Question:
Last night, a horrible mistake, our 14lb yorkie took a extra strength advil cold and sinus. She threw up 6 times during the night and now she is lathargic today. She seems ok, just tired. Would it be out of her system yet?

Answer:
Even one ibuprofen (Advil) can be toxic to small dogs - I don't know offhand what is in the cold remedy and that may be worse so if I were you, I would bring your dog to the vet just to make sure, especially where you have a tiny Yorkie!

here is what one knowledgeable person wrote about this subject in response to someone who assumed ibuprofen was safe for dogs and gave her beagle does of it for arthritis.

"The comment from the person suggesting that ibuprofen cannot be given to dogs is incorrect. Ibuprofen is often given to dogs. It is cats for which this drug is toxic. However, the caution regarding ibuprofen in dogs is the same as in humans: overdose can lead to kidney failure. Because dogs are small, even 1 Advil tablet is potentially too much for a small- or medium-sized dog. For this reason you should consult a veterinarian. For some information on this topic see http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/ibuprofen-motrin-advil-etc/page1.aspx"


I'll check my Medications CPA book to see what the ingredients are in the Cold Advil formula besides ibuprofen (I could guess but that's not wise.)

The best thing you can do to ensure nothing occurs later is to have her checked out by a vet! Have a blood and tox panel done and have herl iver and kidneys checked!!

Good luck!

Answer:
I checked my bok - I have several in various locations (It is always handy in prescribing - never thought I;d need it here, <g>)

The other ingredient is Pseudoephedrine HCl 30 mg - That is the same ingredient you would find in most OTC sinus medication like Sinutab. Sudafed would have 60 mg. and some tabs have 120 mg but are usually times release so the med is administed over a period of time.

An online search I did found this:

eterinarians should warn clients that pets can be harmed by ingesting pseudoephedrine.

"Pseudoephedrine has a very narrow margin of safety in dogs, cats, and other animals," says Dr. Steve Hansen, senior vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which has issued the warning.

Pseudoephedrine is found in certain cold, allergy, and sinus medications used in humans. As little as one tablet containing 30 mg of pseudoephedrine can induce clinical signs in a 20-pound dog, including nervousness, hyperactivity, and other behavioral changes; panting; fast heart rate; and high blood pressure. A dose as small as three 30-mg tablets in the same size dog can be lethal.

"Clinical effects can sometimes be seen as quickly as within 30 minutes after ingestion," Dr. Hansen says. "Therefore, it is critical that veterinary treatment is sought quickly when an ingestion occurs."

As with most medications, animal exposures to pseudoephedrine products usually are accidental, such as a pet chewing into a medication bottle or ingesting pills left unattended. Others may occur as a result of pet owners inappropriately medicating their pets.

Pseudoephedrine and other medications should be kept out of the reach of animals, preferably in a secure cabinet above the counter, according to the poison control center. "It is very important for owners to understand that even childproof containers are not effective in preventing accidental drug exposures in pets, as dogs and other animals can easily chew open a bottle or vial," Dr. Hansen says.

Individuals who suspect a pet may have ingested a pseudoephedrine-containing product or other drug should contact their local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for immediate assistance

The site this info is from (except the ingredients which come from the Cdn Ph Assn book on all meds in Canada and their monographs and other relevant data) is here:

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb05/050215b.asp

I would bring your dog to a vet asap to make sure she is OK!!

Answer:
I'd get her to the vet which is really something I think you should have done last night. Originally Posted by LittleMissLevi
For dogs most human medication is okay

I agree with CK this could be very dangerous.

Hopefully there was no kidney or liver damage and if the levels are still at a toxic level maybe the vet can do something to help prevent damage or further damage. Good luck.

Answer:
Welcome mrmrstroll,

Unfortunately our members are not vets and unable to address potentially serious health issues like this one. Time is critical - please contact a vet immediately. Good luck, we'll watch for an update on your pet's condition. In keeping with site policy, this thread will now be closed.

Thanks for your understanding.

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