Isoxsuprine

Major Uses

Isoxsuprine is a peripheral vasodilator that is primarily used to treat navicular disease in horses. It may also be helpful in treating dogs with Raynaud's-like syndrome. Isoxsuprine is sometimes successful in improving microcirculation in birds.

Common Precautions

Animals that are post-partum or suffering from arterial bleeding should not take isoxsuprine.

Some negative side effects associated with isoxsuprine include hypotension, tachycardia, and GI effects. Some horses showed signs of CNS stimulation, in particular hyperexcitability, uneasiness, and nose-rubbing, as well as sweating after parenteral administration. Some other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal distress, and severe rash.

Isoxsuprine should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Isoxsuprine should be kept at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. It should be stored where children and pets will not be able to reach it.

Administration

For treating navicular disease in horses, administration should start at 1.2 mg/kg every 8 hours for 3 weeks. As the animal's condition improves, the dose should be administered once daily for another 6 weeks, and then every other day until heel first landing occurs. When administering to horses as a tocolytic agent, a typical dose is .4-.6 mg/kg twice daily. For treating dogs with Raynaud-like disease, a typical dose is 1 mg/kg once daily. If a dose is forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. Should it almost be time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular should resume. Two doses of isoxsuprine should not be administered at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.