Prilactone Next for dogs
What is Prilactone Next?
Prilactone Next is a brand name for a drug with the active ingredient spironolactone. It is prescribed to dogs with congestive heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Prilactone Next is a diuretic, a type of drug that helps to remove excess fluid from the bloodstream through urine. This reduces the heart’s workload, as the heart does not have to pump the excess fluid around the body. Prilactone Next may also reduce the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the heart. This may slow the progression of heart failure.
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What does Prilactone Next do?
Prilactone Next reduces the heart’s workload in dogs with congestive heart failure. Spironolactone, the active ingredient in Prilactone Next, is a diuretic. This means that it promotes the removal of excess fluid from the bloodstream through urination. Prilactone Next does this by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone in the body.
Normally, the kidneys remove waste and excess water from the bloodstream to produce urine. Aldosterone reabsorbs water from the kidneys into the bloodstream, which increases blood volume. In dogs with congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump all of the excessive fluid in the bloodstream. This excessive fluid leaks into other organs (e.g. the lungs) and causes problems like breathing difficulties.
By blocking aldosterone’s effects, Prilactone Next helps to remove excess fluids from the bloodstream into the urine so they can leave the body. This reduces the heart’s workload and alleviates issues such as coughing and breathing difficulty. In this way, the pet’s overall quality of life is increased.
Prilactone may also reduce the formation of scar tissue in the heart. As scar tissue stiffens the heart’s walls and reduces its ability to pump blood, Prilactone Next helps to maintain heart function.
What is Prilactone Next for?
Prilactone is used alongside other drugs for dogs in Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Congestive heart failure in dogs can occur for various reasons, so Prilactone is prescribed for:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
What are the side effects of Prilactone Next in dogs?
While generally well-tolerated, Prilactone Next – like all drugs – may have side effects. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of these possible reactions. Side effects of Prilactone Next in dogs include:
- Excessive thirst and urination: Dogs may experience an increase in thirst and urination due to the diuretic effect of Prilactone Next.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolytes are important minerals in the body. In order for the body to function properly, electrolytes have to be at adequate and proportional levels. Prilactone Next can lead to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium. It is recommended to monitor electrolyte levels before starting Prilactone, and during treatment.
- Reduced appetite: Some dogs may experience a temporary decrease in appetite while on Prilactone.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea: Gut upset may occur in up to 1 in 10 dogs
- Prostate changes: Entire/unneutered male dogs may get a smaller prostate while on Prilactone Next. This is reversible if the medication is stopped.
- Lethargy: A mild and transient lethargy or tiredness may be observed in some dogs.
- Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)/Urea and creatinine Levels: Prilactone can affect kidney function. BUN and creatinine are markers of kidney function, and elevated values may indicate kidney issues. Periodic monitoring of kidney function is recommended.
- Allergic Reactions: While rare, allergic reactions may occur. Signs of an allergic reaction can include swelling, itching, redness or difficulty breathing.
Remember, not all pets will experience these side effects, and the benefits of using Prilactone Next usually outweigh the risks. You should report any suspected side effects to your vet. They can provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
As a pet owner, you can also report a suspected side effect to the VMD if you think Prilactone Next caused problems for your pet. Or, read our article for more advice about reporting suspected pet drug side effects to the VMD.
Which pets is Prilactone Next not suitable for?
Generally speaking, Prilactone Next is not suitable for the following pets:
- Dogs allergic to Prilactone or any of its ingredients
- Dogs that are pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding
- Growing dogs
- Dogs with dehydration, especially if they’re on NSAIDs as well.
- Dogs with liver disease
- Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease, especially if they’re on NSAIDs as well.
- Dogs with electrolyte imbalances (including those caused by hypoadrenocorticism)
- Dogs with health conditions such as Cushing’s disease
The above pets are at a greater risk of side effects from Prilactone Next. However, it might still be the best medication for them. If your dog has any of the above issues and your vet prescribes Prilactone Next, your vet will discuss the risks involved and emphasise the importance of close monitoring.
How to give Prilactone Next safely
- Follow vet instructions: Always use Prilactone exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose and frequency. Never adjust the dose on your own, even if your dog or cat seems to be feeling better or worse. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please call your vet to confirm.
- Give with or after food: It’s generally best to give Prilactone with a meal, as food increases the efficacy of Prilactone Next. You can either put it in your pet’s food or put it directly into their mouth after they’ve eaten.
- Check with your vet if giving anything else: Your vet should be aware of other drugs your pet is on, but it’s always worth double-checking in case there’s been a miscommunication somewhere. If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Prilactone, as they may not be suitable to be given together.
- Storage: Store Prilactone Next according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in a cool and dry place. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets, especially as the tablets are flavoured.
- Handling: Wash your hands after handling Prilactone Next. People who are allergic to spironolactone or any of Prilactone’s other ingredients should not handle this product. If you develop a rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or eyes, you should stop handling the product immediately and seek medical advice from a doctor.
- Report any accidental overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Prilactone, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They may recommend blood tests, intravenous fluids, and/or monitoring, depending on the severity of the overdose.
How much monitoring do pets on Prilactone Next need?
High
It’s recommended to monitor electrolyte levels in dogs on Prilactone Next.
Dogs on Prilactone Next are normally quite sick. Alongside the regular electrolyte blood tests needed for Prilactone Next, they’ll need regular vet contact to ensure they’re receiving the best treatment.
How much does Prilactone Next cost?
£££ – Expensive
Prilactone Next costs £30-120 per month
Prilactone Next is an expensive medication. A 10kg dog on Prilactone is likely to spend £35 per month while a 25kg dog might cost £50 per month, not including prescription and dispensing charges. Very large dogs will cost more.
Prilactone Next FAQs
What are the benefits of spironolactone in dogs?
The benefits of spironolactone in dogs include reduced fluid buildup in the body and reduced workload on the heart. This provides relief from clinical signs such as coughing, lethargy and breathing difficulty, which can improve their quality of life and survival time.
What is a kidney sparing diuretic for dogs?
What are the side effects of aldactone in dogs?
Aldactone and Prilactone are different brand names for the drug spironolactone. The side effects of aldactone in dogs include excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, decreased activity, kidney damage, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing and so on. Contact your vet if you notice these side effects in your dog.
How does Prilactone help my dog’s heart condition?
Prilactone helps your dog’s heart condition by reducing excess fluid in the bloodstream. This reduces the heart’s workload in dogs with congestive heart failure, as the heart does not have to pump the excess fluid around the body.
Can my dog still take Prilactone if they are on other medications?
Your dog can still take Prilactone if they are on other medications. However, it also depends on what medications they are. If your dog is on certain medications (e.g. digoxin, NSAIDs), they need to be assessed (with vet visits and diagnostics) before starting on Prilactone, and they need to be closely monitored while on Prilactone.
Is Prilactone safe for long-term use?
Yes, Prilactone is safe for long-term use. A long-term study showed that dogs on certain heart medication (“standard therapy”) and Prilactone had longer survival times than dogs on “standard therapy” and a placebo.
How long can dogs live on heart medication?
How long dogs live on heart medication depends on the exact disease they have and the stage of disease they are at when they start the medication. In general, the earlier these diseases are treated, the longer your pet can live with heart disease. For more information about life expectancy of dogs with mitral valve disease, see our e-learning course “Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs“
Prilactone Next Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one in your Prilactone box, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
Dog on Prilactone Next? Try this!
If your dog is (or will be!) on Prilactone Next, you might want to find out more about how you can support their heart disease at home. Our e-learning course is vet-written and helps you to understand the science behind your dog’s disease, as well as how you can help. We also go into detail about what the research says about prognosis, so you can work out how long your dog likely has left.
Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.
