CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Linda Horspool, Fear Free,
Medication: Trilostane
Medication: Trilostane
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient trilostane to treat hyperadrenocorticism.
Key points:
• Adrenocortical suppressant.
• Do not use in pregnant or nursing bitches or in animals intended for breeding.
• Do not use in dogs with primary hepatic disease and/or renal insufficiency.
• Do not use in dogs weighing less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs).
• Do not handle the capsules if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
• Do not divide or open capsules.
• Dosage: once daily administration with food is recommended. However, if clinical signs are not controlled for the full day, twice daily dosing with food may be needed. Do not adjust the dose or give a double dose without veterinary advice.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Trilostane.
Brand name
- Modrastane® (Europe & UK, USA).
- Modrenal® (Europe & UK, USA).
- Vetoryl® (Europe & UK, USA).
Class of medication
- Adrenocortical suppressant.
Storage
- Store in a dry place in the original packaging at controlled room temperature (25°C or 77°F (15-30°C or 59-86°F is permitted).
Why has my dog been prescribed trilostane?
Your veterinarian has prescribed trilostane to treat canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC or Cushing’s disease and syndrome).
Cushing’s disease is a condition in which excess levels of the hormone cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands. Trilostane blocks steroid production including cortisol in the adrenal glands.
How is the medication given?
Trilostane is given as oral capsules once a day. The capsules are best given in the morning with food as food enhances the absorption of trilostane. Some dogs may require twice a day dosing.
Dog owners who are pregnant or trying to conceive, should not handle the capsules.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The most common side effects are poor or reduced appetite, vomiting, lethargy / dullness, diarrhea, and weakness have been reported. Treatment may unmask arthritis. Occasionally, more serious and potentially life-threatening reactions, including severe depression, hemorrhagic diarrhea, collapse, may occur.
Trilostane should not be used with other drugs that suppress adrenal function, eg mitotane. There is also a risk of hyperkalemia developing if trilostane is used in conjunction with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Trilostane is a life-long therapy. Once stabilized on treatment, dogs with Cushing’s disease will usually live a normal life.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused trilostane safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save trilostane for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your dog is unwell or develops any signs of illness including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Trilostane should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not use in pregnant or nursing bitches or in any animals intended for breeding.
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Do not use when renal insufficiency is suspected.
- Do not use in animals suffering from primary hepatic disease.
- Do not use with other drugs suppressing adrenal function, eg mitotane.
- Used with extreme caution in dogs with pre-existing anemia.
- Drug interactions can occur if trilostane is used in conjunction with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Wash hands with soap and water following accidental exposure and after use.
Do not divide or open capsules: in the event of accidental breakage of the capsules and contact of the granules with eyes or skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on trilostane?
Dogs on trilostane will need regular monitoring of response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation as well as electrolytes, kidney and liver function. Your veterinarian will want to carry out tests at 10-14 days, 30 days and 90 days after starting the medication, and thereafter every 3 months.
The initial dose is adjusted in 20-50% increments on the basis of ACTH stimulation tests (to measure the amount of cortisol) or pre-trilostane cortisol monitoring results to achieve desired level of control.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on trilostane can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate, UK (2021)
- Dechra UK Vetoryl®: www.canine-cushings.co.uk/
USA
- Dechra US Vetoryl® Capsules (trilostane). Website: www.dechra-us.com/our-products/us/companion-animal/dog/prescription/vetoryl-capsules-trilostane#5-mg; Package insert: dechra-us.com/Files/Files/SupportMaterialDownloads/US/O1IN-VET21005-0421-VetorylFullLegal0919.pdf
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.