Proin ER Tablets

Proin ER tablets are a veterinary medication specifically formulated to treat urinary incontinence in dogs. The active ingredient, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, is a sympathomimetic amine that effectively strengthens the muscles of the bladder sphincter, providing long-lasting control.

Urinary incontinence in dogs, characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine, can stem from various factors, including weakened bladder muscles or hormonal imbalances. Proin ER addresses this by stimulating the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the urethral sphincter, helping to tighten these muscles and prevent frustrating accidents. The extended-release formulation ensures a consistent and sustained effect, reducing the need for frequent dosing.

It is crucial to use Proin ER only under the guidance and prescription of a veterinarian. Dosage and administration will be tailored to your dog's specific needs and condition. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure the best outcome and monitor for any potential side effects, which are typically mild but can include restlessness, increased heart rate or blood pressure, decreased appetite, and gastrointestinal upset. In rare cases, severe side effects may occur, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Key Benefits of Proin ER for Dogs:

1. Effective Urinary Incontinence Management: Specifically designed to control involuntary urine leakage by strengthening the bladder sphincter muscles.
2. Improved Quality of Life: Significantly reduces the discomfort and inconvenience associated with urinary incontinence, allowing for a more comfortable and active life.
3. Extended-Release Formula: Provides sustained medication release, reducing the frequency of dosing for convenience.
4. Veterinarian Supervision Essential: Prescription medication ensures tailored treatment and close monitoring for optimal safety and efficacy.
5. Proven Efficacy: Demonstrated effectiveness in managing urinary incontinence in many dogs by stimulating key receptors.
6. Generally Safe When Used as Directed: While side effects are possible, it is generally safe under veterinary guidance.
7. Convenient Dosing Schedule: The extended-release formula reduces the need for frequent medication administration.
8. Effective for Hormone-Responsive Incontinence: Particularly beneficial for managing urinary incontinence often seen in spayed female dogs.

Indications:

Proin ER tablets are primarily indicated for the treatment of urinary incontinence in dogs, a condition marked by the involuntary leakage of urine due to a loss of bladder control.

Hormone-responsive urinary incontinence, common in spayed female dogs due to decreased estrogen levels weakening the bladder muscles and urethral sphincter, is a key target for Proin ER. The medication's active ingredient, phenylpropanolamine, stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the urethral sphincter, leading to muscle tightening and improved control over urine flow, thus reducing or eliminating leakage.

While primarily used for hormone-responsive incontinence, veterinarians may also prescribe Proin ER for other causes of urinary incontinence in dogs based on their diagnosis. Proper veterinary diagnosis is crucial to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.

How Proin ER Works:

1. Alpha-Adrenergic Stimulation: Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the urethral sphincter.
2. Enhanced Bladder Sphincter Control: Stimulation of these receptors causes the urethral sphincter muscle to contract and tighten.
3. Increased Muscle Tone: This tightening action increases the tone of the bladder sphincter, improving its ability to prevent urine leakage.
4. Reduced Urine Leakage: The increased sphincter tone helps the dog better control urine flow, reducing or eliminating involuntary urination.
5. Extended-Release Action: The extended-release formulation ensures a slow and steady release of phenylpropanolamine, providing a consistent effect and reducing the need for frequent dosing.

Specifications:

• Brand: Proin ER
• Type: Extended-release tablets
• Indicated for: Management of urinary incontinence in dogs due to urethral sphincter hypotonus
• Dosage Form: Extended-release tablet
• Available Strengths: Typically available in bottles of 30 tablets
• Administration: Orally, once or twice daily as directed by your veterinarian, with or without food
• Packaging: Usually supplied in bottles containing 30 tablets
• Storage: Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C, 68-77°F), brief temperature excursions permitted
• Manufacturer: Various generic manufacturers
• Prescription Required: Yes

View NexGard Drug Facts Sheet (PDF)

Active Ingredient: phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride

What are the common clinical signs of urinary incontinence in dogs?
• Dripping or leaking urine
• Excessive licking of the genital area
• Red and irritated skin around the genital area
• Needing to to more frequently than normal
• Wetting the bed or sleeping area
• Urinating inappropriately in the house

Fortunately, while frustrating at first, canine urinary incontinence may be controlled with PROIN ER™, a safe and effective FDA-approved once-a-day tablet that works by increasing urethral sphincter tone to help prevent urinary accidents.

Why PROIN ER™
• Convenient – Given with food, a single dose per day simplifies treatment
• Innovative – Patented release technology provides controlled release that ensures steady absorption
• Easy to Administer – Chewable, liver-flavored tablets improve compliance
• Easy to Prescribe – Four dosing strengths based on body weight to provide simplicity
• FDA Approved – FDA approved for control of urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter hypotonus in dogs

Dosage & Administration:

The recommended dosage is 2 to 4 mg/kg (0.9 to 1.8 mg/lb) of body weight once daily according to Table 1 below. Administer PROIN ER with food (see Clinical Pharmacology). Do not split or crush tablets.

Dogs weighing less than 10 pounds cannot be safely dosed because tablet administration would result in a dose over 4 mg/kg.

^aBody weight should be rounded to the nearest pound.

^bDogs exceedign 125 lbs should receive the appropriate combination of tablets to achieve the recommended dosage.

Dogs may transition from PROIN® Chewable Tablets to PROIN ER without a break in administration. However, do not alternate PROIN ER with PROIN Chewable Tablets because the effectiveness and safety of interchangeable use have not been evaluated.

WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.

Keep PROIN ER in a secured location out of reach of dogs, cats, and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose.

PRECAUTIONS: Proin ER may mask signs of incontinence due to urinary tract infection. PROIN ER is not effective in dogs with incontinence due to neurologic disease or malformations.

PROIN ER may cause hypertension; therefore, use with caution in dogs with pre-existing heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, kidney insufficiency, diabetes, glaucoma, and conditions with a predilection for hypertension.

Use with caution in dogs receiving sympathomimetic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors as increased toxicity may result. Use with caution in dogs administered halogenated gaseous anesthetics as this may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

A laboratory study on human blood revealed that phenyl-propanolamine (PPA) used in conjunction with aspirin may potentiate decreased platelet aggregation.¹

PROIN ER may cause increase thirst; therefore, provide dogs with ample fresh water.

The safe use of PROIN ER has not been evaluated in dogs that are intended for breeding, or that are pregnant or lactating.