Clomipramine (brand names: Clomicalm®, Anafranil®, Clofranil®, Clopram®, Clopress®, Equinorm®, Hydiphen®, Maronil®, Novo-Clopramine®, Placil®, Tranquax®, Zoiral®) is a tricyclic antidepressant medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders and may also be used for separation anxiety or aggression.
In cats, it is used for urine spraying, and in birds, it is used to treat feather picking.
While some uses for dogs are on label, its use in cats, birds, or dogs at higher doses to treat behavior disorders is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
Description
Clomicalm is an oral medication prescribed by veterinarians to help control anxiety—including separation anxiety—in dogs. These tablets can also be used as part of a behavior modification program. This medication comes in an oral tablet form and can be easily disguised in your canine companion’s favorite food.
Clomicalm (clomipramine) is used to treat separation anxiety in dogs in connection with behavior modification and training. This medication affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs. Clomicalm requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Features of Clomicalm For Dogs
Clomipramine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or capsule. It may also be compounded into a liquid suspension. Measure liquid forms carefully. It may be given with or without food, but if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Provide access to fresh water at all times while using clomipramine. This medication should be used in combination with behavior modification therapy. Do not give this medication without first consulting with your veterinarian if your pet has worn a flea or tick collar in the past two weeks. This medication can take a few weeks before full effects are noted, but side effects can occur immediately. Gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
Indications and Usage:
Clomicalm Tablets are to be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral management program to treat separation anxiety in dogs greater than 6 months of age. Inappropriate barking or destructive behavior, as well as inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation) may be alleviated by the use of Clomicalm Tablets in conjunction with behavior modification.
Separation anxiety is a complex behavior disorder displayed when the owner (or other attachment figure) leaves the dog. The signs of separation anxiety evaluated in controlled trials were vocalization, destructive behavior, excessive salivation, and inappropriate elimination. In the absence of the owner or attachment figure, dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit one or more of these clinical signs. Although the owner (attachment figure) may inadvertently misinterpret this behavior, which only happens in their absence, as spiteful, it is thought to be the result of anxiety experienced by the dog. Punishment is not considered appropriate for a dog with separation anxiety.
Proper recognition of clinical signs, including a complete patient history and assessment of the patient’s household environment, is essential to accurately diagnose and treat separation anxiety. The use of Clomicalm Tablets should not replace appropriate behavioral and environmental management but should be used to facilitate a comprehensive behavior management program.
Contraindications:
Clomicalm Tablets are contraindicated in dogs with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants. Clomicalm Tablets should not be used in male breeding dogs. Testicular hypoplasia was seen in dogs treated for 1 year at 12.5 times the maximum daily dose. Clomicalm Tablets should not be given in combination, or within 14 days before or after treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor [e.g. selegiline hydrochloride (L-deprenyl),amitraz]. Clomicalm Tablets are contraindicated for use in dogs with a history of seizures or concomitantly with drugs which lower the seizure threshold.
Side effect of Clomicalm For Dogs
- Sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation are the most common side effects.
- Be sure your dog has access to plenty of water while taking ClomiCalm.
- Rare, but serious, side effects include abnormal bleeding, fever, seizures, fast heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
- Overdoses can be serious. Keep ClomiCalm out of reach of children and other animals.
- Do not use a flea or tick collar on your dog while giving Clomipramine without first talking to your veterinarian.
Prices of Clomicalm For Dogs
$45.85 – $180.07