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Tripelennamine for Veterinary Use
by Barbara Forney, VMD
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Overview
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Therapeutic Class
Antihistamine
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Species
Horses
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Commonly Prescribed by Vets for:
Hives, bee stings, itchy skin and allergic skin conditions
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Search for Available Dosage Forms
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Basic Information
Tripelennamine is an antihistamine. It competitively inhibits histamine binding at the H1 receptors on sensitive cells in the respiratory tract, intestines, blood vessels and skin. When compared to other antihistamines, tripelennamine has minimal anticholinergic properties and is only moderately sedating.
Horses
Tripelennamine is used in horses to treat allergic problems such as hives and itchy skin reactions or more urgent allergic problems such as tongue or facial swelling due to bee sting, insect bites or contact with an irritating plant. Oral antihistamines generally take 20-45 minutes to exert an effect whereas injectable antihistamines such as tripelennamine or pyrilamine maleate act more rapidly. Injectable antihistamines, however, are more likely to cause adverse side-effects.
If antihistamines alone are unable to control all of the allergic signs, they may be used with corticosteroids allowing use of a lower dose of the corticosteroids.
Tripelennamine Side Effects
- Sedation, CNS depression and decreased coordination are the most-common side-effects with any antihistamine use. Less-common side-effects include excitement, fine tremors, whole-body tremors and seizures. Gastrointestinal side-effects such as colic or loss of appetite are possible.
- Antihistamines may thicken mucous in the respiratory tract. Extra caution should be used in horses with respiratory problems due to excess mucous.
Precautions
- High doses of antihistamines have been shown to cause birth defects in laboratory animals. It is not known if tripelennamine is excreted in milk. It should be used in pregnant or lactating animals only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Tripelennamine should not be administered intravenously in the horse due to potential CNS stimulation.
- Individual animals may react differently to antihistamines. Very young animals and very old animals may be more sensitive to the sedating side-effects of antihistamines. When using antihistamines in these populations, they should be used at the lowest possible dose.
- Tripelennamine has some abuse potential for human drug abusers. One should be aware of unusual requests for this drug.
- Antihistamines should be discontinued prior to skin testing.
Drug Interactions
- Antihistamines have an additive effect when combined with other CNS-depressant drugs, such as tranquilizers.
- Antihistamines may affect the activity of anticoagulants like warfarin.
Overdose
Overdoses can cause either increased sedation and ataxia, or CNS excitement and seizures.
About the Author
Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
The information contained on this site is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.