Clomicalm (Clomipramine HCl) for Dogs - 20mg, 1 Tablet - [Behavior Support]

Clomicalm (clomipramine) is used to treat separation anxiety in dogs in connection with behavior modification and training. This medication affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs.

Key Benefits

• Treats separation anxiety in dogs
• Helps reduce symptoms caused by separation anxiety such as, excessive barking, inappropriate elimination, and other destructive tendencies
• It is not a tranquilizer or a sedative, and should not affect your dog's personality or memory

How it works

Clomicalm (clomipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant that affects chemicals in the brain (serotonin) that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs. Clomicalm treats separation anxiety in dogs. Separation anxiety is, in many cases, the root cause of behaviors such as excessive barking, inappropriate elimination, and other destructive tendencies. When used in conjunction with a training program, Clomicalm may be used to help decrease or eliminate these behaviors by helping treat the root cause.

Indications

Clomicalm Tablets are to be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral management program to treat separation anxiety in dogs greater than 6 months of age. Inappropriate barking or destructive behavior, as well as inappropriate elimination of (urination or defecation) may be alleviated by the use of Clomicalm Tablets in conjunction with behavior modification.

Separation anxiety is a complex behavior disorder displayed when the owner (or other attachment figure) leaves the dog. In the absence of the owner or attachment figure, dogs with separaton anxiety may exhibit one or more clinical signs. The signs of separation anxiety evaluated in controlled trials were vocalization, destructive behavior, excessive salivation, and inappropriate elimination. Although it may appear that this behavior, which only happens in the dog owner's absence, is a spiteful action, this behavior is thought to be a result of anxiety experienced by the dog. Therefore, punishment would not be appropriate for the dog with this behavior.

Behavior Modification (Training)

Behavior training is a necessary component of therapy with Clomicalm Tablets. In clinical trials, specific behavior training techniques were used at the following times:

• when the owner interacted with the dog while at home
• when the owner was preparing to leave the home
• when the owner returned home and greeted the dog

Since the methods used for behavior training can vary according to patient needs, it is important that you follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian regarding the specific techniques recommended for modifying your dog's behavior.

View Clomicalm Drug Facts Sheet.

The recommended daily dose of Clomicalm Tablets is 2 to 4 mg/kg/day (0.9 - 1.8 mg/lb/day) (see dosing table below). Your veterinarian will instruct you to give the drug either once a day or divide the daily dose into 2 separate doses depending on your dog's response to the drug or tolerance to any side effects. Clomicalm Tablets may be given with a small amount of food in an attempt to reduce the incidence of vomiting that may be experienced by some dogs. If a dose is missed, the next dose should be administered (without doubling) at the next scheduled dosing time.

Your veterinarian may decrease the dose or discontinue treatment with Clomicalm Tablets depending on your dog's response to treatment. Continued behavior training is recommended, even after cessation of drug therapy.

Caution:

Federal (USA) Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Contraindications:

Clomicalm Tablets are contraindicated in dogs with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine or related tricyclic antidepressants.

Clomicalm Tablets should not be used in male breeding dogs. Testicular hypoplasia was seen in dogs treated for 1 year at 12.5 times the maximum daily dose.

Clomicalm Tablets should not be given in combination, or within 14 days before or after treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor [e.g. selegiline hydrochloride (L-deprenyl), amitraz].

Clomicalm Tablets are contraindicated for use in dogs with a history of seizures or concomitantly with drugs which lower the seizure threshold.

Human Warnings:

Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical attention immediately. In children, accidental ingestion should be regarded as serious. There is no specific antidote for clomipramine. Overdose in humans causes anticholinergic effects including effects on the central nervous (e.g., convulsions) and cardiovascular (e.g., arrhythmia, tachycardia) systems. People with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine should administer the product with caution.

Precautions:

It is important that your dog be closely monitored by your veterinarian while on a treatment plan with Clomicalm Tablets and behavior training. You must inform your veterinarian of any current or future medications you are administering to your dog. The use of Clomicalm Tablets in conjunction with certain other drugs or when your dog has other illnesses may be contraindicated or increase the risks of adverse reactions.

It is important that you inform your veterinarian of any changes in your dog's environment including, but not limited to, a new family member, a new pet, a move to a new location, or a change in your existing daily schedule. Some changes may result in an altered response to therapy.

It is important to inform your veterinarian of any perceived changes in your dog's behavior, appetite, or overall health while administering any medication. Some dogs display a temporary lethargy with the first few days of Clomicalm treatment. In some cases, signs of separation anxiety, such as vocalization, may temporarily increase at the initiation of treatment. In an overdose situation, seek veterinary attention for your pet as soon as possible.

The safety and efficacy of Clomicalm Tablets have not been established in dogs less than 6 months of age or in pregnant or lactating female dogs. Clomicalm Tablets should not be used in breeding male dogs (see Contraindications). Clomicalm Tablets are not recommended for other behavior problems, such as aggression.

Efficacy:

Clomicalm Tablets were tested in clinical trials involving client-owned dogs to determine effectiveness. Clomicalm Tablets, at 2 - 4 mg/kg/day (0.9 - 1.8 mg/pound/day) when used in conjunction with behavior training accelerated both the time to improvement and the final result of separation anxiety therapy compared to behavioral training alone.

Adverse Reactions:

The following adverse reactions have been reported associated with administration of Clomicalm Tablets: lethargy/depression, vomiting, diarrhea, elevation in liver enzymes, convulsion(s), increased heart rate, decreased heart rate, increased thirst and confusion. Liver disease has occurred, especially in the presence of pre-existing conditions or with concurrent administration of drugs metabolized by the liver. In overdoses, signs such as vomiting, lethargy or depression, weakness and incoordination, dilated pupils, and vocalization may occur. Consult with your veterinarian if your dog experiences these or any other conditions. In case of accidental human ingestion or accidental overdose in dogs, call 1-888-545-5973.

Storage

Store in a dry place at controlled room temperature, between 59° and 77°F (15-25°C). Store unused tablets in the original closed container.