Overview of Aminopentamide (Centrine®) for Canines and Felines

 Aminopentamide, also known by the brand name Centrine®, is used for dogs and cats to treat diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal visceral spasm. 

Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate is an anticholinergic agent that is used as an antispasmodic.

It reduces the tone and amplitude of colonic contractions more potently and for longer than atropine and has less intense mydriatic and salivary side effects than the latter.

Aminopentamide also causes a reduction in gastric acid secretion, gastric acidity, and gastric motility.

Aminopentamide is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names of Aminopentamide 

This drug is registered for use in dogs and cats.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Centrine® (Fort Dodge Animal Health)

Uses of Aminopentamide for Dogs and Cats

Uses of Aminopentamide includes treatment of:

Vomiting and diarrhea (somewhat equivocal)

Acute abdominal visceral spasm

Pylorospasm or hypertrophic gastritis (associated vomiting and/or diarrhea)

Used for vomiting secondary to vestibular disease

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, aminopentamide (Centrine®) can cause side effects in some animals.

Aminopentamide should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug or other anticholinergic medication.

It should not be used in patients with glaucoma because of accompanying mydriasis, which will occlude the filtration angle.

In addition, it should be avoided in patients with tachycardia secondary to cardiac conditions, shock, or thyrotoxicosis.

Other contraindications include: gastrointestinal obstruction, ileus, ulcerative colitis, urinary obstruction, and myasthenia gravis.

Aminopentamide may cause difficulties in visual accommodation and dryness of the mouth and conjunctivae. It may also cause urinary retention and dysuria.

Drug Interactions with Centrine®

No direct references to drug interactions are documented at this time. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with Aminopentamide.

How Aminopentamide is Supplied

Aminopentamide is available as Centrine® in 0.2 mg tablets.

The injectable form is available as a 0.5 mg/mL concentration.

Dosing Information of Aminopentamide  for Dogs and Cats

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.         

Doses of aminopentamide vary widely in dogs and cats depending on the reason for prescribing. Dosages may be gradually increased above the suggested dose.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse.

The ususal dose, as per Centrine® Monograph (Fort Dodge) is as follows for dogs and cats:
– Animals 10 pounds or less should receive 0.1 mg every 8 to 12 hours
– Animals 11 – 20 pounds should receive 0.2 mg every 8 to 12 hours
– Animals 21 – 50 pounds should receive 0.3 mg every 8 to 12 hours
– Animals 51 – 100 pounds should receive 0.4 mg every 8 to 12 hours
– Animals over 100 pounds should receive 0.5 mg every 8 to 12 hours