Common Veterinary Medications

The following list contains some of the medications that we most frequently prescribe in our veterinary clinic. This is not a complete list--we often use other medications as well. It is provided as a REFERENCE and not as a means of diagnosis or treatment.

All medications and supplements have the potential to cause side effects. MOST side effects are mild and short-lived. Some can be more severe. When prescribing medications we will always take the relative benefit(s) versus risk(s) of the medication into consideration before making a final decision. If you have a more specific questions, do not hesitate to contact us or use the links for additional sources.

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WE ARE STILL ADDING TO THIS LIST! 

Acepromazine

An injectable or oral tranquilizer that can be used to calm/relax animals or as a premedication for surgery. Major side effects include decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, decreased respiration, and seizures. Thus, this medication should be used with extreme caution.

Advantage

A topical antiparasite medication. When applied monthly, it will kill fleas and flea eggs. Side effects are minimal and can include mild skin irritation and drooling if the medication is licked. Visit the Bayer website for more information.

Advantix

See K9 Advantix.

Albon

Sulfadimethoxine/Ormetoprim An oral antiparasitic/antibiotic that is most commonly used to kill coccidia. Side effects are rare but can include vomiting, diarrhea, and dry eye.

Aminopentamide

See Centrine.

Aminophylline

A respiratory smooth muscle relaxer commonly used in respiratory conditions. Side effects are infrequent and can include vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system stimulation. GI disturbance will usually reside within the first few days of usage. Similar to theophylline.

Amitriptyline

An oral antidepressant with potent antihistamine properties that is most commonly used for separation anxiety, general anxiety, spraying, or itching. The most common side effect is sedation/grogginess. Less commonly, hyperexcitability, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression can occur.

Amoxicillin

An oral or injectable antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Side effects are infrequent and can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or allergic reaction.

Ampicillin

An oral or injectable antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Side effects are infrequent and can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or allergic reaction.

Animax Ointment

A topical ointment containing Nystatin, Neomycin, Thiostreptin, and Triamcinolone. This medication is commonly used for ear and skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria and yeast. Since it contains a steroid, it will relieve minor redness and irritation as well. Side effects are typically mild and can include skin irritation. Similar to Panalog. 

Anipryl

An oral medication used in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome and pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. The active ingredient is Selegiline. During clinical testing, effects occurred in 4% of dogs and included agitation, restlessness, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lack of appetite, increased thirst, and increased urination. For more information, visit the Pfizer website. 

Antirobe

An oral antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Clindamycin is the active ingredient. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. 

Atarax

An oral antihistamine most often used for allergies. Hydroxyzine is the active ingredient. The most common side effect is sedation/grogginess. Less commonly, dogs can become hyperexcitable and exhibit central nervous system signs or seizures. 

Atopica

An oral medication used to manage the signs of inhalation allergies in dogs. Cyclosporine is the active ingredient. The most common side effects include GI upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This medication should not be used in animals with immunosuppression or immune system dysfunction.

Baytril

An oral or injectable antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Enrofloxacin is the active ingredient. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Less common side effects include cartilage defects in animals less than 8 months of age and vision loss in cats. Rare side effects include central nervous system signs such as dizziness and seizures. For more information visit the Baytril website.

Baytril Otic

An ointment for use in ear infections containing bacteria and yeast. Active ingredients include Enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine. Side effects are uncommon and may include ear irritation. 

Benadryl

An oral or injectable antihistamine most often used for allergies. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient. The most common side effect is sedation/grogginess. Less commonly, dogs can exhibit central nervous system signs including seizures.

Betagen Spray

A topical spray often used for hot spots and other mild skin irritation. Can also be called Gentocin Spray. Side effects can include mild irritation on raw/inflamed areas. 

BNP ointment

BNP, or bacitracin, neomycin, and polymixin, is a triple antibiotic ointment or drop used for a variety of minor skin or eye infections. Side effects are rare and may include local irritation.

BNP-HC ointment

BNP-HC or bacitracin, neomycin, polymixin, and hydrocortisone is a triple antibiotic ointment or drop that includes a steroid (hydrocortisone). It can be used for a variety of minor skin or eye infections. Side effects are rare and may include local irritation.

Butorphanol

See Torbutrol. 

Buprenex

An injectable medication that is used for pain. It can be applied to the gums/oral tissues and used for the management of pain as well. The most common side effect is grogginess. 

Buprenorphine

See Buprenex. 

Carafate

See Sulcralfate. 

Cefa Drops

See Cephalexin. 

Cefazolin

See Cephalexin. 

Cefpodoxime proxetil

See Simplicef. 

Centrine

An oral or injectable medication for vomiting or diarrhea. Aminopentamide is the active ingredient. Side effects may include dry eyes, dry mouth, and hesitation to urinate. 

Cephalexin

An oral antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reactions. Keflex, Cefa Drops, and Cefazolin are all within the same family as cephalexin.

Cerenia

An oral or injectable medication used for car sickness or acute vomiting. The most common side effect is soreness at the site of injection. 

Chlorpromazine

An oral or injectable medication used for vomiting and diarrhea. The most common side effect is grogginess. The injectable form may sting when given in the muscle. Less common side effects include decreased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, decreased respiration rate, and seizures. 

Cimetidine

An oral or injectable medication used to decrease stomach acid production. It is commonly used in cases with known or suspected stomach ulceration. Cimetidinde should be given 2 hours apart from some drugs including Reglan and Centrine. Side effects are rare when used at appropriate dosages and may include pain at the injection site and mental confusion. 

Clavamox

An antibiotic containing Amoxicillin and Clavulanate used in a variety of bacterial infections. Side effects are infrequent and can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and allergic reaction.

Clindamycin

See Antirobe.

Clomicalm

An oral medication for the treatment of separation anxiety. Clomipramine is the active ingredient. Side effects can include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. For more information visit the Clomicalm section of the Novartis website. 

Convenia

An injectable antibiotic that lasts for two weeks. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and soreness at the site of injection.

Cosequin

An oral supplement for use in arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are the active ingredients. Side effects are rare since Cosequin is a replacement (supplement) of chemicals that are naturally present within the body. Diarrhea is one of the more commonly reported side effects. For more information visit the Nutramax website. 

Cyclosporine

See Atopica.

Denosyl

An oral antioxidant used in a variety of liver conditions. S-Adenosylmethionine is the active ingredient. Side effects are rare since Denosyl is a replacement (supplement) of chemicals that are naturally present in the body. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported side effect. For more information visit the Nutramax website. 

Depo-Medrol

A long-acting injectable steroid with many uses. Methylprednisolone is the active ingredient. Steroids can be used for inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, pain, etc. Common uses include treatment of shock, allergies, disk disease, skin conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Side effects are also varied and can include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, delayed wound healing, liver damage/disease, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.

Deramaxx

An oral NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) commonly used for arthritis and other types of pain. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. This medication has a higher rate of side effects if used in conjunction with other NSAIDS or steroids. For more information visit the Deramaxx website. 

Dexamethasone

An oral or injectable steroid with many uses. Steroids can be used for inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, pain, etc. Common uses include treatment of shock, allergies, disk disease, skin conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Side effects are also varied and can include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, delayed wound healing, liver damage/disease, gastrointestinal irritation, etc. 

Diazepam

See Valium. 

Diphenhydramine

See Benadryl. 

Domitor

Doxycycline

An oral or injectable antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The most common side effect is vomiting and can often be eliminated by giving the medication with a meal. 

Drontal Plus

Duragesic

See Fentanyl. 

Enacard

An oral medication used in cases of heart failure or kidney failure. Also known as Enalapril. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and a decrease in blood pressure. 

Enalapril

See Enacard. 

Enrofloxacin

See Baytril. 

Etodolac

See Etogesic. 

Etogesic

An oral NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) commonly used for arthritis or other pain. The active ingredient is etodolac. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Less common side effects include renal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic signs. This medication has a higher risk of side effects if used in conjunction with other NSAIDS or steroids. 

Fatty Acid Supplements

An oral supplement used in conjunction with antihistamines in animals with allergies. In addition, fatty acid supplements can be used for dry coats. Side effects are uncommon and can include diarrhea, especially if overdosed. 

Fenbendazole

See Panacur. 

Fentanyl

An injectable or transdermal patch used for pain management. The transdermal patch provides a constant level of pain medication and can last up to five days. Side effects include respiratory and cardiovascular depression. A medication called Narcan can reverse the effects of fentanyl if side effects occur. Currently, the only brand of fentanyl patches available is called Duragesic.

Firocoxib

See Previcox. 

Frontline Plus

A topical antiparasite medication. When applied monthly, it will kill fleas, flea eggs, flea larva, and ticks. Side effects are rare and can include mild skin irritation and drooling if the medication is licked. Visit the Merial website for more information.

Furosemide

See Lasix. 

Genesis Spray

A topical steroid spray containing Triamcinolone. It is most commonly used for allergic dermatitis. Side effects are uncommon (less than 5% of dogs) and may include increased urination, increased appetite, discomfort, watery eyes, and sneezing. 

Gentocin

An injectable antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Side effects can include kidney damage, especially in cases of dehydration, and ototoxicity. 

Gentocin Spray

See Betagen Spray. 

Heartgard

An oral antiparasite medication. Ivermectin is the active ingredient. When given monthly, it will kill roundworms, hookworms, and immature heartworms. Side effects are unlikely at label doses and can include vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system signs. Collies may be more sensitive than other breeds. For more information visit the heartworm section of the Merial website or visit our section on heartworm preventative.

Hetastarch

An IV fluid commonly used to increase circulatory volume and blood protein levels. Side effects are minimal if used properly and can include volume overload. 

Hydroxyzine

See Atarax. 

Interceptor

An oral antiparasite medication. Milbemycine oxime is the active ingredient. When given monthly it will kill roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and immature heartworms. Side effects are very rare and may include seizures. For more information, visit the Interceptor section of the Novartis website or visit our section on heartworm preventative.

Ivermectin

An injectable antiparasite medication. At varied doses, ivermectin may kill roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, mange, and heartworms. Side effects rarely occur with single doses. Overdosages can result in incoordination, staggering, vomiting, seizures, loss of appetite, and death. Collies seem to be more sensitive to ivermectin than other breeds. 

K9 Advantix

***WE DO NOT SELL AND DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT.***

A topical product that contains Advantage (imidacloprid) and KilTix (permethrin). When used monthly it will kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes. IT CANNOT BE USED ON CATS and SHOULD NOT BE USED ON DOGS THAT ARE NEAR CATS. For more information visit the Bayer website. 

Keflex

See Cephalexin. 

Lasix

An oral or injectable medication used as an antidiuretic (removes fluid). Also known as furosemide or Salix. Lasix has many uses but is most often used to remove fluid in cardiac disease. Side effects can include electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration. 

Levothyroxine

An oral medication used in the treatment of hypothyroid disease in dogs. Side effects do not occur when used at normal doses in animals with true hypothyroidism. There are many different brands of thyroid supplement medication. 

Marbofloxacin

See Zeniquin. 

Meloxicam

See Metacam. 

Metacam

An oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis in dogs. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. More serious side effects such as bleeding, although uncommon, can result. 

Metoclopramide

See Reglan. 

Metronidazole

An oral antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat a variety of bacterial and parasite infections including Giardia. Also known as Flagyl. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, head tilt, and disorientation. 

Nemex

An oral antiparasite medication commonly used to treat roundworms and hookworms. Also known as Pyrantel.

Side effects are very unlikely when used at appropriate doses. 

Optimmune

An ointment used in the treatment of dry eye. The active ingredient is cyclosporine. The most common side effects include eye irritation and conjunctivitis. For more information, visit the Schering website. 

Orbax

An oral antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Orbifloxacin is the active ingredient. Common side effects were not reported during clinical trials but may include GI upset. Orbax and other drugs in the same drug family should not be used in animals under one year of age. For more information, visit the Merck website. 

Otomax

An ointment used to treat bacterial and yeast ear infections. Active ingredients include Gentamicin, betamethasone, and clotrimazole. Side effects are rare and can include temporary or permanent hearing loss and skin irritation. For more information, visit the Merck website. A generic product commonly used is called Mal-Otic. 

Oxyglobin

An IV synthetic blood product for use in situations of blood loss and anemia. Side effects can include temporary discoloration of the skin and mucus membranes, volume overload, and allergic reaction. For more information, visit the Biopure website. 

Panacur

An oral broad spectrum dewormer. Fenbendazole is the active ingredient. Panacur will kill roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and most species of tapeworms. Side effects are very rare at normal doses and may include vomiting.

Phenobarbital

On oral or injectable medication used to treat seizures. Side effects can include grogginess, increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and liver enzyme elevation. 

Phenylpropanolamine

An oral medication used to treat urinary incontinence. Side effects are uncommon and can include restlessness, irritability, anorexia, and increased blood pressure.

Potassium Bromide-KBr

An oral medication used to treat seizures. Side effects can include GI upset, grogginess, and less commonly pancreatitis. 

Prednisone

An oral or injectable steroid with many uses. Steroids can be used for inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, pain, etc. Common uses include treatment of shock, allergies, disk disease, skin conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Side effects are also varied and can include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, delayed

wound healing, liver damage/disease, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.

Previcox

An oral NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) commonly used to treat arthritis and other types of mild to moderate pain. Firocoxib is the active ingredient. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and liver problems. This

medication has a higher rate of side effects if used in conjunction with other NSAIDS or steroids.

Program

An oral or injectable product used to prevent fleas from laying healthy eggs. In some situations, Program may be used to aid in the elimination of ringworm infections. The active ingredient is lufenuron. Side effects can include swelling at injection site, vomiting, and anorexia. For more information visit the Program sections of the Novartis website. 

ProHeart 6

An injectable antiparasite medication. Moxidectin is the active ingredient. When given every six months, ProHeart will kill immature heartworms and hookworms. Side effects are minimal and can include transient swelling at the injection site and GI upset. For more information visit the ProHeart website or visit our section on heartworm prevention. This medication is currently not available in the U.S.

Pyrantel

See Nemex. 

Reglan

An oral or injectable GI motility medication commonly used for conditions associated with vomiting or diarrhea. Metoclopramide is the active ingredient. Side effects are uncommon but can include behavioral changes and constipation. 

Revolution

A topical antiparasite medication. Selamectin is the active ingredient. When given monthly it will kill fleas, flea eggs, immature heartworms, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange in dogs. In cats, it will kill fleas, flea eggs, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. Side effects can include: skin irritation at the site of application, central nervous system signs, and GI upset. For more information visit the Revolution website or visit our section on heartworm prevention.

Rimadyl

An oral NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) commonly used to treat arthritis and other types of mild to moderate pain. Carprofen is the active ingredient. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and liver problems. This medication has a higher rate of side effects if used in conjunction with other NSAIDS or steroids. For more information visit the Rimadyl website. 

Salix

See Lasix. 

Sandimmune

An ointment used in the treatment of dry eye. The active ingredient is cyclosporine. The most common side effects include eye irritation and conjunctivitis. 

Sentinel

An oral antiparasite medication. Milbemycin oxime and Leufenuron are the active ingredients. When given monthly it will kill roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, immature heartworms, and flea eggs. Side effects are very rare and may include seizures. For more information visit the Sentinel section of the Novartis website or visit our section on heartworm prevention.

Simplicef

An oral antibiotic most commonly used for skin infections. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. This antibiotic is similar to Cephalexin but is given once daily.

Strongid

See Nemex. 

Sulcralfate

An oral medication used to help coat and protect GI ulcers. Side effects are rare and may include constipation.

Sulfasalazine

An oral antibiotic most commonly used in cases of inflammatory bowel disease. Side effects are uncommon but may include dry eye, vomiting, and skin reactions. 

Sulfa-Trimethoprim

An oral or injectable antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. Side effects may include dry eye, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and skin reactions. 

Tapazol

An oral medication used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Side effects occur in 18% of treated cats and can include vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, decreased platelet count, decreased white cell count, and liver problems. Continued monitoring of blood values is important when using this medication. 

Temaril P

An oral combination of antihistamine and steroid commonly used in allergic conditions and coughing. Side effects include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and grogginess. 

Theophylline

A respiratory smooth muscle relaxor commonly used in respiratory conditions. Side effects are infrequent and can include vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system stimulation. GI disturbance will usually reside within the first few days of usage. Similar to aminophylline.

Thyroid Supplement

See Levothyroxine. 

Torbutrol

An oral or injectable medication used for pain management or coughing. Also called Butorphanol. Side effects can include grogginess and decreased appetite. 

Triamcinolone

See Vetalog and Genesis Spray. 

Triple Antibiotic Ointment

See BNP Ointment. 

Tresaderm

Valium

An oral or injectable medication used for seizure control and anxiety. The active ingredient is Diazepam. Side effects include behavioral changes, grogginess, and rarely excitement. 

Vet Solutions Ear Cleaner

An ear cleaning solution used for ear infections. Side effects may include mild irritation in animals that are sensitive to the solution's components. 

Vetalog

An oral or injectable steroid with many uses. Triamcinolone is the active ingredient. Steroids can be used for inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, pain, etc. Common uses include treatment of shock, allergies, disk disease, skin conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Side effects are also varied and can include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, panting, delayed wound healing, liver damage/disease, gastrointestinal irritation, etc.

Vitamin K1

An oral or injectable medication used in the treatment of certain types of rat bait toxicity. Side effects can include irritation at the site of injection. 

Zeniquin

An oral antibiotic used in a variety of bacterial infections. The active ingredient is marbofloxacin. Side effects are uncommon but may include decreased appetite, vomiting, and decreased activity. Rarer side effects include thirst, diarrhea, tremors, and behavioral changes. For more information visit the Zeniquin website.