Clomipramine used for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs and cats PRODUCT INFO Clomipramine hydrochloride capsules are tricyclic antidepressant from the class of dibenzazepine used for management of separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs and cats. WHAT THIS PRODUCT CURES Clomipramine is used to treat various behavioral problems in dogs, such as separation-related anxiety, manifested through various destructive behaviors, inappropriate elimination and excessive barking, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorders (tail chasing, excessive grooming, acral lick dermatitis). Clomipramine can also be used in cats to help treat behavioral problems such as urine spraying, aggressive behaviors or excessive grooming. Clomipramine is used in connection with behavior modification and training. PET SYMPTOMS Dogs suffering from behavioral problems connected with separation anxiety are usually well behaved when somebody is with them. However, when such pets are left alone, they begin to display symptoms of anxiety through various forms of destructive behaviors, inappropriate elimination, excessive salivation and vocalizing. Anxious dogs chew or dig uncontrollably, often with excessive barking and salivating. They can urinate or defecate at inappropriate places. Some dogs can display symptoms of separation anxiety if they are away from the person to whom they are specifically attached, even though other people are around. If ignored, these symptoms can get worse. As a result of stress-related influences, cats can display certain obsessive behaviors. They frequently perform grooming behaviors that tend to develop into excessive licking. As the result of constant licking, psychogenic alopecia (partial hair loss) with skin damage often develops.
More aggressive cats can even bite themselves or start pulling out patches of hair. Dogs can display similar excessive grooming behaviors. PET AILMENTS Separation anxiety is a serious behavioral disorder triggered by the dog’s separation from its owner or handler. Some other behavioral and health issues such as extreme fear and vocalization, aggression, destructive behaviors in young puppies, incontinence, etc. can cause symptoms similar to those of the separation anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorders in dogs manifest as an exaggeration of dogs’ normal behaviors, such as tail chasing, sucking on a toy, spinning, barking, etc. RELATIVE INFO ON BREEDS MOST AFFECTED WITH THIS AILMENT Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem seen in dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes. QUESTIONS FOR MY VET 1. How can I recognize separation anxiety in my dog? a) If your dog is displaying any of the following signs: inappropriate urination or defecation, excessive barking, chewing or digging; you should suspect on separation anxiety. In order to eliminate other possible causes of inappropriate behavior, seek veterinary consultation. 2. How soon can I expect to see the results of Clomipramine treatment in my dog? a) If Clomipramine capsules used according to the provided instructions and veterinary guidelines, in combination with behavioral modifications, you can expect to see improvements within a month of the beginning of the treatment. 3. Is Clomipramine safe for my dog? a) Clomipramine capsules are safe to use and well tolerated in dogs older than 6 months. If your pet is pregnant, lactating or used for breeding; consult with your veterinarian before administering Clomipramine. 4. What should I discuss with the vet before giving Clomipramine to my pet? a) If your pet has kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, asthma, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy or problems urinating; be sure to consult with the veterinarian before starting treatment with Clomipramine. 5. What are possible side effects during Clomipramine treatment? a) In certain cases, Clomipramine can cause side effects such as: lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, elevation of liver enzymes, convulsions, increased heart rate, excessive thirst, confusion. If you notice any of the above listed symptoms in your pet, stop administering Clomipramine and seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
6. What drugs can interact with Clomipramine? a) Do not give Clomipramine if your dog used monoamine oxidase inhibitor (such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar) in the last 14 days. Clomipramine can increase the effects of other drugs, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, pain killers, anxiety medications and muscle relaxants. Consult with your veterinarian or pharmacist before administering drugs listed above or others with Clomipramine. 7. What should I do if I accidentally overdose my pet with Clomipramine? a) Symptoms of Clomipramine overdose include seizures, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, fatigue and dizziness. In case of overdose, immediately seek veterinary assistance. 8. I missed giving a scheduled dose of Clomipramine to my pet. What should I do? a) As soon as you notice this mistake, give the missed dose. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed capsule and give the next one according to the schedule. Don’t give a double dose of medication. HOW IT WORKS Clomipramine hydrochloride restores the balance of chemical compounds in the central nervous system (especially serotonin). Unbalanced serotonin in the dog or cat brain can lead to undesired behavioral changes that are successfully treated with Clomipramine capsules in combination with individual behavioral modifications. DIRECTIONS FOR USE Clomipramine requires a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. It should be given according to veterinary instructions and guidelines provided in the label. Capsules should be given in combination with behavioral modification and training. Specific behavior modification plan should be created for each individual case. Administer Clomipramine with small amounts of food to decrease the possibility of vomiting. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Clomipramine capsules are available as 25, 50 and 75 mg capsules for oral administration in dogs and cats. The recommended daily dose of Clomipramine is 2-4 mg/kg per day (0.9-1.8 mg/lb per day), administered as a single dose orally with food. The usual dose for cats is 0.5-1 mg/kg per day (0.25-0.5 mg/lb per day) orally once a day. Once the desired changes in behavior are achieved, the dose of Clomipramine capsules can be reduced to maintain the desired effect or discontinued. However, the monitoring of the dog’s or cat’s behavior should be continued, as well as the suggested behavioral modification with training in order to prevent the recurrence of clinical signs.
INGREDIENTS The Clomipramine capsules contain 25 mg, 50 mg or 75 mg of clomipramine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include: gelatin, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, starch and corn. PRODUCT CAUTIONS •
The use of this product is strictly regulated by the Federal law; Clomipramine capsules are to be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
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Keep safely stored away from children. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical attention immediately.
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People with known allergy to clomipramine should handle this product with extra caution.
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Clomipramine capsules are contraindicated in animals with known allergy to clomipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants.
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Clomipramine capsules should not be used in breeding male dogs and cats.
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Safety of Clomipramine capsules in dogs and cats younger than 6 months, pregnant and lactating females has not been determined.
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Use with caution in dogs and cats with pre-existing heart, liver or kidney disease.
STORAGE AND DISPOSAL Clomipramine capsules should be stored in dry place at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Dispense in well-closed containers with a child-resistant closure. BRAND VS. GENERIC COMPARISON Generic Clomipramine medication is not different that its brand name counterpart with respect to ingredients, quality of clinical effectiveness. The generic version usually costs less than the brand name version and comes in somewhat different packages and sizes. While some veterinarians prefer brand name Clomicalm tablets, others will not hesitate to prescribe the generic version as well.