Basic Information
Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate is an anticholinergic that is used in dogs and cats as a smooth-muscle antispasmodic primarily for the control of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.
Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate reduces the amplitude and tone of colonic contractions. It also reduces gastric secretions and gastric acidity. The effects of aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate are similar to those of atropine but it is more specific for the gastrointestinal tract and has less mydriatic and salivary effects.
Dogs and Cats
Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate is used to treat vomiting, diarrhea, visceral spasm, pylorospasm, or hypertrophic gastritis in dogs and cats. The antispasmodic properties of aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate my help control "urgency" and discomfort associated with anorectal disease.
Side Effects
- The most frequent side effects are dry mouth, dry eyes, and blurring of vision. If blurring of vision occurs, a lower dose should be considered.
- Urinary hesitancy or urinary retention are less-frequent side-effects. Urinary retention is indicative of too high of a dose and the drug should be discontinued until it is resolved.
Precautions
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate should not be used in animals with glaucoma.
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate should be avoided or used with extreme caution in animals with pyloric obstruction, other GI obstruction, ileus, or ulcerative colitis. It should be avoided or used with extreme caution in animals with GI infections.
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate should not be used in animals with urinary obstruction, myasthenia gravis, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, liver or kidney disease, cardiac disease, or unstable cardiac status.
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate slows GI transit time by decreasing motility. As a consequence, it may prolong the exposure to toxins within the GI tract.
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate should not be used in geriatric, pregnant, lactating, or pediatric patients.
Drug Interactions
- Drug interactions for aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate are similar to those for atropine. They may include the following: procainamide, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, quinidine, antihistamines, meperidine, phenothiazines, primidone, disopyramides, nitrates, nitrofurantoin, thiazide diuretics, and sympathomimetic drugs.
- Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate may antagonize the effects of metoclopramide.
Overdose
- Overdose with aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate resembles overdose with atropine. Physostigmine is used in severe cases of atropine overdose and may be considered.
- Symptoms of overdose include: difficulty swallowing, dry eyes, blurry vision, dry mouth, constipation, ileus, urinary obstruction, seizures, sedation or excitement, abnormal heart rhythm, staggering, decreased respiratory rate, and dilated pupils.
- If an oral overdose is recognized promptly, gut-emptying protocols may be of benefit.
- Other treatments include activated charcoal, saline cathartics, fluid therapy, and supportive measures for shock.