Epiphen

Epiphen Questions

What conditions does Epiphen treat?

In dogs it is used to control epilepsy.

How does Epiphen work?

It contains phenobarbital. The antiepileptic effects of Phenobarbital are probably the result of at least two mechanisms -Decreased monosynaptic transmission, which presumably results in reduced neuronal excitability and an increase in the motor cortex's threshold for electrical stimulation.

How should I administer Epiphen to my pet?

It is a tablet to be given orally, by mouth. People with known hypersensitivity to phenobarbital or other barbiturates should avoid contact with this veterinary medicinal product.

It is advisable to wear disposable gloves when handling the product, to reduce skin contact.

Phenobarbital is a teratogen and developmental neurotoxicant and transfers to breast milk.

The product should not be administered by pregnant women, women intending to become pregnant or whose pregnancy status is unknown, as well as lactating women.

Ingestion of Phenobarbital can cause neurotoxicity which may prove fatal. Take utmost care that children do not come into any contact with the product. Children are particularly at risk of intoxication. To prevent accidental ingestion of tablets, the container should be closed immediately after withdrawing the required number of tablets for one administration. Part tablets should be placed back into the container and used at the next administration, as even part tablets pose a health risk to small children if ingested. The container should be stored in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children.

In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. If possible, the physician should be informed about the time and amount of ingestion, as this information may help to ensure that appropriate treatment is given.

Wash hands after use.

What is the correct dosage of Epiphen for my animal's weight and species?

The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.

How long should I continue with Epiphen for?

You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Epiphen?

If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.

Where can I buy Epiphen?

You can purchase Epiphen cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk.

Does Epiphen need a prescription?

Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V.

How can I buy Epiphen from Vets4u?

You can buy Epiphen via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.

Manufacturer’s Link to Epiphen

Vetoquinol - Epiphen

NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Epiphen

Tablets - Epiphen Tablets Datasheet

Solution - Epiphen Solution Datasheet

What are the side-effects of Epiphen?

Ataxia, somnolence, listlessness and dizziness may occur rarely at the start of treatment. In some cases, these effects may persist for the entire duration of treatment.

A paradoxical hyperexcitability may occur rarely, particularly after first starting therapy. As this hyperexcitability is not linked to overdosage, no reduction of dosage is needed.

Sedation and ataxia may very rarely become significant concerns as serum levels reach the higher end of the therapeutic range.

Polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia have been reported rarely, but these effects are usually transitory and disappear with continued medication.

Hepatotoxicity may develop very rarely at doses over 20mg/kg/day or when serum Phenobarbital levels are high (see special precautions for use)

Phenobarbital can have deleterious effects on stem cells from bone marrow, immunotoxic pancytopenia and/or neutropenia and anaemia may occur very rarely.

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis may occur after administration of phenobarbital very rarely.

Hypoalbuminaemia was rarely reported. Phenobarbital may increase the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase and transaminases. These may demonstrate non-pathological changes, but could also represent hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests are recommended (see special precautions for use).

In very rare cases, change of behaviour such as aggression was reported.

If adverse effects are severe, it is recommended to decrease the daily dose.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports)

What is Epiphen?

It is a drug called Phenobarbital, for use in dogs which comes as a tablet to be given orally, to treat epilepsy.

How long does Epiphen take to work in dogs?

A dose is prescribed by your vet and then levels of the drug in your pet’s blood are checked until the level required is obtained. This may mean adjusting the dose. A steady level for each dose takes 1-2 weeks to have its full effect.

Is Epiphen the same as Phenobarbital?

It contains the same drug, yes.

Can dogs taking Epiphen also take CBD oil?
There is not enough evidence-based data on CBD oil, so you would need to discuss this with your vet.

Can Epiphen cause liver damage?

It is removed from the body by the liver so makes the liver work harder. Your vet will test your pet’s liver prior to medicating your pet and regularly every 6-12 months after that to monitor for any changes.

Can Epiphen for dogs be given orally?

Yes, it is designed to be given orally.

Can Epiphen be given with food?

It does not say in the data sheet whether it can be given with food so please discuss with your vet if you are having difficulty administering the drug.

Can humans take Epiphen?

No, it is a drug licensed for use in dogs.

Can my dog have Epiphen and Aspirin?

This a question that your vet needs to assess for your individual dog so please contact them before giving any Aspirin to your dog.

Can the weather affect a dog that is on Epiphen?

Potentially it could do yes, not because your dog is on Epiphen but because it has epilepsy. It has been anecdotally mentioned in humans with epilepsy that the weather can affect people.

Can you cut Epiphen tablets in half?

Yes, if your vet has prescribed a dose that includes a half tablet.

Is it safe to give a dog Metacam whilst on Epiphen?

Speak to your vet, as the safety of this combination depends on your dog’s individual medical history.

Can you just stop giving a dog Epiphen?

You should not stop it without discussing it with your vet.

Can you use Pexion and Epiphen together?

Speak to your vet about mixing medications and potential contra indications, as they need to assess why you want to mix them and the safety of mixing them in your individual dog with its own individual medical history.

Do anti-inflammatories interfere with Epiphen?

Each anti-inflammatory drug will have its own datasheet, which will say if a particular drug should not be mixed with the drug in Epiphen, so you need to check with your vet for the anti-inflammatory your pet is taking. Epiphen can interfere with the activity on some drugs.

Do cats respond to Epiphen?

If they are prescribed Epiphen, it is on basis of an ‘off license’ medication, as Epiphen is licensed for dogs.

We know of cats who respond very well to it, but your vet first has to check that any licensed drugs for cats work first before prescribing Epiphen. If there are no licensed products for cats at the time your cat needs them for epilepsy, then this is when your vet may prescribe it ‘off license’.

Does Epiphen cause organ failure in dogs?

It is metabolised by the liver and so tests on your dog’s liver need to be done before starting it and thereafter, regularly every 6-12 months while on treatment. Your vet will prescribe the lowest effective dose for your dog.

Does Epiphen affect a dog's personality?

They sometimes initially seem hungrier and thirstier and so they urinate more which is usually transient. If you notice any other changes, please discuss them with your vet.

Is Epiphen suitable to treat anxiety in dogs?

It is not licensed for that use.

Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.