Brand name: Temaril-P

Available as a tablet containing 10mg trimeprazine tartrate and 2mg prednisolone

Background

There has long been a call for anti-inflammatory medications for pets, particularly for itchy skin. For decades, corticosteroids such as prednisone and prednisolone were used (and overused). Many pets found their itching controlled but then had to contend with side effects from steroid use. Alternative treatments such a lokivetmab, oclacitinib and cyclosporine have more recently entered the scene, but before their advent, other therapies such as shampoos, omega-3 fatty acids, and antihistamines were used concurrently with steroids so as to reduce the "steroid requirement."

Trimeprazine is an antihistamine of the phenothiazine class. It is combined with a low dose of prednisolone with the idea that a concurrent antihistamine treatment would boost the effectiveness of the low dose of the steroid. This combination seems to be effective for many patients. The goal of therapy, as with other steroid products, is to determine the lowest dose that controls the patient's symptoms.

The trimeprazine-prednisolone combination has also been found effective in treating chronic bronchitis and chronic coughing. Both the steroid and the antihistamine dry the respiratory secretions.

How This Medication Is Used 

This medication combines a corticosteroid (prednisolone) and an antihistamine (trimeprazine). It is an anti-inflammatory approved for both cough and itch.

Trimeprazine/prednisolone is an oral medication typically used twice daily until symptoms are controlled and then tapered down until the lowest effective dose is determined.

Do not double up on dosing if a dose is accidentally skipped.

Store this product in a dry location away from light.

Side Effects

As with other antihistamines, trimeprazine can induce drowsiness. Steroids famously increase thirst and appetite. Panting is often notably increased in dogs.

Interactions With Other Medications

Steroid medications should not be used concurrently with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories as this combination will promote stomach ulcers.

Combining this medication with other sedating medications can lead to an additive effect (extra sedation).

Neurologic side effects can result when this medication is combined with metoclopramide, a stomach motility modifier.

Concerns And Cautions

Since prednisolone is included in this product, the same concerns exist as with other steroids. Steroids can suppress the immune system so that latent infections can worsen. Steroids can lead to the retention of salt, which could destabilize heart disease. Steroids should not be given to pregnant or diabetic animals.