Overview of Dirlotapide (Slentrol™) for Dogs

Dirlotapide, commonly known as Slentrol™, is a drug approved by the FDA for canine obesity. It is also called “Slentrol”. Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat.

Canine obesity is an important medical condition with serious health implications. Dogs that are overweight may experience difficulty breathing or walking or they may be unable to tolerate exercise or heat. For more information on obesity, go to Canine Obesity.

It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are considered obese or are likely to become obese. It is the most common nutrition-related health condition in dogs in our society.

Dirlotapide is a chemical entity called a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor that acts to block the assembly and release of lipoproteins into the bloodstream. The mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood, but seems to result from reduced fat absorption and a satiety signal from lipid-filled cells lining the intestine.

According to the manufacturer, this drug mainly acts locally in the gut to reduce appetite, increase fecal fat and produce weight loss in the management of obesity in dogs. Dirlotapide is available systemically, but absorption in dogs is highly variable. Absorbed drug is metabolized in the liver.

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

Brand Names or Other Names of Dirlotapide

This drug is registered for use in animals only.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Slentrol® (Pfizer).

Uses of Dirlotapide for Dogs

This drug is indicated for the management of Obesity in Dogs.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Dirlotapide may cause side effects in some animals.

Dirlotapide is not approved for use in cats.

Dirlotapide should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

This product is not recommended for use in underweight, pregnant, nursing, debilitated, or geriatric dogs.

Dirlotapide may interact with other medications. Medicaments may include corticosteroids. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving dirlotapide.

Dirlotapide is an oral solution for use in dogs only.

Overdose is rare and no adverse effects have been reported at even up to 5 times the recommended dose. 

Adverse effects associated with treatment may include vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite.

How Dirlotapide is Supplied

Dirlotapide is supplied in 20, 50 and 150 mL bottles containing 5 mg/mL of dirlotapide in solution.

Dosing Information of Dirlotapide for Dogs

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. It should also be prescribed as part of an overall weight loss program that includes exercise and a balanced lower calorie diet.

The dose of dirlotapide is based on the weight of the dog. The dog is weighed at the beginning of the program and then at monthly intervals so the dose can be adjusted. The subsequent dose is calculated based on the weight of the dog and the amount of weight lost during the previous month. The dose is adjusted monthly.

The initial dose is 0.01 mL/kg (0.0045 mL/lb) body weight, administered once daily,

The daily dose should not exceed a maximum 0.2 mL/kg (0.09 mL/lb), based on the dog’s current body weight.

The medication comes as an oral solution and can be give with a meal or at any time of day.

The duration of administration depends on the severity of the obesity, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed otherwise by your veterinarian.