Albon® for Dogs

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is Albon® for Dogs?

Albon® (active ingredient sulfadimethoxine) is a veterinary antibiotic medication prescribed for dogs and sometimes cats for the treatment of a wide range of susceptible bacterial and protozoal infections, the most common being coccidia, an intestinal protozoal infection that causes diarrhea.

Albon® is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats for the treatment of infections of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), lower respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), urinary tract (kidney infection, bladder infection, prostate infection), uterus (pyometra), skin (dermatitis, wounds, abscesses), and intestines (enteritis, salmonellosis, coccidiosis).

Albon® is available as the brand name oral suspension and oral tablets.

Albon® is considered a convenient antibiotic treatment by veterinarians because of its once-daily dosing.

Albon® oral liquid for dogs is especially easy to administer due to its yummy custard flavor, and it does not need to be refrigerated. At the time of this publication, no generic oral formulation of Albon® is available.

The injectable form of generic sulfadimethoxine may be administered intravenously (directly into a vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin) by your veterinarian on the first day of your pet’s treatment to help the medication absorb into the bloodstream as quickly as possible.

Albon® Considerations in Dogs

Albon® is generally not used in pets with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression), and in pets who are hypersensitive to it.

Albon is used with caution in dehydrated pets and in pets with kidney disease, bladder stones, and urinary crystals.

Certain dog breeds—Doberman Pinschers, Samoyeds, and Miniature Schnauzers—are more prone to the side effects of Albon®.

Giving Albon® with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pet’s medical conditions and medications, including vitamins and supplements, with your veterinarian first.

How Albon® Works in Dogs

The active ingredient in Albon® is sulfadimethoxine, known as a sulfa drug or sulfonamide antibiotic. Albon® works by blocking susceptible bacteria from making folic acid which they need in order to replicate, thereby preventing the bacteria from multiplying and thriving.

Albon® Directions for Dogs

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian when it comes to dosing directions for your dog.

Your veterinarian may instruct you to give the medication once daily, depending on the medical condition being treated and your pet’s individual needs.

Always provide your pet with plenty of water when they are taking Albon®.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of Albon®. Generally, they may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of Albon® in Dogs

Albon® is typically well-tolerated in most pets. Stomach upset and vomiting may be observed.

Rarely, the following serious side effects may occur:

• Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS), which can cause crusty or yellow-green eye discharge, squinting, eye redness, and eye pain

• Liver inflammation, which can cause yellowing (jaundice) of the skin, eyes, and gums

• Fever

• Low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression)

• Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells (IMHA)

• Autoimmune destruction of platelets (ITP)

• Allergic reaction with hives and swelling of the face

• Swollen joints (polyarthritis)

• Increased thirst and urination

• Abnormally low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows any of these symptoms.

Human Side Effects

Albon® is not intended for use in humans.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

If you are allergic to sulfa antibiotics, are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, wear gloves when administering Albon® to your pet and wash your hands afterwards to prevent accidental ingestion, or talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of administering an alternative medication to your pet.

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Call Your Vet If:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Albon®

Albon® Overdose Information for Dogs

Albon® for dogs is considered a safe medication, and an overdose is unlikely to cause toxicity or symptoms in a dog. Diarrhea may occur in the rare event of an extremely large overdose.

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Albon® Storage for Dogs

Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label.

Albon® should be stored at controlled temperatures from 59 to 86 F.

Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect its contents from moisture and light.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.