Temaril P for Dogs

Temaril-P for dogs is an FDA-approved medication used to relieve itching and coughing. It contains two active ingredients that work together to relieve symptoms from conditions like atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, and kennel cough.

This prescription is also sometimes referred to as a kennel cough medicine for dogs, although it can help manage a variety of symptoms.

Temaril-P is not curative, but it can be very effective at managing itching and coughing that can negatively affect a dog’s quality of life.

What is Temaril-P?

Temaril-P is the brand name for a medication containing trimeprazine, an antihistamine, and prednisolone, a steroid. The FDA approved it in July 2024 for use in dogs to relieve itchiness and coughing. It’s a relatively new addition to a long line of medications used to treat itchiness in dogs.

For many years, steroids were the drug of choice to relieve itching. However, long-term use of steroids can lead to unpleasant side effects. These can include thinning skin, a potbelly appearance, and immunosuppression.

Other non-prescription remedies, such as anti-itch shampoos and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, became available to provide extra relief and reduce the need for steroid treatment.

Temaril-P (sometimes called Temaril P trimeprazine) is available throughout the United States with a veterinary prescription. It can be purchased through your regular veterinarian; you do not have to see a veterinary specialist to get the prescription.

This medication is taken orally and is available as a white, circular tablet. Each tablet is scored at the middle, meaning it has a groove across its surface for easy splitting. A ‘T’ appears above the line and ‘100’ below.

How Does Temaril-P Work?

The two active ingredients in Temaril-P — trimeprazine and prednisolone — work in different ways. However, they achieve the same goal: suppressing uncomfortable itching and coughing.

Trimeprazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamine from mast cells, immune cells activated by triggers such as allergies and inflammation. By blocking histamine, trimeprazine helps suppress allergic and inflammatory responses, reducing symptoms like coughing and itching.

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid. Steroids are the go-to choice for reducing inflammation, which is key to alleviating itching and suppressing coughs.

In essence, Temaril-P works in three ways: reducing itching, reducing coughing, and reducing inflammation.

Because long-term steroid use has adverse health effects, combining it with trimeprazine lowers the dose required of prednisolone to reduce inflammation.

What is Temaril-P Used For in Dogs?

In dogs, Temaril-P is used to reduce cough and itching of any cause. Specific conditions that Temaril-P can be used to treat are listed below:

• Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis)
• Atopic dermatitis (chronic allergic skin condition)
• Respiratory infections
• Bronchitis, including allergic bronchitis
• Eczema (skin inflammation)
• Otitis externa (ear infections)

Remember that Temaril-P is not curative. It will not treat the underlying cause of the cough or itching; it will only manage the symptoms.

Temaril-P Side Effects in Dogs

Like any medication, Temaril-P may cause side effects in some dogs. If your veterinarian prescribes this drug, here are some things to watch for.

Common side effects of Temaril-P for dogs include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Muscle tremors or stiffness
• Restlessness or agitation
• Panting
• Drowsiness/sedation

Some side effects may be dangerous. If you see these signs in your dog, contact your vet right away:

• Infection
• Appetite loss
• Potbelly
• Weight gain 
• Aggression
• Vomiting/diarrhea

Before starting your dog on Temaril-P, it is essential to review their current medications with your vet. Temaril-P should not be given with the drugs listed below:

• Phenobarbital (anti-seizure medication)
• Deracoxib (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID))
• Carpofen (NSAID)
• Anti-diarrheals
• Furosemide (diuretic)
• Aspirin
• Antacids

Temaril-P for dogs may also interact with other medications, such as ketoconazole, insulin, and mitotane. Your vet will alert you about any of your dog’s medications that could interact with Temaril-P.

Temaril-P Dosages for Dogs

The Temaril-P dosage for dogs depends on your dog’s weight. Here’s a helpful chart from the manufacturer. 

Weight of dog	Initial dosage
Up to 10 pounds	Half tablet, twice daily
11 to 20 pounds	1 tablet, twice daily
21 to 40 pounds	2 tablets, twice daily
Over 40 pounds	3 tablets, twice daily

Dosage can also vary, depending on your dog’s overall health and medical condition. Your veterinarian will provide you with dosage instructions specific to your pet’s needs.

What If You Miss a Dose of Temaril-P?

You may wonder what to do if your dog misses a dose of Temaril-P. It happens – sometimes you forget to give a dose, and other times it just isn’t convenient for you to give it.

Fear not! If you miss a dose, you can give the dose when you remember. Or if it’s already close to the next dose time, skip the missed dose and give the regularly scheduled dose. It is not safe to double up on the dose by giving two doses too closely together.

Temaril-P can be given with or without food. However, it is better to give it with food to minimize digestive upset. 

The goal of Temaril-P dosing is to use the lowest effective dose to reduce itching and coughing. Your vet may adjust your dog’s dosage as needed, so be sure to follow their dosage instructions carefully.

Cost of Temaril-P for Dogs

The cost of Temaril-P for dogs can vary based on location, veterinary clinic, and whether you’re using brand name or generic. Generally, though, the tablets cost about $1.25 to $1.50 each.

Depending on your dog’s size, the daily cost of giving your dog Temaril-P ranges from about $1.50 for the smallest dog (up to 10 pounds) to approximately $9.00 for dogs over 40 pounds.

Generic versions of Temaril-P tend to cost less than the brand name, typically around $1.07 to $1.12 per tablet.

Temaril-P Storage Instructions

Always store Temaril-P for dogs at room temperature in a dry place, out of reach of pets and children. Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Pay attention to the expiration date to ensure that you do not give your dog expired Temaril-P.