Problem medications for dogs

Learn what medications may be dangerous for your dog with the MDRI genetic mutation.
Dogs with the MDR1 genetic mutation can become very ill or die if given certain medications. WSU is the leader in identifying drugs that may be dangerous for dogs with the MDR1 mutation and can identify alternative medications and doses.
Once WSU has determined your dog’s MDR1 status, board- certified veterinary pharmacologist Dr. Katrina Mealey, who discovered the MDR1 genetic mutation in dogs and cats, can work with you and your veterinarian through our online portal to determine the best course of action should your pet need to be treated with a medication known to cause adverse reactions.
Drug (Active Ingredient) | Brand Name | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Acepromazine | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations | |
Afoxolaner | Nexgard | The manufacturer of Nexgard has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation are not at increased risk for adverse effects. |
Apomorphine | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations | |
Butorphanol | Torbugesic | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations |
Chemotherapy | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations | |
Cyclosporine | Atopica | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations |
Doxorubicin | See Chemotherapy | |
Fluralaner | Bravecto | The manufacturer of Bravecto has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation are not at increased risk for adverse effects. |
Grapiprant | Galliprant | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations |
ivermectin | Heartgard | The manufacturer of Heartgard has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. The FDA determined Heartgard is safe for dogs with the MDR1 mutation when used at label doses. For other formulations of ivermectin Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations. |
Loperamide | Imodium | At doses used to treat diarrhea, this drug will cause neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This drug should be avoided in all dogs with the MDR1 mutation. |
Maropitant | Cerenia | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations |
Moxidectin | ProHeart | The manufacturer of ProHeart has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. The FDA determined ProHeart is safe for dogs with the MDR1 mutation when used at label doses. |
Ondansetron | Contact PrIMe for dosing recommendations | |
Sarolaner | Simparica | The manufacturer of Simparica has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation are not at increased risk for adverse effects. |
Vinblastine | See Chemotherapy | |
Vincristine | See Chemotherapy | |
Vinorelbine | See Chemotherapy | |
Selamectin | Revolution | The manufacturer of Revolution has tested the product for safety in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. No adverse effects were observed. The FDA determined Revolution is safe for dogs with the MDR1 mutation when used at label doses. |
Our team of veterinary pharmacologists provide a current list of medications documented to cause adverse reactions or are strongly suspected to cause adverse reactions in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. Research efforts are underway to determine if new veterinary and human drug products could be problematic for dogs with the MDR1 mutation.