ATOPICA 50 MG 60 CAPSULES | CHRONIC ALLERGIC DERMATITIS IN DOGS

ATOPICA: Dermatological Treatment for Dogs

Category:

Dermatological, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antipruritic in soft capsules.

Laboratory: Novartis Animal Health SL

Composition per Capsule:

• Atopica® 25 mg: Cyclosporine 25 mg.
• Atopica® 50 mg: Cyclosporine 50 mg.
• Atopica® 100 mg: Cyclosporine 100 mg.

Pharmacological Properties:

Therapeutic Action:

Cyclosporine is a selective immunosuppressant and a cyclic polypeptide that acts specifically and reversibly on T lymphocytes.

• Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties:
  • It inhibits the activation of T lymphocytes, blocking the production of cytokines such as IL-2.
  • Interferes with the antigenic function of the skin's immune system.
  • Reduces the release of histamine and proinflammatory cytokines, improving atopic dermatitis.
• Specific Effects:
  • Decreases eosinophil activation.
  • Inhibits Langerhans cell functions.
  • It limits mast cell degranulation, which reduces inflammation and itching.

Indications and Target Species:

Main Indication:

• Treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Dosage According to Dog Weight:

• Atopica® 25 mg: Dogs from 4 to 7.5 kg.
• Atopica® 50 mg: Dogs from 7.5 to 36 kg.
• Atopica® 100 mg: Dogs from 15 to 55 kg.

Dosage and Administration

Recommended dose:

• 5 mg/kg of body weight per day.
• Administer directly into the mouth or mix with food at least 2 hours before or after eating.

Treatment Scheme:

1. Initial Treatment:
   • Administer daily until satisfactory clinical improvement is achieved (normally 4 weeks).
   • If there is no improvement within 8 weeks, discontinue treatment.
2. Maintenance:
   • Reduce dose to alternate days once symptoms are controlled.
   • In some cases, administer every 3 or 4 days.
3. Restarting Treatment:
   • If symptoms recur, resume daily dosing at your veterinarian's discretion.

Additional:

Consider using complementary treatments such as medicated shampoos or fatty acids before reducing dosing frequency.

Contraindications:

• Do not use on:
  • Dogs under 6 months old or weighing less than 2 kg.
  • Animals with a history of malignant tumors.
  • Cases of hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or excipients.
  • Concurrent treatments with live vaccines.

Side effects:

Frequent:

• Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, loose or mucous stools.
• Others: Lethargy, hyperactivity, anorexia, gingival hyperplasia, skin reactions (coat changes or wart-like lesions).

Rare:

• Lymphadenopathy, muscle cramps, severe secondary infections.

Note:

Side effects are usually mild and transient. In case of severe reactions, consult your veterinarian.

Special Precautions:

For Animals:

• Confirm Diagnosis:
  Rule out other causes of dermatitis such as flea infestations, food allergies or bacterial infections before starting treatment.
• Regular Monitoring:
  • Monitor creatinine levels in cases of kidney failure.
  • Monitor for signs of lymphadenopathy or secondary infections.
• Vaccination:
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment or in the two weeks before/after.

For People:

• Wash your hands after administering the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions:

• Medications that Increase Cyclosporine Levels:
  • Ketoconazole: Increases plasma levels up to 5 times.
  • Erythromycin: Doubles plasma levels.
• Medications that Reduce Cyclosporine Levels:
  • Anticonvulsants and antibiotics (trimethoprim/sulfadimidine).
• Caution with:
  • Macrocyclic lactones such as ivermectin and milbemycin.
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics due to potential nephrotoxicity.

Conservation Mode:

• Store at temperatures below 25°C.
• Store in the original blister inside its protective box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How long does it take for Atopica® to show results?

Clinical symptoms usually improve within 4 weeks of continuous treatment.

2. Is it safe to combine Atopica® with other medications?

Always consult with your veterinarian before administering additional medications due to possible interactions.

3. Can I take Atopica® for long periods?

Yes, under veterinary supervision. Adjust dosing frequency to achieve symptomatic control at the lowest possible dose.

4. What happens if my dog ​​vomits after taking Atopica®?

This is a common side effect. Continue to administer the medication and consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Available presentations:

• Atopica® 25 mg: Boxes with 30 capsules (Dogs from 4 to 7.5 kg).
• Atopica® 50 mg: Boxes with 30 capsules (Dogs from 7.5 to 36 kg).
• Atopica® 100 mg: Boxes with 30 capsules (Dogs from 15 to 55 kg).

Key Benefits of Atopica

• Effective Clinical Control: Proven management of chronic atopic dermatitis symptoms.
• Flexible Dosage: Adaptable to the needs of each dog according to its weight and response to treatment.
• High Tolerance: Minimal side effects and reversible in most cases.

Atopica® is the ideal solution to restore comfort and quality of life to your pet. Consult your veterinarian for more information.