Temaril P for dogs is a combination steroid and antihistamine. Veterinarians can prescribe this drug for a range of conditions including coughing, allergies, itching and skin conditions like eczema. Although it is used for a wide variety of conditions, it is a steroidal medication and may only be prescribed by a vet. Today we’ll look at why an animal doctor might prescribe Temaril P for dogs and how it works. We’ll also share dosing information, how often and for how long it’s okay to give it, and what side effects you’ll need to be aware of.
Contents
- What is Temaril P for dogs?
- Temaril P for dogs – allergies, coughs and more
- Working out the correct dose of Temaril P
- Side effects of Temaril P
- Is Temaril P safe for dogs?
- Contraindications
- Can dogs have human Temaril P?
What is Temaril P for Dogs?
Temaril refers to Trimeprazine and the P stands for Prednisolone. Each of these drugs is designed to compliment the other. The Trimeprazine works as an antipruritic and an antitussive. To us, this means it helps relieve symptomatic itching and coughing. The Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory, part of the corticosteroid family. It helps to ease any painful swelling that might come along with the previous symptoms.
This medication’s main role is managing symptoms. Therefore, vets can prescribe it for a huge variety of conditions. This wide coverage is one of the main reasons for this medications popularity, and why you may well have come across it at some point.
Uses of Temaril P for Dogs
Temaril P for dogs has a wide range of potential uses. Allergic reactions make up a large quantity of the conditions it is used to treat. This includes allergic reactions that cause excessive itching and/or swelling. Many types of coughing in dogs including Kennel Cough and bronchitis are other conditions this medication can help with.
In the US this is a prescription drug. It is FDA approved for dogs, but not humans. It is similarly licensed in the UK for canine use by prescription only.
How does Temaril P for dogs work?
Trimeprazine is an antihistamine, allowing it to directly combat allergic reactions. It does this by competing with histamine in the bloodstream, attaching itself to histamine receptors. This lessens the effects of allergies directly.
Temaril P for Dogs Allergies
Dogs allergies can be flared up by multiple things. Like humans, pollen can be a major agitator, and is sometimes unavoidable. Food allergies, although treatable by removing the appropriate food, are also considered a good candidate for this line of treatment. It might take you a while to identify the particular food that your dog is reacting to, and the reaction can be quite drawn out.
In both of these cases it’s necessary to manage the symptoms to help make your dog a little more comfortable. This is where this medication steps up to the plate. Steroids are particularly potent in this regard, but are usually steered clear of unless they are thought necessary.
Temaril P for Coughing in Dogs
This medication is useful for many kinds of coughing in dogs, including Kennel Cough and bronchitis. Both the steroidal and antitussive effects of this drug can help to alleviate the physical stress and pain associated with a persistent cough.
In the event that your dog develops a cough, it is well worth your time to consult with a vet. Some coughs can be indicative of a more troubling condition. In any event, because Temaril P is prescription only, your vet will give her assessment and figure out the best course of action for your pooch.
Temaril P for Dogs with Eczema
Allergies are definitely this drugs forte, but it is used to treat other conditions too. Including eczema and even some of the effects of poison ivy! Vets often prescribe this drug in cases involving atopic dermatitis. This refers to the dry, itchy, and inflamed skin a dog can experience when exposed to an allergen.
Temaril P for Other Conditions in Dogs
Trimeprazine itself has been shown to have some efficacy as a sedative in a number of animals, including dogs. It therefore has the potential to be used before a surgical procedure. The main purpose of this is to reduce the quantity of opioids that need to used during and after surgery. This use was tested some time ago, but has not as of yet been popularized in dogs.
Temaril P Dosage for Dogs with Allergies, Itching or Coughing
The appropriate dosage for dogs, as with any drug, depends on the dog receiving it and what they’re suffering from. Your vet will let you know exactly how much to give. Don’t deviate from their advice. The dosage laid out on the Temaril packaging is designed to start fairly strong, and gradually go down before the treatment ends. This is likely to do with bringing about results as quickly as possible, and once these results are obtained, bringing the quantity down to just what’s needed to maintain the positive effects.
Temaril tablets contain 5mg Trimeprazine and 2mg prednisolone, as such 1 tablet won’t be right for every dog. Dogs under 10lbs take 1/2 a tablet once every 12 hours for the first four days. In a similar fashion dogs between 11 and 20lbs take 1 tablet, dogs between 21 and 40lbs take 2, and dogs over 40lbs take 3 tablets.
How Often Should I Give my Dog Temaril P?
Your vet will decide the dosage and frequency of that dosage for your dog. That being said, the usual indications for use are ½ a tablet once every 12 hours. So, a tablet a day. This is repeated for 4 days and then the dosage is normally halved. Again, the most important thing is to consult with your vet if you are unsure or would like to change the dosage or frequency.
Side Effects of Temaril P for Dogs
Every functional medication may produce side effects. New and unfamiliar chemicals in our dogs bloodstream might, understandably, throw them for a bit of a spin.
The best thing we can do is learn about these effects so we can identify any issues as they arise. The list of potential side effects for Temaril P is quite long.
Short Term Side Effects
Short term negative effects can include vomiting and diarrhea, this is common for most medications so shouldn’t be cause for alarm. If persistent though, they could lead to dehydration and admission at the vet’s. Another of Temaril P’s side effects, panting, can occur because of a dry mouth.
Long Term Side Effects
In long term cases, extended steroid use with Prednisolone in particular has been shown to reduce testosterone in male dogs, possibly irreversibly.
Steroidal Side Effects
Dogs on Temaril P are also at risk for a range of side effects common to all corticosteroids. These include negative nitrogen balance, suppressed adrenal cortical function, slow healing of wounds, and occasional blood in the vomit and stool. All of these side effects are to do with the Prednisolone. The Trimeprazine itself can cause drowsiness, sedation and tremors.
Is Temaril P Safe for Dogs?
Steroidal drugs come with potential side effects, but are also a powerful medicine at our disposal. Prednisolone is the steroid in this case, but the antihistamine effects of Trimeprazine are thought to lower the amount of steroids needed to treat skin conditions. So while the usual side effects of steroids are there, it’s less of a risk than in other steroid therapies.
Make sure you tell your vet about any medications your dog is on, or about any pre-existing conditions, so she can make the best call.
Temaril P Toxicity
Any medicine has a point at which it is too much, but we don’t always have that information. No one’s really sure at which point Temaril-P would become too much, just that the standard dosages are usually safe. This is further complicated by the fact that what constitutes ‘too much’ can differ from dog to dog. Different dogs will metabolize drugs at a different rate, so an amount that might harm one dog could be absolutely fine for another.
Using Temaril P for Dogs Safely
Only ever give your dog to dose prescribed by your vet. Don’t try to adjust it. Vets and manufacturers advise that you administer this drug with food. This allows the medication to be absorbed slowly, and makes it less likely to irritate the stomach. This isn’t just about preventing the inconvenience of a dog throwing up. If your dog throws up a tablet he’s been given, he won’t be getting the right dose. Your Temaril P tablets can even be wrapped in food to make them go down a little easier.
Steroid Overdose in Dogs
We know from other steroids that overdosing on prednisolone could lead to cardiac arrest. In the case of an overdose it’s also safe to assume the existing side effects we mentioned earlier would become much more pronounced.
If your dog gets into the medicine cabinet, or you accidentally give him too much Temaril-P, the best bet is to go straight to your vet. Let them know the exact amount your dog has eaten. Your vet will then be able to test for any signs that your dog might be in danger, and help give you some peace of mind.
How Long Can Dogs Take Temaril P?
The manufacturers advise that Temaril be taken for a period of 4-5 days. We advise that you prioritize the information your vet gives you. Vets prescribe medication with a plan in mind. If you are curious as to how long your dog will be taking the medication, feel free to ask your vet. If you think the medicine is making your dog unduly uncomfortable, or if you notice any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your vet immediately.
Contraindications for Dog Temaril P
Dogs with certain pre-existing conditions might not be eligible to take Temaril P. It also reacts with a lot of other dog medication. Do not give this medication to pregnant dogs, as it can interfere with fetal development in the last stages of pregnancy. For these reasons it’s essential that your vet knows your dogs full medical history before suggesting Temaril P.
Tell your vet about any medication your dog is taking. Temaril p and Benadryl would interact, for example, because Benadryl and Temaril both contain antihistamines.
If your dog starts displaying symptoms that could be side effects of this treatment, it’s best to let your vet know right away. They’ll be able to assess whether these issues pose any serious risks, and advise you on the best course of action.
Can You Give Human Temaril P To Dogs?
There is no combination drug like Temaril P for humans. However, doctors can prescribe the two constituent medicines trimeprazine and prednisolone for humans. This does not mean you can give your dog human doses of these medications. Importantly, there may be ingredients in the human versions like xylitol that are toxic to dogs. Always consult your vet before administering any prescription medication.
When Temaril P Doesn’t Work
There are many antihistamines and antitussives that your vet may prescribe. However, if she has prescribed a steroidal medication, it may be because other medications have already failed. If you think this medication is making your dog feel worse, or is exacerbating the issue, your vet should be happy to prescribe something else.
Temaril P For Dogs
Temaril P is a powerful medication that can help dogs suffering from allergies, itching and coughs. Because it contains both an antihistamine and a steroid, Temaril is well equipped for the fight against many ailments. Your vet will give you specific instructions on how you should administer this prescription only drug.
Powerful medications like Prednisolone, and therefore Temaril P, will always come with their own share of side effects. It’s important we look past these, as failure to treat this sorts of conditions is very likely to leave our dogs in more discomfort than Temaril P could ever cause them to feel. If in doubt, always speak to your veterinarian about your concerns.
Has a veterinarian prescribed this drug for your dog? Did they find it helpful? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
Other Dog Medications
References and Further Reading
- Temaril – P Drugs/vet
- Timeprazine (Temaril) C. W. Laursen
- Trimeprazine Pubchem
- Pruritus K A Moriello
- Temaril P safety data sheet Zoetis
- Effects of prednisone on thyroid and gonadal endocrine function in dogs
- Temaril P Zoetisus
- Temaril P Pfizer Animal Health
- Medical Management of Pruritus S. R. Merchant
Antihistamines for Integumentary Disease M. Shipstone - Clinical observations on the use of trimeprazine tartrate as a sedative and premedicant in horses, cattle, pigs and dogs W. D. Tavernor
- Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2010 clinical practice guidelines from the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis T. Olivry et al
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Our Yorkie has had lots of neurological problems due to abuse by his former owners. Closed head trauma. So he has lots of issues with spasms, arthritis , PTSD, etc. We got him at 7 months old and he is now approaching 15 years. Alley has developed what we thought was collapsing trachea. Doc says heart and lungs sound good. He can’t get him to produce the collapse in the office. So he thought allergies. We discussed his diet. grain free kibble, with home made wet. Vet put him on the Temaril-P. We reduced to half pill 2x day. still has episodes. noticing muscle weakness in hind quarters. really aggravating the neuro symptoms from the abuse. Has anyone here tried a full spectrum CBD oil to control this to get their babies off of prednisone?
Our Olde English bulldogge was prescribed Temaril P for hives. She had the best temperament of any dog we ever had. Within days of starting the Temaril, she became incredibly aggressive and attacked our Boston Terrier three times in one week.
The medication ruined the relationship. Even after she was weened (immediately took her off it), it took weeks for her temperament to return to normal; sadly, though, no amount of retraining ever eradicated the aggression she could display at any second toward our Boston. He was heartbroken from the turn of events. He developed a heart tumor and died within 18 months.
If I could go back in time and change any one thing about my bulldogge’s life, it would be to refuse the Temaril P as a treatment for her. The side effects had devastating results.
I wish it was law that vets had to tell patients about any medications with such possible side effects. From now on, I always ask specifically if such side effects exist.
I have a 2 yr old 9.5 lb. Yorkie poodle mix. Vet put her on this for seasonal allergies. Wish I never gave it to her. Lethargic, joint pain,she looks horrible. The pain is what killed me and I am hoping it goes away after finishing the meds..vet didn’t seem to care about how she was maybe I should find a different vet. I will never put her on this again.
vet has checked my 11 year old maltese with thyroid (no medicine) then congestive heart failure with no test, just statoscope, medicine of 3 kinds one for heart was capsule that couldn’t be broken and couldn’t get down her throat, then another vet checked heart and said no fluid, said collapsing trachea and gave temaril p (3 months supply) and 3 months prescriptions, (I am now on the 4th month and my dog is getting much worse). I do give her Benadryl to sleep better (it seems to help) but she lays and moves and hacks and moves and moans and wheezes, and has only a few good times a day, walks slowly, still loves company, eats, drinks, and poops, and pees but the rest of the time lays and either this heavy breathing or sometimes seems not to be breathing. I just read that 1. should not give dog this for months, 2. not with Benadryl, too old and too unhealthy for surgery (too late and too expensive) (should I stop the termaril P or should I stop the Benadryl , I am to the point of thinking it is time to end her suffering but just feel like it is killing my doggie. she is maltase/Pekinese rescue dog
My missy is 14 and I gave her this medicine with peanut butter. 4 days o k. Drank lots of water. After the 4th day she refused to take the medicine and it seems like it greatly upset her stomach and now she don’t want much of anything. I’m at a loss as to what to do. If she don’t get better this weekend we’ll make a trip to the vet. Any suggestions
Our Laila is a puppy mill rescue and we learned shortly after adopting her that she had a narrow trachea. She’s a Japanese Chin and her reverse sneezing progressed to the “goose honking” cough. It recently got so bad that the attacks would last so long her tongue would get a bluish tinge. We just put her on Temaril-P and she has not coughed since 2 hours after her 1st dose 4 days ago. She is brachycephalic, I now need to find out how long she can take it as she is a totally different girl. She would start honking when we came home, playing and during thunderstorms. We had major t-storms Sunday and still no coughing. This has been a miracle drug for us.
My Chloe has kennel cough. My vets prescribed the medication to calm her cough not only to make her more comfortable, she was also coughing up some of her food with the mucus. It may make your honey bunny sleepy but it will make your dog feel better and possibly breath better because the steroid component opens up the so passages and reduces inflammation that maybe present in your dog’s throat due to what is causing your dog’s symptoms. Hope your dog is better soon.
My 9 yr old Belgian sheppard developed a cough that made her gag and spit up phlegm. She also seemed to have some labored breathing when sleeping. Our vet prescribed 3 Temaril-P every 12 hrs. She has never had allergies or itchy skin at all. Why such a strong steroid for a cough?