Doses - AMITRIPTYLINE HCL

Dogs:

For adjunctive treatment of pruritus:
a) 1 - 2 mg/kg PO q12h (Paradis and Scott 1992)
b) For acral pruritic dermatitis: 2.2 mg/kg PO bid; only occasionally effective. A 2-4 weektrial is recommended. (Rosychuck 1991)
For self-mutilation behaviors:
a) 1 - 2 mg/kg PO q12h; with behavior modification. (Shanley and Overall 1992)
For adjunctive treatment of separation anxiety or other tricyclic antidepressant-responsivebehavior disorders:
a) 2.2 - 4.4 mg/kg PO once daily. (Marder 1991)

Cats:

For adjunctive treatment of behavior disorders:
a) 5 -10 mg per cat PO once daily (Miller 1989), (Marder 1991)
b) For spraying: 5 mg PO daily (McConnell and Hughey 1992)
For self-mutilation behaviors:
a) 5 -10 mg per cat PO once to twice daily; with behavior modification. (Shanley and Overall 1992)
Monitoring Parameters - 1) Efficacy; 2) Adverse Effects
Client Information - All tricyclics should be dispensed in child-resistant packaging and kept wellaway from children or pets. Inform clients that several weeks may be required before efficacy isnoted and to continue dosing as prescribed.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Amitriptyline HCl tablets 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 mg; Elavil® (Zeneca) (Rx); generic; (Rx)Amitriptyline HCl for Injection 10 mg/ml; Elavil® (Zeneca); (Rx)
There are also fixed dose oral combination products containing amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide, and amitriptyline and perphenazine.