Reviews about the French drug "Propalin" are found on dog breeder forums quite often. The drug for the medical treatment of dogs managed to get an endorsement from both veterinarians and owners of four-legged friends. However, this medicine, intended for course therapy, is not always available in specialized veterinary pharmacies. In this regard, dog breeders are often interested in what medicines can be replaced with "Propalin" if necessary. Are there any analogues that allow the dog to receive no less effective treatment?
Why is the drug "Propalin" prescribed?
The propaline medicine for dogs is used to treat urinary incontinence due to impaired bladder function. Urinary dysfunction in a pet can occur for several reasons:
- as a result of age-related changes;
- weakening of the dog's bladder sphincter;
- negative effects of sterilization (castration) of the animal;
- various diseases, infections.
In the case of the latter, the problem of urinary incontinence can disappear after treatment of an infection or disease and there is no need to prescribe additional Propalin for dogs (an analogue of the drug).
Description and form of release
Propalin is available in the form of a suspension, a colorless, uniform syrup packaged in a volume of 30 or 100 ml. The kit includes a plastic bottle with a suspension, an annotation for the drug and a measuring syringe dispenser.
How it works?
How does Propalin for dogs work (analogue based on the same substance)? Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, the main active substance of the drug, is rapidly absorbed through the blood after it enters the body of the animal. A few hours after taking the drug, the active component begins to affect the muscles of the urethra and bladder, toning them and stimulating an intense contraction of muscle tissue. Propalin is excreted from the dog’s body along with urine in a natural way.
How to use: dosage, instructions
The dosage of the drug is calculated based on the body weight of the pet, according to one of the two proposed treatment regimens:
- 3 times a day at the rate of 2 drops per 1 kg of dog body weight;
- 2 times a day at the rate of 3 drops per 1 kg of dog body weight.
For large dogs, whose weight is from 25 kg and above, the dosage of the suspension in which Propalin is given (analogues for dogs whose composition includes the same active ingredient) is calculated according to the scheme 3 times a day at the rate of 0.5 ml per 25 kg of dog body weight or 2 times a day at the rate of 0.75 ml per 25 kg of dog body weight.
An increase in the recommended norm does not contribute to an increase in the effectiveness of therapy. The dosage of the drug can be reduced by a veterinarian after a long period of treatment.
In accordance with the attached instructions, the drug "Propalin" should be offered to the pet, guided by the following rules:
- the medicine must be given to the dog along with food; it is recommended to add the drug directly to food;
- the duration of the course of therapy is determined by the veterinarian individually for each case, in general, there are no restrictions on the duration of treatment with Propalin;
- an open preparation is stored for 3 months in a darkened place, the recommended temperature is from +15 to + 25 ° C;
- used empty containers, measuring dispenser (syringe) and plastic container are disposed of, it is strictly forbidden to use them for other purposes.
It should be noted: contraindications, overdose
It is important to remember: prescribe the drug "Propalin" for dogs (an analogue with the same active substance), and also determine the dosage in each individual case, the doctor of the veterinary clinic. The same specialist will definitely warn about the existing contraindications to the use of Propalin. The drug in question is not prescribed under the following conditions:
- hypersensitivity of the animal to the main components that make up Propalin was revealed (a visible side effect may occur - various allergic reactions);
- during pregnancy (lactation) of the animal;
- if anticholinergics, antidepressants, any sympathomimetics have already been prescribed and are currently being used.
No less dangerous is an incorrectly calculated amount of the drug used at a time. The consequence of this may be an overdose. This phenomenon can be determined by the following signs:
- the dog has shortness of breath;
- the pupils of the animal are markedly dilated;
- the dog is behaving uneasily.
If one or more of these symptoms are found, the owner is required to immediately show the pet to the veterinarian.
Reviews about the drug "Propalin"
Despite the potential for negative side effects, Propalin is currently considered one of the safest methods for treating dog urinary incontinence. And what do owners whose pets receive treatment say about this drug?
- "Propalin" gives a good result with a long-lasting effect;
- the first results of therapy are noticeable after 7-14 days from the start of administration;
- absence of an unpleasant aftertaste of the drug: when adding Propalin to the food, the dogs do not refuse to eat;
- side effects declared on the packaging, practically does not occur.
Claims by dog owners most often do not relate to the quality of the medicine, but to interruptions in the supply of Propalin to Russian veterinary pharmacies and to the rather high price of the goods. At the beginning of 2017, the retail price varies from 460 rubles for a package with a volume of 30 ml to 1300 rubles for a unit of a drug with a volume of 100 ml.
How to replace "Propalin": analogues
Despite its effectiveness, the main drawback of the drug is too high demand and its regular absence in pharmacies, especially in small towns. In addition, the price of this medication is relatively high. In this regard, the question of how and what can replace the "Propalin" is very relevant. Analogs for dogs with urinary incontinence should also be agreed with your veterinarian.
To date, the only medicine that can be fully called identical to Propalin is the diethrin drug for people. Despite the fact that this medicine is prescribed for other purposes, the main active ingredient of Dietrin is the same - phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. This makes it possible to temporarily or permanently replace Propalin for dogs. The analogue should be used with caution, observing the dosage calculated by the veterinarian.
Important! There are two drugs sold in pharmacies called Dietrin. One of them is essentially a dietary supplement and it is impossible to replace Propalin with it. You can distinguish these funds by reading the composition on the package. Supplement "Dietrin" consists of natural herbal ingredients. For treatment of a pet, substitutes for Propalin should be purchased for dogs or people whose composition includes phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, regardless of the form of the preparation.
Also in Russian pharmacies you can find another drug phenylpropanolamine, an American drug for weight loss, Trimex. But there is a reason why it is quite difficult to replace the Propaline drug with Trimex - the analogue in the pharmacy can be purchased strictly according to the prescription. A veterinarian cannot issue such a prescription for treating a dog.
In an extreme case, a substitute for Propalin for dogs may be assigned an analogue based on other active substances. These include, for example, Vesikar, an antispasmodic designed to reduce the tone of the urinary tract. Oxybutynin hydrochloride-based preparations ("Driptan", "Sibutin") have the same effect.
Medicines for Alternative Treatment
For cases when none of the above drugs can be purchased or the course determined by the veterinarian does not give the desired effect, an alternative treatment for the dog is prescribed. As a rule, we are talking about hormonal therapy.
For this, human medications are prescribed based on the female hormone estrogen. Replacing "Propalin" analogues for dogs (the list of such drugs is incomplete, another hormonal agent may be prescribed at the discretion of the veterinarian) is:
- "Ovestin" - is prescribed more often than others, can be used in any form of release: cream, suppositories or tablets;
- Marvelon (a contraceptive containing estrogen);
- Livial (anti-menopause drug containing tibolone).
Due to the course of hormonal preparations, the tone of the muscle tissues of the animal sphincter of the bladder increases, and the walls of the bladder, on the contrary, gradually relax. Thus, the problem of urinary incontinence can be solved. The main disadvantage of such therapy is a large number of side effects that may occur during treatment with hormone-containing drugs.