Zycortal Suspension (Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate) 25 mg/ml - 4 ml Vial

Zycortal Suspension

(desoxycorticosterone pivalate)

Injectable Suspension

USES:

Zycortal Suspension 25MG/ML, 4 ML Vial is a medication for treating dogs with primary adrenocortical insufficiency, or Addison's Disease. The main ingredient Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate (DOCP) in Zycortal Suspension pet meds replaces the depleted mineralocorticoid steroids and prevents the buildup of toxic substances in the bloodstream. Zycortal Suspension extends your dog's quality of life if he is suffering from Addison's Disease.

INDICATION:

For use as replacement therapy for the mineralocorticoid deficit in dogs with primary adrenocortical insufficiency.

CAUTION:

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DOSAGE:

In treating canine hypoadrenocorticism, Zycortal Suspension replaces the mineralocorticoid hormones only. Glucocorticoid replacement must be supplied by small daily doses of glucocorticoid hormones (e.g., prednisone or prednisolone) (0.2 - 0.4 mg/kg/day).

Prior to each use, thoroughly shake the vial to resuspend the product. ZYCORTAL Suspension replaces the mineralocorticoid hormones only. Dogs with combined glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency should also be treated with prednisone or prednisolone at an initial dosage of 0.2-0.4 mg/kg/day (0.1-0.2 mg/lb/day). ZYCORTAL Suspension is intended for long-term administration at intervals and doses dependent upon individual response. Tailor the dose of ZYCORTAL Suspension and the concurrently administered glucocorticoid replacement therapy to the individual dog based on clinical response and normalization of Na+ and K+ concentrations. Initial dose of ZYCORTAL Suspension: The initial dose is 2.2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) body weight, administered by subcutaneous injection.

The well-controlled patient will have normal electrolytes at 14 days after administration or may exhibit slight hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. This needs no additional therapy as long as the patient is active and eating normally. Watch closely for depression, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea which indicate a probable glucocorticoid deficiency.

At the end of the 25-day dosing interval, the patient should be clinically normal and have normal serum electrolytes. Alternatively, they may have slight hyponatremia and slight hyperkalemia. This constellation of signs indicate that the dosage and dosage interval should not be altered.

If the dog is not clinically normal or serum electrolytes are abnormal, then the dosage interval should be decreased 2-3 days.

Occasionally, dogs on Zycortal Suspension therapy may develop polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD). This usually indicates excess glucocorticoid, but may also indicate a Zycortal Suspension excess. It is prudent to begin by decreasing the glucocorticoid dose first. If the PU/PD persists, then decrease the dose of Zycortal Suspension without changing the interval between doses.

ADMINISTRATION:

Before injection, shake the vial thoroughly to mix the microcrystals with the suspension vehicle. PERCORTEN-V suspension is to be injected intramuscularly. Care should be used to prevent inadvertent intravenous injection, which may cause acute collapse and shock. Such animals should receive immediate therapy for shock with intravenous fluids and glucocorticoids.

PRECAUTIONS:

Use ZYCORTAL Suspension with caution in dogs with congestive heart disease, edema, severe renal disease or primary hepatic failure. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate may cause polyuria, polydipsia, increased blood volume, edema and cardiac enlargement. Excessive weight gain may indicate fluid retention secondary to sodium retention. Do not use desoxycorticosterone pivalate in pregnant dogs.

Any dog presenting with severe hypovolemia, dehydration, pre-renal azotemia and inadequate tissue perfusion (“Addisonian crisis”) must be rehydrated with intravenous fluid (saline) therapy before starting treatment with ZYCORTAL Suspension. The effectiveness of ZYCORTAL Suspension may be reduced if potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, are administered concurrently.

WARNING:

Not for human use.

Do not use this drug in pregnant dogs. Do not use in dogs suffering from congestive heart disease, severe renal disease or edema.

Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of human consumption, contact a physician or Poison Control Center immediately.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature, preferably between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from light. Protect from freezing.