Prascend

What is Prascend?

Prascend is used for the control of clinical signs associated with Equine Cushing's Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) in horses. Prascend safely and effectively treats pain and discomfort due to Cushing's Disease. It is available as scored tablets for easy administration. Prascend requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Horses

Benefits:

• Treats symptoms associated with Equine Cushing's Disease
• Improves quality of life

How does Prascend work?

Prascend contains the active ingredient, pergolide mesylate, which is a potent dopamine receptor agonist. It inhibits the release of prolactin, a hormone released by the pituitary gland. In horses with Equine Cushing's Disease, pergolide is believed to exert its therapeutic effect by stimulating dopamine receptors.

Cautions:

Treatment with Prascend may cause inappetance (lack of appetite). The use of Prascend in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses hasn't been evaluated. The effects of pergolide mesylate on breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses are not known; however, the pharmacologic action of pergolide mesylate suggests that it may interfere with reproductive functions such as lactation.

Brand Name:

Prascend (Boehringer Ingelheim)

Generic Name:

pergolide mesylate

What is the most important thing I should know about Prascend?

Prascend requires a prescription from your veterinarian. It is for the control of Equine Cushing's Disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses. Prascend is available as 1 mg, half-scored tablets. The recommended starting dose is 0.9 mcg/lb (2 mcg/kg) once daily. Dosage may be adjusted to effect, not to exceed 1.8 mcg/lb (4 mcg/kg). Depending on the specific symptom, improvement can start within 30 days of initial treatment.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Prascend to my horse?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant, lactating, or breeding. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet has previously shown a hypersensitivity to pergolide mesylate or other ergot derivatives. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is currently taking any other medications.

How should Prascend be given to my horse?

Prascend should be given by the mouth. Follow your veterinarian's instructions exactly as directed. The recommended starting dose is 0.9 mcg/lb (2 mcg/kg) once daily. Dosage may be adjusted to effect, not to exceed 1.8 mcg/lb (4 mcg/kg). The tablets are scored and the calculated dosage should be provided to the nearest one-half tablet increment. Extra care is recommended when splitting tablets to minimize exposure. Pregnant or lactating women should wear gloves when administering Prascend. Tablets can be hidden in an apple or treat. The tablet may also be administered orally by dissolving in a small amount of water with or without sweetener. Administer the liquid with a syringe or as a top-dressing on feed. After dissolving, the tablet should be given immediately.

What are the potential side effects of Prascend?

The most common side effect of Prascend reported is decreased appetite.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Prascend?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume a regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

What happens if I overdose my horse on Prascend?

If an overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid while giving Prascend to my horse?

Avoid crushing the tablets due to the potential for increased human exposure. It has been reported that pergolide tablets may cause eye irritation, an irritating smell, or headache when tablets are split or crushed. Extra care is recommended when splitting tablets to minimize exposure.

What other drugs will affect Prascend?

Prascend is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins. Use caution if administering Prascend with other drugs that affect protein binding. Dopamine antagonists, such as neuroleptics (phenothiazines, domperidone) or metoclopramide, ordinarily should not be administered concurrently with Prascend (a dopamine agonist) since these agents may diminish the effectiveness of Prascend.