Albon (Sulfadimethoxine) for Dogs

What is Albon

Albon is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts, as well as soft tissue infections in dogs and cats, being safe for puppies and kittens as well ^[1,2].

It is particularly useful for the treatment of a diarrhea-causing parasitic (coccidia) intestinal tract infection known as coccidiosis ^[3,4]. It may also be used to treat a kennel cough, pneumonia, and infections of the prostate ^[4].

How does Albon work

Albon efficiently interferes with the microorganisms’ ability to reproduce ^[6]. Studies have shown despite the long duration that Albon takes to be excreted when it does go out of the system along with urine, it is mostly unchanged. This makes the medication more effective in treating infections ^[1].

Quick Information
Albon for Dogs	Generic Name: Sulfadimethoxine [1,2] Brand Name: Albon Type: Antibiotic Who can take it: Dogs, cats[3] FDA Approved: Yes [6] Availability: Only through Prescription [3] Available Forms: Tablets, Liquid suspension Cost: $132.61 for 473 ml suspension

Dosage for dogs

Follow the prescription given by the veterinarian, let the medication run its full course even if there are visible signs of improvement in your dog. The dosage usually given is 1 full teaspoon per 10 lbs of the dog’s weight (25 mg/lb or 55mg/kg) for the first day, followed by half teaspoons (12.5 mg/lb or 27.5mg/kg) after that, every 24 hours ^[1]. If you find it difficult to administer the medicine, please contact the vet.

As far as giving the tablets go, follow the same rule, i.e., 25 mg/lb of the dog’s body weight for the first dose, and 12.5 mg/lb every 24 hours thereafter ^[2].

Dosage for puppies

Follow the dosage instructions prescribed by the vet religiously when giving a pup this medicine.

What to do in case of a missed dose

If you somehow miss giving your dog a dose, give it as soon as you remember. But in case it is already time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Never administer a double dose.

Side effects

Ensure that your dog drinks plenty of water when it is on Albon; otherwise, sulfa crystals may appear in their urine. Other than that, possible side-effects include ^[3]:

• Skin rash
• Fever (watch out for a dry nose, indicative of fever in a dog)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Some of the rarer side effects are ^[3]:

• Damage to the liver and kidneys
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
• Vertigo (if your dog is experiencing nausea, vomiting, head tilting, stumbling, loss of balance, falling, and abnormal eye movements.

Another health effect that can theoretically occur in dogs that have been on Albon for a long time is keratoconjunctivitis or dry eye. Keep a lookout for redness in the eyes, discharge from it, and squinting ^[3].

Keep making regular visits to the vet to make sure if any of the above adverse effects do occur, they can be addressed promptly.

Overdose

If the symptoms mentioned as side effects linger on, the chances are that the dog may have had an overdose. If you have any suspicion about an overdose, contact the vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Helpline (1-888-426-4435).

Contraindications: When should you not give Albon

• Always inform the vet if your dog has liver or kidney disease, and urinary crystals ^[3].
• If the dog is pregnant or nursing ^[3].
• If you intend to breed your pet soon ^[3].

This medication cannot be given to dogs that are allergic to sulfadimethoxine or other sulfa drugs ^[3].