Doses - TOCAINIDE HCL
From the wide variation of suggested dosages listed below, it is obvious that more clinicalwork is necessary before a "consensus" dosage range is available. Until that time it is recommended to use this drug cautiously and consider monitoring serum levels to guide therapy.Dogs:
a) 5 mg/kg 2 - 3 times a day PO (Murtaugh and Ross 1988)
b) For large dogs (60-80 pounds):17 - 20 mg/kg PO q8h;
For small dogs: 30 mg/kg PO q8h (McConnell and Hughey 1987)
c) 50 - 100 mg/kg PO q12h (Wilcke 1985)
d) For suppression of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias: 15.4 - 110 mg/kg q8-12h PO.
May need to use other Class I drugs to improve effect. (Ettinger 1989)
Monitoring Parameters -1) ECG 2) Symptoms of toxicity (see Adverse Reactions); may wish to monitor CBC's if treatingchronically (Note: For human patients, the manufacturer recommends weekly CBC's withdifferential and platelets, be run at weekly intervals for the first 3 months of therapy andperiodically thereafter.) 3) Serum levels (therapeutic levels in humans are usually 3 - 10 micrograms/ml), especially ifsymptoms of toxicity or lack of efficacy are noted.
Client Information - To be effective, the animal must receive all doses as prescribed. Notifyveterinarian if the animal exhibits any abnormal bleeding or bruising, develops wheezing, shortnessof breath, or a cough. If dog vomits or becomes anorexic after dosing, give with food. If vomitingpersists or animal develops a change in behavior or attitude, notify veterinarian.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None
Dogs: 
a) 5 mg/kg 2 - 3 times a day PO (Murtaugh and Ross 1988) b) For large dogs (60-80 pounds):17 - 20 mg/kg PO q8h;
For small dogs: 30 mg/kg PO q8h (McConnell and Hughey 1987)
c) 50 - 100 mg/kg PO q12h (Wilcke 1985)
d) For suppression of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias: 15.4 - 110 mg/kg q8-12h PO.
May need to use other Class I drugs to improve effect. (Ettinger 1989)
Monitoring Parameters -
Client Information - To be effective, the animal must receive all doses as prescribed. Notifyveterinarian if the animal exhibits any abnormal bleeding or bruising, develops wheezing, shortnessof breath, or a cough. If dog vomits or becomes anorexic after dosing, give with food. If vomitingpersists or animal develops a change in behavior or attitude, notify veterinarian.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None