Temaril-P Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Temaril-P for Dogs – Trimeprazine + Prednisolone

Temaril-P combines:

• Trimeprazine 5 mg (phenothiazine antihistamine + antitussive + mild sedative)
• Prednisolone 2 mg (corticosteroid)

Dosing

Initial (first 4 days BID)

Weight	Tablets per Dose
Up to 10 lb	1/2 tablet
11-20 lb	1 tablet
21-40 lb	2 tablets
41-80 lb	3 tablets
Over 80 lb	4 tablets

Maintenance

Reduce by half – once daily or alternate-day, lowest effective.

Indications

• Atopic dermatitis (pruritus)
• Allergic reactions
• Cough (kennel cough, chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse)
• Acute allergic flare bridge
• Palliative chronic pruritus

Modern Alternatives (Preferred for Chronic)

• Apoquel (oclacitinib) – JAK inhibitor, fewer side effects
• Cytopoint (lokivetmab) – monthly anti-IL-31 injection
• Cyclosporine (Atopica) – immunomodulator

Temaril-P largely replaced for chronic atopic dermatitis. Reserves: cost concerns, cough component, acute control.

⚠ Contraindications

• NSAIDs (severe GI ulcer)
• Diabetes (worsens hyperglycemia)
• Active fungal infection
• Pregnancy
• Hypotension
• Glaucoma

Side Effects

Steroid effects: PU/PD/PP, panting, weight gain, infection susceptibility

Phenothiazine effects: Mild sedation, possible hypotension, lowered seizure threshold (mild)

Tapering

After >2 weeks use – taper to prevent iatrogenic Addison’s:

1. Reduce by 25% every 1-2 weeks
2. Then alternate-day
3. Then discontinue or maintain lowest effective

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Temaril-P for my dog?

WEIGHT-BASED. INITIAL (BID for 4 days):

1. Up to 10 lb – 1/2 tablet BID
2. 11-20 lb – 1 tablet BID
3. 21-40 lb – 2 tablets BID
4. 41-80 lb – 3 tablets BID
5. Over 80 lb – 4 tablets BID

MAINTENANCE: reduce by HALF – typically once daily or every other day; lowest effective

EACH TABLET = 5 mg trimeprazine + 2 mg prednisolone. Give with food. EXAMPLES:

1. 15 lb Beagle – 1 tab BID x 4 days then 1/2 tab daily
2. 35 lb Border Collie – 2 tabs BID x 4 days then 1 tab daily
3. 60 lb Lab – 3 tabs BID x 4 days then 1.5 tabs daily. Taper after >2 weeks use to prevent iatrogenic Addison’s. AVOID NSAIDs

Should I use Temaril-P or Apoquel for my dog’s allergies?

APOQUEL generally PREFERRED for chronic atopic dermatitis. Temaril-P has place but newer options safer

APOQUEL (oclacitinib):

1. JAK inhibitor – selective
2. Fewer side effects than steroids
3. No PU/PD/PP
4. Faster onset (within 4 hours)
5. No effect on infection susceptibility (vs steroids)
6. More expensive
7. Twice daily x 14 days then once daily
8. Safer long-term

TEMARIL-P:

1. Prednisolone component – all steroid side effects
2. Trimeprazine – antihistamine + cough
3. Cheaper
4. Sedation may help anxious itchy dogs
5. Limit chronic use due to steroid effects

CYTOPOINT (lokivetmab):

1. Monthly anti-IL-31 injection
2. Targeted – no systemic immunosuppression
3. Very safe
4. 4-8 weeks duration per injection
5. Excellent for chronic pruritus
6. Insurance may help cost

CYCLOSPORINE (Atopica):

1. Immunomodulator
2. Chronic use
3. Different mechanism
4. Some GI effects

WHEN TEMARIL-P APPROPRIATE:

1. Short-term acute flare
2. Cough component present
3. Cost-limited
4. Bridge to newer therapy
5. Anxious + itchy dog (sedation helpful). Discuss with vet

What are Temaril-P side effects?

COMBINATION of steroid + antihistamine side effects

STEROID (prednisolone) effects:

1. PU/PD/PP – increased thirst/urination/appetite
2. PANTING
3. Weight gain
4. Muscle wasting (chronic)
5. Elevated ALP/ALT on bloodwork
6. Hyperglycemia (caution diabetics)
7. Infection susceptibility
8. GI ulceration (severe with NSAIDs – AVOID)
9. Behavior changes
10. Cushingoid features (chronic)
11. Bone loss (chronic)
12. Cataracts (chronic high dose)

PHENOTHIAZINE (trimeprazine) effects:

1. MILD SEDATION – usually mild, may help anxious itchy dogs
2. Possible hypotension
3. Mild lowering of seizure threshold
4. Anti-cholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention rare)
5. Antiemetic (beneficial)
6. Cough suppression (beneficial)

MANAGEMENT:

1. Lowest effective dose
2. Alternate-day chronic dosing
3. Taper after >2 weeks
4. AVOID NSAIDs
5. Monitor bloodwork
6. Watch for infections
7. GI protection if needed
8. Consider switching to Apoquel/Cytopoint long-term. Most side effects reversible with dose reduction or discontinuation

Related PuppaDogs Calculators

Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:

• Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
• Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
• Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
• Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)

References & Further Reading

The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.

1. Plumb DC. Trimeprazine, prednisolone.
2. Hillier A et al. ACVD canine atopic dermatitis guidelines.
3. Olivry T et al. International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis.
4. Temaril-P product information – Zoetis.
5. PuppaDogs. Apoquel Calculator, Cytopoint Calculator, Prednisolone Calculator. puppadogs.com.