Atopica

Atopica is a medication for the treatment of chronic cases of atopic dermatitis in dogs (capsules and oral solution) and for the symptomatic treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis in cats (oral solution).

Atopy is a common allergic skin disease in dogs and cats. Atopy is caused by an exaggerated immune response to substances in the environment of the dog or cat, such as house dust mites or pollen. The disease is chronic, recurrent, and requires lifelong treatment. Other forms of allergic dermatitis include flea allergy or food hypersensitivity.

How Atopica works

The active ingredient in Atopica is ciclosporin. Atopica reduces inflammation and itching associated with atopic or allergic dermatitis.

Administration of Atopica

For dogs, this veterinary medication must be administered at least 2 hours before or after feeding. It should be given as a single dose directly into the mouth. For cats, this medication can be mixed with food or given directly into the mouth.

Dosage of Atopica

For dogs, Atopica is available in capsules of 25, 50, and 100 mg, and as an oral solution of 100 mg/ml. The average recommended dosage of ciclosporin for dogs is 5 mg/kg body weight (0.05 ml oral solution per kg or 1 capsule of 50 mg for a 10 kg dog).

For cats, Atopica is available as an oral solution of 100 mg/ml. The recommended dosage of ciclosporin for cats is 7 mg/kg body weight (0.07 ml oral solution per kg).

Atopica is initially administered daily. Once the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are adequately controlled, the medication can be given every other day as a maintenance dose, as advised by the veterinarian. In some cases, when symptoms are controlled with every-other-day dosing, the veterinarian may decide to administer the medication every three to four days.

Atopica is available only with a prescription from your veterinarian.

Additional medications and supplements

Since atopy or allergic dermatitis are chronic conditions, lifelong or at least regular treatment is often necessary. Treatment typically involves multiple approaches rather than relying on a single medication.

Treatment of (secondary) skin infections and inflammation

Animals with atopy or allergic dermatitis may suffer from recurrent infections that sometimes require antibiotics, medicated shampoos, or (ear) ointments. The skin can often be kept calm by using a mild antibacterial shampoo or mousse regularly, such as Douxo Pyo. Small scratch wounds benefit from a soothing ointment like Vetramil Honey Ointment. Dogs with atopy are at increased risk of developing hotspots. In such cases, Maxani Cleanser Spray or Dermacool Hotspot Spray is ideal for treating the affected area.

Support of the skin barrier

The weakened skin barrier of dogs with atopy or cats with allergic dermatitis causes problems: on the one hand, protection against external invaders like bacteria and yeasts is reduced; on the other hand, the skin dries out more quickly because the skin barrier is less effective at retaining moisture. Fortunately, the skin barrier can be supported with spot-ons and dietary supplements, which can significantly improve skin health.

You can support your pet’s skin barrier from the inside by providing additional omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil, such as Megaderm or Vetoquinol Care Omega 3-6. A special diet like Sanimed Skin/Sensitive Dog or Sanimed Skin/Sensitive Cat also supports the sensitive skin of your dog or cat.

You can also support the skin barrier externally. Allerderm Spot-On contains a lipid complex that mimics the composition and structure of the lipids in the skin barrier, helping to restore the skin barrier.

Care for sensitive skin

A dog with sensitive skin should not be bathed too often. If necessary, use a mild, moisturizing shampoo like Dermoscent Atop 7 Shampoo or Allermyl Shampoo. A honey-based shampoo is also very gentle and nourishing for the skin of your atopic dog. If recurrent infections occur, regular bathing may be necessary, so always follow your veterinarian's advice.

Bathing cats can be very stressful, so it is best avoided in most cases. However, dry skin can be treated with a moisturizing lotion containing oatmeal, such as DermAllay Oatmeal Conditioner Spray. This spray can also be used for dogs.

If your dog frequently suffers from ear infections, regular use of a caring ear cleaner like CleanAural Sensitive can help keep the ears clean. Skin folds can be kept clean and dry with special wipes. Finally, proper flea control for your dog or cat can prevent unnecessary scratching.

Atopy and allergic dermatitis are unpleasant chronic conditions that, unfortunately, never fully go away. It is not uncommon for itching and skin inflammations to flare up from time to time, even with medications like Atopica. However, with proper care and medication, symptoms can often be managed reasonably well.

If you have any questions about Atopica, please contact us.