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PHARMACOLOGY

Hagyard-Davidson-McGee

Barrie Britt, DVM, RPh and T. D. Byars, DVM, ACVIM

This formulary, presented in tabular format, lists occasionally used medications and specialized
medications. It may be used as a reference for practice. Authors’ address: Hagyard-Davidson-
McGee Associates, PSC, 4250 Iron Works Rd., Lexington, KY 40511-8412. r 1997 AAEP.

1. Introduction ized medications for unique problems we don’t fre-

The occasional use formulary comprises medication quently encounter. It is designed to be carried as a
uses and dosages derived from general references, reference for practice. The medications are listed
specific articles, and the cumulative experiences of alphabetically by their generic name with the trade
equine practitioners. Drug dosage variations are names in parentheses afterward. Dosages are based
the result of dose differences and approximations upon per kilogram weights or a total adult horse
from reference information and clinical assess- weight of 500 kg. Clinical rationales and precau-
ments. The formulary is not a complete reference, tions may be briefly described. Many drug uses
as it has been compiled from sporadic cases that represent extralabel use.
have required the research of medication uses for a
limited number of clinical problems, albeit routine,
or unique and complicated in patient medical man- Abbreviations for routes of administration are as
agement. The rationales for each medication’s uses follows.
are listed and adverse reactions are noted whenever PO 5 per os, orally,
applicable. The formulary is intended as a guide SQ 5 subcutaneously,
for quick reference and does not represent complete IM 5 intramuscularly,
information regarding each medication’s usage. IV 5 intravenously,
Medication uses are presented as case application PR 5 per rectum.
discussions, with an emphasis on antibiotics, antiul-
cer medications, gastrointestinal prokinetics, cardio- Abbreviations for frequency of administration are as
vascular support, sepsis and shock treatments, follows.
pulmonary diseases, hemorrhagic diasthesis, repro- QD 5 once daily,
ductive disorders, neurological medications, and SID 5 once daily,
enteritis and laminitis treatments. Supportive BID 5 twice daily,
medications are discussed for renal and liver dis-
TID 5 three times daily,
ease. Diagnostics regarding the appropriate use of
QID 5 four times daily,
medications are to be emphasized and treatment
protocols are considered to be either therapeutic or q 24 h 5 every 24 h,
symptomatic. q 12 h 5 every 12 h,
q 8 h 5 every 8 h,
2. Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Formulary q 6 h 5 every 6 h,
This formulary (in tabular format) lists occasionally q 4 h 5 every 4 h,
used medication doses we tend to forget, or special- QOD 5 every other day.

NOTES

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Acepromazine (Promace) Adult: 1 cc (10 mg) IM, QID Hypotensive dose for laminitis/renal
failure
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 2.5 mg/kg PO, BID Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis treat-
ment; diuretic of potassium bicar-
bonate
Acetylcysteine solution 4% 200 ml PR, through a Foley’s catheter Enema for meconium impaction
and clamp for 20 min. before evacu-
ating the rectum
Activated charcoal 1–3 g/kg as slurry, PO Intestinal adsorbent; administer via
Adult: 500 g in 3L H2O, PO stomach tube
Albuterol (Proventil) 0.01 mg/kg PO, BID to TID Bronchodilator
Amikacin sulfate (Amiglyde-V) 5.0–8.0 mg/kg IV or IM, q 8 h to q 12 h; Antibiotic (aminoglycoside) for paren-
15 mg/kg IV q 24 h teral use
Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) 20 g in 1 L normal saline over 1 h, then Antifibrinolytic
10 g in fluids, QID
Aminophylline, parenteral (see theo- 5–15 mg/kg IV, slowly, BID (8–15 µg/ml Bronchodilator, diuretic
phylline for oral) serum level); dosage volume should
be diluted in at least 100 ml of D5W
or normal saline
Ammonium chloride Adult: 30–60 g PO, SID Urinary acidifier; not for use in renal
failure
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox) Foal: 10–30 mg/kg PO, q 8 h to q 12 h Antibiotic (absorption in foals); use
with caution in adult horses
Amphotericin B (Fungizone) 0.3–1.0 mg/kg IV in 1 L 5% dextrose Antifungal; toxic to kidneys
over 20–30 min; dosed every other
day
Ampicillin sodium 10–30 mg/kg IV, q 8 h to q 12 h Antibiotic
Arginine 100 g (10% in 1 L normal saline) IV, Nitric oxide precursor for use in lami-
BID for 1–3 days nitis
Ascorbic acid (Vit. C) 10–20 g PO, SID–BID Enhances vascular integrity; urinary
acidifier; treatment for stress of
strenuous exercise
Aspirin Adult: 5–7 mg/kg PO, SID or QOD Antiplatelet, antithrombotic
Atracurium besylate 0.2–0.28 mg/kg IV Paralyzing agent
Atropine 0.02–0.10 mg/kg IV, IM, or SQ; or 5 Bronchodilator, parasympatholytic
mg/450 kg IV
Aurothioglucose, i.e., gold salts (Solga- 50 mg IM test dose; then 1 mg/kg IM For pemphigus/skin disease
nal) weekly; eventually decrease from
weekly to monthly dosing
Azathioprine (Imuran) 1–2 mg/kg PO, SID Immunosuppressant; may use in place
of steroids
Bacitracin zinc 22 mg/kg PO, q 24 h Treatment for colitis X
Barium sulfate 3 g/kg PO Given once as antidiarrheal
Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) 8 mg IV Given once for priapism (not paraphi-
mosis); also treatment for acute reac-
tion of fluphenazine toxicity
Bethanechol (Urecholine) 20–40 mg (0.07 mg/kg) SQ, TID; 80 mg Enhances urinary bladder and
PO, TID; do not give IV or IM sphincter tone
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, 1 oz (30 ml)/8 kg body weight PO, TID Antidiarrheal
Gastro-Cote, Corrective Mixture) to QID

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Bretylium (Bretylol) 5 mg/kg IV bolus Antiventricular fibrillation; chemical

defibrillators have limited application
and success
Butorphanol tartrate (Torbugesic, 0.05–0.1 mg/kg IV or IM Analgesic/sedative (can be used with
Stadol) Rompun); cough suppressant; may
cause CNS excitement (antidote Nal-
oxone)
Caffeine (No-Doz) Loading: 10 mg/kg PO Respiratory stimulant for dummy foals
Maintenance: 2.5 mg/kg PO, BID
Calcium EDTA 6.6% solution: 25 mg/kg IV, in 5% dex- Chelator for lead poisoning
trose, slowly, TID for 4 days, then 2
days off, then treat again for 4 days,
then discontinue; monitor lead levels
Carbenicillin (Geocillin) 20 mg/kg PO, q 8 h Antibiotic
Ceftazidime (Fortaz) 20–50 mg/kg IV, q 6 h to q 12 h Antibiotic; potent 3rd generation cepha-
losporin; costly
Ceftiofur (Naxcel) 0.45 mg/kg IM, SID; 4 cc/100 kg body Antibiotic; 3rd generation cephalospo-
weight IV or IM, q 12 h to q 24 h rin; potential for diarrhea with IV
administration
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 25–50 mg/kg IV or IM, BID Antibiotic; potent 3rd generation cepha-
losporin
Cephalexin (Keflex) 25 mg/kg PO, q 6 h Antibiotic; 1st generation cephalosporin
Cephalothin (Keflin) 20 mg/kg IV or IM, q 6 h Antibiotic; 1st generation cephalosporin
Chloramphenicol palmitate, oral (Medi- 44 mg/kg PO, q 6 h to q 8 h Antibiotic (bacteriostatic)
chol)
Chloramphenicol sodium succinate, 25 mg/kg IV or IM, q 4 h to q 6 h Antibiotic (bacteriostatic)
parenteral
Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 2500 to 4000 IU, IM or SQ Induces ovulation after estrus
Cimetidine (Tagamet) 8.8 mg/kg PO or 4.4 mg/kg IV, TID H2 antagonist, ulcer medication
2.5 mg/kg PO, BID to TID Antimelanoma
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) Adult: 2.5 g PO, q 24 h plus 1 g pro- Fluoroquinolone antibiotic; may destroy
benecid cartilage in foals
Colchicine 1 mg/100 kg body weight PO, SID to May inhibit liver cirrhosis
BID
Cyproheptadine (Periactin) 60 mg/450 kg (can increase to 120 Treatment for pituitary adenoma
mg/450 kg over 2–4 weeks)
Dantrolene (Dantrium) Prevention: 2.0 mg/kg PO, SID For myositis/tying up; increases cal-
Treatment: 15–25 mg/kg IV, slowly, cium to muscle
QID
Detomidine (Dormosedan) 0.02–0.04 mg/kg IV or IM For sedation and/or analgesia; IV only
for analgesia
Dexamethasone (Azium) For glucocorticoid therapy: 0.05–0.2 Anti-inflammatory
mg/kg PO, IM or IV, SID
For dexamethasone suppression Testing for Equine Cushing’s Syndrome
test: 20 mg IM = normal values:
cortisol levels decrease 50% in 2 h,
70% in 4 h, and 80% in 6 h; at 24 h,
levels are still depressed ,50% of
original values

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Diazepam (Valium) Foal: 5–15 mg IV; may repeat in 30 Sedative and anticonvulsant
min
Adult: 15–30 mg IV
0.02 mg/kg IV Appetite stimulant (offer animal food
immediately after dosing)
Diethylcarbamazine 3 mg/kg PO, SID 6Anti-SRSA in heaves
Digoxin (Lanoxin) Loading: 0.006 mg/kg IV or 0.06 Cardiac inotrope; toxic above 2.0 µg/ml
mg/kg PO serum level; monitor
Maintenance: 0.01 mg/kg PO, SID
Dihydrostreptomycin 25 mg/kg IV, q 24 h Treatment for leptospirosis
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 0.5–1 mg/kg IV or IM Adjunctive therapy anaphylaxis; hives
Dipyrone (Novin) 22 mg/kg IV or IM Analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic
for gut
DMSO 1 g/kg as a 20% solution in 5% dextrose Inhibits edema of CNS, spinal cord, and
given over 30 min, SID to BID for 3–5 lungs
days
Dobutamine (Dobutrex) 250 mg in 500 ml 5% dextrose gives 500 Cardiac inotrope for heart failure,
µg/ml solution; administer 2–4 µg/ shock
kg/min
Domperidone 1.1 mg/kg PO, SID 10 days prior to Treatment for agalactia and prolonged
expected foaling date for mares gestation
known to have been grazing fescue
1.1 mg/kg PO, for 10–20 days Treatment for nonresponsive follicles
during transition phase
Dopamine 200 mg in 1L 5% dextrose gives 200 Increases cardiac output and renal per-
µg/ml solution; administer 2–5 µg/ fusion; use with diuretic
kg/min
Doxapram HCL (Dopram) Foals: 2 cc IV; may be repeated up to 3 Respiratory stimulant
total doses at 5-min intervals
Enrofloxacin (Baytril) 2.5 mg/kg, q 12 h Fluoroquinolone antibiotic; use with
caution in foals
Epinephrine Adult: 5 cc of 1:1000 solution/500 kg, IV; Cardiac intrope for anaphylaxis/cardiac
can repeat or use in drip standstill; may administer intracheal
for foals
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 10–25 mg/kg PO, q 8 h Antibiotic (esp. Rhodococcus spp.); may
cause diarrhea, hyperthermia; avail-
able as a suspension
Erythromycin stearate 10–25 mg/kg PO, q 6 h to q 8 h Antibiotic (esp. Rhodococcus spp.); may
cause diarrhea, hyperthermia
Erythropoietin (Epogen, Procrit) 50 IU/kg SQ, once weekly Treatment for renal anemia; may cause
aplastic anemia
Estradiol 17 Beta Mare: 15–30 mg IM, once 24 h prior to Amplify mare’s receptivity to stallion
breeding and relax cervix
Estrogens, conjugated (Premarin) 25–50 mg/500 kg IV Antihemorrhagic for abnormal uterine
bleeding
Famotidine (Pepcid) 2–3 mg/kg PO, BID H2 antagonist for ulcers
Fenbendazole (Panacur) 10 mg/kg for 5 days Larvicidal
anthelmintic 6 fibrinolytic 1 antiulcer
Folic acid 400–500 mg/day Supplement for EPM therapy
Furosemide (Lasix) Up to 0.5–1.0 mg/kg IV or IM Antiedema, esp. pulmonary
0.3–0.6 mg/kg IV; check state laws for Epistaxis prevention
prerace administration time

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Gentamicin (Gentocin) 2 mg/kg IM or IV, q 6 h to q 8 h; 4.4 Antibiotic (aminoglycoside), nephro-

mg/kg IV, q 12 h; 6.6 mg/kg IV q 24 h toxic at high doses
Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) Test dose: 4 mg IV Bronchodilator for horses with heaves
Maintenance: 1 mg SQ, SID
Gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 cc q 4–6 h or 2 cc q 12 h, IM Stimulates follicles
(GnRH, LH-RH, etc.)
Griseofulvin, microsize (Fulvicin-U/F) 10 mg/kg PO, SID for 7 days Treatment for susceptible dermato-
phytic infections
Heparin 40–80 IU/kg SQ or IV, TID or 80–100 Anticoagulant, antithrombotic; lipase
IU/kg in IV drip, TID activator for fatty liver syndrome
Hetastarch (Hespan) Adult: 6–8 3 500 ml poly bags IV for Vascular volume expander in cases
resuscitation such as hemorrhaging; costly
Hyaluronate sodium IV (Legend) 40 mg (4 ml) IV weekly, for a total of 3 For noninfectious synovitis associated
treatments with equine osteoarthritis
Hydroxyzine HCL (Atarax) Adult: 500 mg PO; BID Treatment for recurrent pruritus/urti-
caria
Hyperalimentation solution 1 drop per 4–6 s IV; lipids: 1 g/kg first Formula: 50:50 solution of 5–8%
day; if no lipemia, 2 g/kg per day amino acids and 50% dextrose; can
thereafter add isotonic lipids
Hypertonic saline 7% 5 ml/kg over 10–15 min Shock treatment; follow with fluid
therapy, colloids
Iodide, sodium 250 ml of a 20% solution IV QD for 5 Treatment for various fungal conditions
days; 20–40 mg/kg QD for 7–14 days
Imipenem-Cilastatin (Primaxin) 5 mg/kg IV, over 20 min, q 6 h to q 8 h Antibiotic; costly
Imipramine HCl (Tofranil) 0.8–1.0 mg/kg PO, BID Treatment of self-mutilation; increases
urethral tone
Iohexol (Omnipaque) 20–40 ml into subarachnoid space (to Diagnostic agent for equine myelog-
replace removed volume of CSF fluid) raphy
Isoniazid 10–20 mg/kg PO, SID Antituberculin
Isoxsuprine HCL (Vasodilan) 0.6 mg/kg PO, BID Vasodilator for laminitis/navicular dis-
ease
Itraconazole (Sporanox) 3 mg/kg PO, BID Treatment for aspergillosis; costly
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) 10 mg/kg PO, SID or BID (BID for Antifungal 6 blocks thromboxane
Aspergillus spp.)
Ketoprofen (Ketofen) 2.2 mg/kg IV, SID for 5 days Alleviation of inflammation and pain
associated with musculoskeletal dis-
orders
Lactulose (Chronulac) 150–200 ml PO, QID Decrease ammonia in liver disease
Levamisole 2 mg/kg PO for 3–5 days 6Immune modulator
Levothyroxine (Thyro-L) 10–40 mg PO, SID Treatment of hypothyroidism
Lidocaine Adult: 20 ml of 2% solution w/o epi- Treatment for acute cardiac ventricular
nephrine; 0.5–1.0 mg/kg IV as bolus; tachycardia
to be followed by a calibrated IV drip;
want 1–6 µg/ml serum level
Mannitol 0.25–2 g/kg as a 20% solution IV, slowly, Diuretic, reduce CNS edema; antioxi-
over 30 min dant (may alter with DMSO in foals)
Meclofenamic acid (Arquel) 2.2 mg/kg PO, SID Treatment of acute or chronic musculo-
skeletal disorders
Methionine 30–60 g PO, SID Urinary acidifier; not for use in renal
failures

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (Continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Methocarbamol (Robaxin) 5–25 mg/kg IV slowly; 25–75 mg/kg PO, Muscle relaxant, for myositis/tying up;
BID give for muscle spasms and to effect
muscle relaxation
Methylene Blue 0.5–2.0 mg/kg IV, given only once Nitric oxide inhibitor
Metoclopramide (Reglan) 0.1–0.2 mg/kg IV or IM, TID to QID; Stimulates gastric contraction and GI
0.1–0.25 mg/kg PO, QID motility in foals; rapid infusion may
cause CNS stimulation
Metrizamide (Amipaque) 9.33 g in 21 ml normal saline/250 kg Myelogram (intrathecal use only)
Metronidazole (Flagyl) 10–15 mg/kg PO, q 8 h to q 12 h Anaerobic infections
Misoprostol (Cytotec) 2 µg/kg PO, QID Prostaglandin E analog with GI anti-
secretory and mucosal protective
properties; do not give to pregnant
mares
Morphine epidural 10–30 mg via indwelling spinal cath- Caudal spinal analgesia
eter
Moxidectin 0.4 mg/kg Parasite removal, esp. encysted small
strongyles
Naloxone (Narcan) 10–20 mg IV (shock dose: 0.03 mg/kg Hemorrhage, esp. postfoaling, 6antien-
IV) dotoxic; 6CNS antidote for depres-
sion
Naproxen (Naprosyn) 5 mg/kg IV, slowly; then 10 mg/kg PO, Alleviation of inflammation and pain
BID for up to 14 days, consecutively associated with musculoskeletal dis-
orders, especially typing up
Nebulization solution 3–10 ml of 20% acetylcysteine solution Inhalant for mucorestrictive airway
with 8 ml NaHCO3 and 42 ml H2O disease
(enhanced activity of acetylcysteine
in basic pH of 7–9)
Neomycin sulfate 5–15 mg/kg PO, q 24 h Antibiotic for susceptible enteral infec-
tions
Neostigmine Foal: 1 mg SQ Deflates tympanic foals; stimulates
Adult: #6 mg SQ at 1-h intervals; large colon motility
repeat as indicated
Nitroglycerin, topical 1 in. of ointment (15 mg) topically to Treatment for acute laminitis, local
digital arteries daily, also topical digital artery vasodilator
patches
Omeprazole (Prilosec) 0.7–1.7 mg/kg PO, SID Antiulcer treatment; proton blockade
Osmolite/Peptamen Work up to 16,000 Cal/day over 4 days, Oral liquid diet/nutrition
divided BID to TID
Oxacillin 25 mg/kg IV or IM, q 8 h, or 25–50 Penicillinase resistant penicillin for
mg/kg IV or IM, q 12 h Staph infections
Oxytetracycline (LA 200) 44 mg/kg IV, slowly, q 12 h to q 24 h Treatment of contracted tendons in
foals
10–18 mg/kg IV, slowly, q 24 h Antibiotic for Potomac Horse Fever
(bacteriostatic)
Oxytocin 80–150 IU, IV, or IM Abortigenic
20–40 IU, IM, BID to TID For retained placenta or postpartum
metritis
Penicillamine 3 mg/kg PO, QID Heavy metal toxicosis
Penicillin procaine G, intramuscular 20,000–50,000 IU/kg IM, q 8 h to q 12 h Antibacterial for gram (1)
Penicillin potassium V, oral 40,000–100,000 IU/kg PO, q 8 h to Antibacterial for gram (1); can cause
q 12 h diarrhea, especially in adults

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Pentoxifylline (Trental) 7.5 mg/kg PO, BID to TID Vasodilator/rheologic agent; laminitis
prophylaxis; placentitis therapy;
anti-TNF therapy
Perphenazine (Trilafon) 0.4 mg/kg PO, BID Agalactia
Pergolide (Permax) 0.01 mg/kg PO, SID Treatment for pituitary adenoma
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) 4 mg/kg PO, BID to TID Relief of irritation/spasm of urinary
tract mucosa; urinary tract anes-
thesia for bladder irritation or ure-
thritis; caution: urine will stain
Phenobarbital 8–16 mg/kg diluted in 50 ml of normal Anticonvulsant, sedative; sedative
saline over 20–30 min; then 5–10 anesthetic
mg/kg diluted in 50 ml of normal
saline given over 20–30 min, q 8 h;
2–4 mg/kg PO, BID for long-term
therapy
Phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline) 0.2–0.6 mg/kg PO, QID Hypotensive agent used for laminitis;
antisecretion agent used for diarrhea
Phenylpropanolamine (Propagest) 2.5 mg/kg PO, BID to TID To increase urethral tone
Phenytoin extended release (Dilantin) Foal: 2.8–16.5 mg/kg PO, q 8 h Anticonvulsant; treatment for myositis
Adult: 3–8 g PO, morning; 3–5 g after-
noon; want 5–10 µg/ml serum level
for 5 days, then 3–5 g SID for 7 days
Polymyxin B 6,000 IU/kg IV, BID Antiendotoxic
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans Adult: 500 mg IM dosed every 4–5 Chronic joint disease
(Adequan) days for total of 4–7 doses
Potassium Cl (KCL) 88–160 mg/kg PO in 1–6 L water Test for HYPP (hyperkalemia)
Prednisone (Deltasone) Adult: 200 mg–5 g QOD Corticosteroid for antiallergy/COPD
Prednisolone sodium succinate 1.0–2.5 mg/kg IV CNS/spinal trauma and shock dose
(Solu-Delta-Cortef )
Propantheline bromide Adult: 30 mg IV, then wait 5–10 min Relaxes rectum to ease palpation in
maiden mares; relaxes uterus for
pinching of a twin
Pyrilamine maleate (Histavet-P) 1 mg/kg IV, slowly; IM or SQ For histamine-mediated adverse reac-
tions; hives
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim) 1 mg/kg PO, q 24 h with sulfa therapy; EPM medication with sulfa therapy
Adult: 250–500 mg total dose PO,
SID
Quinidine sulfate 1st day: 5 g oral test dose; 2nd Treatment for atrial fibrillation in
day: 10 g oral dose, then 10 g incre- young horses in training
mental increases per 2 h; dose up to
60 g
Ranitidine (Zantac) 1.4 mg/kg IM or IV, TID; 4.4 mg/kg PO, Antiulcer, gastric H2 receptor antago-
BID to TID nist
Reserpine (Serpasil) 2.5 mg PO for 7–10 days Treatment for agalactia
Rifampin (Rimactane) 5 mg/kg PO, q 12 h; 10 mg/kg PO, q 24 h For use in chronic infections (especially
Rhodococcus spp.); used synergisti-
cally with other antibiotics
Rubeola virus immunomodulator 2 ml SQ in neck for 3–6 days Treatment for myalgia and tying up
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate Foal: 15–30 g/100 kg, PO or PR, BID Used for reduction of elevated potas-
(Kayexalate) sium levels such as uroperitoneum in
foals
Spectinomycin 5.5 mg/kg IV slowly; IM or PO, q 8 h; 20 Antibiotic; bacteriostatic
mg/kg IM, q 8 h

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PHARMACOLOGY
Formulary Table (continued)

Drug Amount, Route, Frequency Indication

Streptomycin 5–15 mg/kg IV or IM, q 8 h Antibiotic 6 leptospirosis

Sucralfate (Carafate) 1 g tablet/200 kg body weight PO, BID Coats stomach and intestinal ulcers
to TID; 2 mg/kg PO, TID
Sulfadiazine/trimethoprim (Tribrissen, 15–30 mg/kg IV, q 8 h to q 12 h; 30 Antibiotic
Uniprim) mg/kg PO, q 24 h
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 24 mg/kg PO, BID Antibiotic
Terbutaline (Brethine) 0.06 mg/kg PO, BID to TID; Foal: Bronchodilator
10–15 mg PO, BID to TID
Adult: 30 mg PO, BID to TID
Theophylline, oral (see aminophylline 10–15 mg/kg PO, BID; serum level Bronchodilator, diuretic
for parenteral) to be no greater than 15 µg/ml
Thiabendazole 40 g/100 kg for 2 days Larvicidal anthelmintic for early L4;
6 fibrinolytic
Thiamine 0.5–5 mg/kg IV, IM or PO, SID CNS disorders (polioencephalomalacia)
Ticarcillin (Ticar) 50–100 mg/kg IV or IM, q 6 h to q 8 h Antibiotic, esp. for pseudomonas spp.
Ticarcillin/clavulanate (Timentin) 50–200 mg/kg IV, q 6 h to q 8 h Antibiotic with clavulanate to block
penicillinase, esp. for Pseudomonas
spp.
Tripelennamine (Trienamine) 1 mg/kg IM, q 6 h to q 8 h Antihistamine for anaphylaxis, lami-
nitis, or hives
Vancomycin 6 mg/kg IV, slowly, q 8 h Staph infections
Vincristine (Oncovin) 0.02 mg/kg IV, once daily to twice For thrombocytopenia purpura; can be
weekly used with steroids
Vit. C (see ascorbic acid) 10–20 g PO, SID to BID Enhances vascular integrity; urinary
acidifier; treatment for stress of
strenuous exercise
Vit. E 6000 IU, PO, SID Nerve healing; equine motor neuron
disease
Vit. K1 0.5–2.5 mg/kg IM or SQ, q 4 h to q 6 h; Antidote to warfarin toxicosis
Adults: 300–500 IU, SQ, SID Prophylactic to antibiotic induced hem-
orrhage
Xyalazine (Rompun, Sedazine) 0.25 mg/kg in 6 ml of saline Epidural anesthesia
Yohimbine (Yocon) 0.075 mg/kg IV Treatment for xylazine reversal

Hagyard-Davidson-McGee, PSC makes no war- Plumb DC. Veterinary drug handbook. 2nd ed. Ames, IA:
ranty as to the accuracy of the information because Iowa State U. Press, 1995.
dosages have been compiled from more than a single Robinson NE. Current therapy in equine medicine I–IV. Ap-
literature resource. pendix. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1983–1997.
Wilson D. Antibiotic use in horses. 17th Bain-Fallon Mem
Further Reading
Lect 1995.
Adams RH. Veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics. 7th Allen DG, Pringle JK, Smith D. Handbook of veterinary drugs.
ed. Ames, IA: Iowa State U. Press, 1995. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1993.

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