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.
âš 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:
- Reduce by 25% every 1-2 weeks
- Then alternate-day
- 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.
- Plumb DC. Trimeprazine, prednisolone.
- Hillier A et al. ACVD canine atopic dermatitis guidelines.
- Olivry T et al. International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis.
- Temaril-P product information – Zoetis.
- PuppaDogs. Apoquel Calculator, Cytopoint Calculator, Prednisolone Calculator. puppadogs.com.
