Diarkan for cats
Diarkan is a veterinary antibacterial drug used in cats to treat enteritis caused by bacteria. This medication, manufactured by the French company Ceva Sante Animale, is highly effective. It helps relieve symptoms and eliminates the underlying cause of the condition by killing harmful bacteria.
Content
Composition and dosage form
Diarkan is an antibiotic for the treatment of intestinal infections, available in the form of sugar cubes. They are light pink in color. A groove in the center allows for easy separation. They are packaged in blisters, each containing eight cubes.
The drug's action is due to three active ingredients. These include:
- sulfaguanidine;
- benzonaphthol;
- ratania extract.
The auxiliary component is sucrose, which gives the medicine a sweet taste, making it easier to feed the briquettes to pets.
This medication has a long shelf life – 5 years from the date of manufacture. To preserve its pharmacological properties, store it in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. The storage temperature should not exceed 25˚C. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets. Always check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, discard the medication. It is not suitable for therapeutic use in animals.
How it works
Diarkan has a complex effect, which is achieved by combining three active components:
- Sulfaguanidine has pronounced antibacterial properties. Its action extends to E. coli and Salmonella, dangerous pathogens that cause intestinal diseases accompanied by vomiting. diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms. The main feature of sulfaguanidine is that it is virtually not absorbed into the bloodstream. It concentrates most strongly in the intestines, effectively destroying pathogenic bacteria.
- Benzonaphthol has an antiseptic effect.
- Ratania extract protects the body from toxins, including those produced by harmful bacteria. The medicinal plant extract coats the intestinal walls, thereby preventing the absorption of toxic substances.
Please note! This antibacterial agent is classified as a low-hazard substance, but may cause side effects if used in excess doses. Consult a veterinarian before use.
Price
The price of Diarcan is not very high – 450-500 rubles per package. Another advantage of this medication is its affordability. It is sold in almost all veterinary pharmacies, although it is imported from abroad. Furthermore, many pharmacies sell individual cubes, which is convenient for owners of small animals. The price of one cube ranges from 65 to 75 rubles.
When and how to apply
The instructions for use state that Diarkan is prescribed for cats to treat enteritis caused by E. coli, Salmonella, or other bacteria sensitive to the drug's active ingredients. The drug is sometimes used for diarrhea of unknown origin, but only after consultation with a veterinarian.
A single dose of the medication is ½ a cc, regardless of age. For large animals weighing over 5 kg, the single dose is sometimes increased to one cc. The medication can be given in its pure form, but for cats, it is better to mix it with a small amount of food. The ccs can also be dissolved in water and then given to the animal to drink.
The medication is administered twice daily, with a 12-hour interval between doses. In severe cases, the dosage may be increased to three times daily, with the medication administered every 8 hours. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor on an individual basis, taking into account the symptoms and the course of the disease, but is typically 3-5 days. If the pet's condition does not improve after 2 days of treatment, an antibiotic from a different medication class is prescribed.
Please note! Diarkan promotes the formation of salt crystals, which can cause urolithiasis. To prevent this, ensure your pet has free access to water during treatment.
Restrictions and contraindications
This antibacterial agent helps relieve pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms of E. coli or other bacterial infections in animals, but it's not always appropriate. Diarkan has a number of contraindications:
- urolithiasis;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- kidney disease;
- liver dysfunction;
- pregnancy.
The antibiotic cannot be used for kittens if their weight has not reached 1 kg, or during the suckling period.
Please note: If your pet has diabetes, consult a doctor, as these cubes contain a large amount of sucrose.
Diarcan should not be used in combination with ascorbic acid or other medications that can increase urine acidity. This increases the risk of salt formation in the urine. The antibiotic should also not be used concurrently with the following medications:
- definin;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- sulfonylurea derivatives;
- Coumarin anticoagulants (blood thinning medications).
The antibacterial agent enhances the effect of the above-mentioned drugs, which increases the risk of developing side effects.
Side effects
When used according to the recommended dosage, Diarkan is well tolerated by cats and does not cause any side effects. In rare cases, vomiting or other digestive disturbances, as well as the formation of salts in the urine, may occur. In case of intolerance to the components, an allergic reaction such as urticaria or dermatitis may occur. In this case, the drug is discontinued, and the animal is prescribed an antiallergic medication and symptomatic treatment.
In case of overdose, the following symptoms may be observed:
- nausea and vomiting;
- increased stomach upset;
- other gastrointestinal tract disorders.
If the effects of an overdose are detected, the animal's stomach should be washed and symptomatic treatment should be used.
Please note! When using this medication, safety precautions must be observed. Individuals with hypersensitivity should avoid direct contact with the medication to prevent possible allergic reactions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Diarkan has the following advantages:
- It is highly effective and starts working on the first day of taking it.
- It is not absorbed into the bloodstream, but acts only in the intestines.
- It comes in a convenient dosage form. Giving your cat sweet water or feeding it food with the medication is easy.
- Rarely causes side effects.
- Helps quickly relieve pain and diarrhea, and also destroys harmful microorganisms.
- Can be used as part of complex therapy.
The disadvantages include a rather impressive list of contraindications. It's best not to use it without a doctor's prescription. Furthermore, the medication is incompatible with certain medications, and exceeding the dosage can cause side effects.
Owner reviews
Kristina, owner of a Japanese bobtail:
"Our cat mostly eats dry food, but we occasionally treat him to raw meat. One day, after eating pork, he developed severe diarrhea. Chamomile tea, smecta, and diet didn't produce the desired results. We went to the vet, and he prescribed an antibiotic, initially in tablet form, but after I complained about the difficulty of the procedure, he recommended Diarkan. It's effective, and most importantly, it's easy to administer. I dissolved it in a tablespoon of water and gave it to the cat to drink."
Vera, owner of two cats:
"We were prescribed Diarkan for severe upset stomach. I want to highlight a key advantage – the convenient dosage form. I easily dissolved the sugar cubes in their wet food. Thanks to the sweet taste, the cats didn't even realize they were being given medication. Its effectiveness is also noteworthy; their stools noticeably improved on the second day. The treatment lasted four days in total."
Veterinarian Reviews
Anton Mikhailovich, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:
"Diarcana is considered one of the best antimicrobial medications for treating intestinal problems in animals. It is usually prescribed in combination with other medications, such as Veracol. Results are immediate, and pets feel better after the first dose. Owners note the convenience of the format—the sugar cubes are easy to administer to both cats and dogs."
Lida, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:
"An excellent antibacterial agent. And although its price is slightly higher than domestically produced medications, its effectiveness completely offsets the cost. Although the manufacturer notes the possibility of side effects, I've never experienced any (although only when following the recommended dosage). I often prescribe it to cats for diarrhea."
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