Albon (sulfadimethoxine) Suspension is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It can also treat coccidial infections, which are caused by a microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled parasite that infects the intestinal tract. Albon requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Fights a wide variety of bacterial infections
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Also used to treat coccidial infections
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Attacks bacterial cells, not your pet’s host cells
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Albon Suspension is custard-flavored for ease of administration
How it works: Albon Suspension is a sulfonamide antibacterial that fights infections. Sulfonamides work by interfering with the ability of bacteria to reproduce.
Cautions: It’s important for your pet to drink plenty of water. This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals and should not be used in animals with liver or kidney disease.
More Information:
Brand Name Albon (Pfizer Animal Health)
Generic Name Sulfadimethoxine
What is the most important information I should know about Albon: Albon is a prescription medication FDA-approved for veterinary use in dogs and cats. Albon is available as 250mg scored tablets and 5% custard-flavored suspension containing 250mg per tsp. The usual initial dose for dogs and cats is 25mg/pound once a day. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. Do not give Albon to any pet other than the pet for whom it was prescribed. Albon is not for use in animals allergic to it or other sulfa drugs.
What is Albon: Albon is a sulfonamide antibacterial (sulfa drug) approved for use in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is also used in the treatment of bacterial enteritis caused by coccidial infection.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Albon to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease, bladder or kidney stones, is dehydrated, or is pregnant or lactating. Inform your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, you are giving to your pet while also giving Albon.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. The dose and duration of therapy will depend on the type of infection and the response to Albon. Give Albon by mouth. It may be given with food. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store Albon at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of overdose may include side effects listed below and may also include behavioral changes.
What should I avoid while giving Albon to my pet: Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of sulfa drugs such as Albon. Give antacids 2-3 hours before or after giving a dose of Albon.
What are the possible side effects of Albon: Sulfa crystals may appear in your pet's urine. Your pet should be allowed to drink plenty of water while taking this medication. Other side effects that may occur include KCS or dry eye, anemia, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, joint inflammation, kidney damage, and skin rash. Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian if any of the above symptoms occur. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, or coma. If these signs occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What other drugs will affect Albon: Before giving Albon, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given methotrexate, warfarin, phenylbutazone, thiazide diuretics, aspirin, probenecid or phenytoin.
Where can I get more information:. Your pharmacist has additional information about Albon written for health professionals that you may read
Directions:
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Albon Suspension is a prescription medication used in dogs and cats for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections.
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Albon Suspension is also used in dogs and cats for the treatment of bacterial enteritis caused by coccidial infection.
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Albon should not be used in animals allergic to it or other sulfa (sulfonamide) drugs.
Tip: It is important for your pet to drink a lot of water.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Give an initial dose of 1 teaspoonful per 10 lbs of pet’s body weight (25 mg/lb) followed by 1/2 teaspoonful per 10 lbs of pet’s body weight (12.5 mg/lb) every 24 hours thereafter.
Horses:
Storage: Store Albon Suspension at room temperature.
Our dog was just brought into our home at 2 years of age and had stress induced coccidia...... She was in horrible shape and began giving her this medication.... we are now on day 3 and she is getting so much better so quick! Great medicine!
i have a 4wk old kitten who weighs 1 lb and she had terrible diarrhea to the point of eating and it going right threw her we thought she was going to die.
i highly recommend this product because in less than 3 days she has solid feces and has gained back those extra 3 oz that she lost due to the diarrhea.
my 9 week old was prescribed this product and just after 3 days, she has diarrehea. She is only 2 lbs 6 ounces. I will call the vet first thing in the morning, maybe I should give her less
I have to say, I am pleased with this product, so far. My puppy has been taking it for four days now, and his conidition is finally improving. He was very lathargic, significantly high bowel movements, that was liquidy in nature, and had blood in it. He is 7 weeks old and very small. I was worried his conidition wouldn't improve in time, but this Albon Suspension they have prescribed is defintely working.
I'm not aware of any age restriction to the use of Albon. The bigger question would be is this the drug of choice for the type of infection your pet has. Your veterinarian would make that determination.
Some reactions to sulfa drugs such as Albon can be life threatening (kidney damage, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or erythema multiforme). You don't mention what type of "severe reaction" your pet has, but I would strongly recommend you contact your veterinarian immediately.
That's really pretty sad that you don't have freedom of choice like you have with your own prescriptions. Seems to me the fee you pay them for their service should include your right to get a prescription from they if you want it so you can have it filled at the pharmacy of your choice.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.