Ammonium Chloride

By

PetMD Editorial

. Medically reviewed by

Carina Fung, PharmD, MBA, BCPPS

Published Nov. 7, 2012

Drug Info

Common Name: MEq-AC®, MEq-AC5®, UroEze®, UroEze-200®, Fus-Sol®
Drug Type: Urinary acidifyer
Used For: Bladder stones, Toxins that may be excreted in the urine
Species: Dogs, Cats
Administered: Tablets, Oral liquid, Injectable
FDA Approved: Yes

General Description

Ammonium chloride is prescribed by veterinarians to acidify your pet’s urine. This may help dissolve certain kinds of bladder stones or help promote some toxins to be expelled in the urine. Ammonium chloride may also be used in conjunction with antibiotics to make them more effective.

How It Works

Ammonium chloride works by acidifying the urine. The kidney uses the ammonium in this drug as opposed to the sodium it typically uses, turning it into urea, H+, and Cl-, which leads to acidification of the urine.

Storage Information

Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

Missed Dose?

Give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

Side Effects and Drug Reactions

Ammonium Chloride may result in these side effects:

Acidification of the blood
Hyperventalation
Heart arrhythmias
Depression
Seizures
Coma
Death
Vomiting

Ammonium Chloride may react with these drugs:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Erythromycin
Methenamine
Nitrofurantoin
Oxytetracycline
Penicillin G
Quinidine
Tetracycline