Temaril-P^® (Brand)

What is Temaril-P?
Temaril-P (Trimeprazine/Prednisolone) is used to relieve irritation of the throat that causes coughing from allergic bronchitis, infections, or coughs of non-specific origin. Recommended for treatment of "kennel cough" (tracheobronchitis). Also may be prescribed for itching and inflammation of the skin and ear caused by conditions such as eczema and allergies.

Who is it for?
Dogs

What are the benefits?

The exclusive Temaril-P formula combines the antipruritic (anti-itching) and antitussive (anti-cough) action of trimeprazine with the anti-inflammatory action of prednisolone. The combination is used to treat coughing from allergic bronchitis, infections, and non-specific causes. It is also used to treat itching and inflammation of the skin due to allergies, eczema, or certain infections.

How does Temaril-P work?
Trimeprazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effect of histamine in the body. Histamine can contribute to itching and cough. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that blocks the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions. Prednisolone is used to modify the body's immune response. At lower doses, it helps to reduce inflammation by decreasing the activity of certain cells and chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No generic products are available.

How is it given?
Temaril-P is an oral tablet. Give with food to decrease chance of side effects. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Individual response to this medication varies, so your veterinarian may need to adjust the dose during the course of treatment.

If on long-term therapy, do not discontinue the drug abruptly. The dose needs to be tapered off over several days to weeks to allow the body to start making its own cortisol again.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Temaril-P will not cure the cause of the problem, but will help manage the symptoms. Temaril-P should start to work within hours of administration. During the initial phase of treatment the effect should last 12 hours, and become longer as therapy progresses. If Temaril-P is stopped, signs of the disease may reappear.

What form(s) does it come in?
Tablets

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Temaril-P

Pronunciation
TEM-a-rill Pee

Common Drug Name
Trimeprazine with prednisolone

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Temaril-P?
Ask your veterinarian what dose will provide the most benefit while minimizing any side effects. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has diabetes; stomach ulcers; Cushings disease; a bacterial, viral or fungal infection; heart, liver or kidney disease; may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your dog.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking. Also if your dog has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Side effects can be minimized by tailoring the treatment regimen for your pet's specific condition. You will need to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the proper dose. If used long-term, this medication should not be stopped abruptly. The dose needs to be tapered over a course of time as determined by your veterinarian.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to the ingredients. Bacterial infections need to be controlled with antibiotics before/while using trimeprazine with prednisolone. Not for use in animals with systemic fungal infections, some types of mange (mites), stomach ulcers, Cushing's disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure.

Do not use in pregnant animals. May cause premature birth. Can cause birth defects in dogs, rabbits, and rodents. If on long-term therapy, do not discontinue the drug abruptly, since it may cause signs of Addison's disease, such as vomiting, weakness, collapse, and sudden death. Taper off the dose over several days.

What side effects may be seen when taking Temaril-P?
Side effects are usually dose dependent. If side effects occur, contact your veterinarian, who may decrease the dosage or frequency of administration.

Side effects may include sedation, exposed third eyelid, muscle tremors, weakness, blood disorders, and an increase in drinking, eating, and urinating. Your pet may have more "accidents" and need to go outside or use the litter box more often. Less common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, panting, diarrhea, vomiting, and behavior changes.

Side effects of long-term use include muscle loss, weakness, and the development of diabetes or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). The typical signs of these diseases are increased thirst, urination, and appetite. Animals with Cushing's disease may also develop thin skin, a poor hair coat, and a "pot-belly."

Immune system suppression may occur, especially on higher doses, making a pet more susceptible to infection. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has a fever (over 103° F), painful urination (a sign of urinary tract infection), tiredness, and sneezing, coughing, or runny eyes.

If your pet has an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep away from children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
A short-term overdose is unlikely to cause problems. Chronic, or long-term, overdose is likely to cause signs of Cushing's disease or diabetes mellitus; both diseases commonly cause increased urinating, drinking, and eating. Abruptly stopping long-term treatment may cause signs of Addison's disease, including vomiting, weakness, collapse and sudden death. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Temaril-P?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving this medication. Consult your veterinarian before using trimeprazine/prednisolone with organophosphates, procaine hydrochloride phenytoin, digitalis, epinephrine, phenobarbital, amphotericin B, rifampin cyclosporine, estrogens, erythromycin, mitotane, quinidine, sedatives, general anesthetics, pain medications, Pepto-Bismol, other antidiarrheal mixtures, or antacids, since interactions may occur. Increased risk of ulcers if used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx), or etodolac (EtoGesic). Insulin requirements may increase in diabetic animals. Do not use modified live vaccines in animals on higher doses of corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids may cause abnormal levels of liver enzymes, thyroid hormone, cholesterol, and potassium in the blood, and can affect many laboratory tests. Make sure your veterinarian knows your pet is taking corticosteroids prior to any testing.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.