose, your veterinarian may have a special product compounded by a pharmacy for his/her use. Follow the directions carefully.
What is this drug?
Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer
Oxazepam is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Used to reduce anxiety disorders in dogs and cats
Used as an appetite stimulant in cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Use with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease or those with a history of seizures
Use with caution in older, debilitated animals, or those with certain types of glaucoma
If your dog has myasthenia gravis, oxazepam may make his/her symptoms worse
Use with caution in working dogs (military/police/seeing eye/hearing, etc.) as too much sedation may impede their ability to work and learn
Safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been established
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to oxazepam or other benzodiazepine medications (ex. Valium)
Directions:
To achieve the best results, give oxazepam 20-30 minutes before a meal.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenonce or twice daily.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
Since the smallest tablet available is 10 mg and your pet may need a fraction of this dose, your veterinarian may have a special product compounded by a pharmacy for his/her use. Follow the directions carefully.
If your pet has a pre-existing seizure disorder and is receiving oxazepam, do not suddenly stop the medication as seizures may result.
Oxazepam is a controlled drug. You will need a new prescription every 6 months. Your veterinarian must keep special records of its use.
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 to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
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 oxazepam in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Sedation, drowsiness, incoordination
Cats: may experience irritability, depression, incoordination and difficult breathing at high doses
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with antacids, cimetidine, digoxin, erythromycin, flumenazil, isoniazid, ketoconazole, other CNS depressants (narcotics, barbiturates), phenothiazine, probenecid, propranolol, rifampin and valproic acid
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, oxazepam 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.
This is just a summary of information about oxazepam. If you have any questions or concerns about oxazepam or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
