Doses - THIACETARSEMIDE SODIUM

Dogs:

For elimination of adult heartworms:
a) 2.2 mg/kg (0.22 ml/kg of a 1% solution) given twice a day for 2 days. Use an indwelling intravenous catheter or winged infusion set to avoid extravasation injuries.(Kittleson 1985)
b) 2.2 mg/kg for 4 doses; may space doses from 6-12 hours apart, but entire dose shouldbe given within 36 hours. (Hoskins 1989)
c) 2.2 mg/kg IV bid for two days. Daily doses should be administered 4-8 hours apart andthe interval between the 2nd and 3rd dose should not be longer than 16 hours. (Knight1987)

Cats:

For elimination of adult heartworms:
a) 2.2 mg/kg IV bid for 2 days. (Dillon 1986)
b) 2.2 mg/kg IV q12h for 2 days. (Calvert 1989)
For Hemobartonella felis:
a) 1 mg/kg IV once; repeat in 2 days. Contraindicated in icteric patients; side effects arecommon. Oxytetracycline usually drug of first choice. (Maggio-Price 1988)
b) 0.25 mg/kg IV once and repeated 2 days later; potentially toxic. Oxytetracycline usuallydrug of first choice. (Lissman 1988)
Monitoring Parameters - Prior to therapy and after treatment prn (see Adverse effects section):
Thorough physical exam, CBC with platelets, UA, blood chemistry profile, thoracic radiographs,
ECG, vital signs, appetite, weight.
Client Information - Clients must understand the potential risks associated with therapy beforetreating (see Adverse Effects section) and be able to monitor at home for adverse effects(temperature, appetite, breathing (rate/effort, coughing), attitude and state of hydration). Clientsshould be given guidelines as to when to contact the veterinarian should adverse reactions occur.
The importance of keeping the dog quiet during the month after treatment must be emphasized.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products:
Thiacetarsemide Sodium 10 mg/ml (1%) in 50 ml multi-dose vials; Caparsolate® (Rhone
Merieux); (Rx) Approved for use in dogs.
Human-Approved Products: None