Albon(®) (sulfadimethoxine) is a prescription medicine which can be given to dogs for the treatment of bacterial infections. It can also be used off-label to treat coccidiosis, a disease caused by the Coccidia parasite which most commonly affects the intestines. The drug is able to kill susceptible forms of bacteria by disrupting the production of folic acid (also known as vitamin B9) which prevents the creation of proteins essential for their life.
 

Recommended Dosage

 
Note: Albon is a prescription drug. Do not use without the instruction and approval of a licensed vet.

Albon is available in both pill and liquid form. Pills come in strengths of 125, 250 and 500 mg scored for easy splitting, and the liquid comes as a 5% concentrated solution with 250 mg of active ingredient per 5 mL. The manufacturer recommends giving the first dose at 25 mg/lb and then 12.5 mg/lb on all subsequent days. Each dose should be given once every 24 hours so on day 1 you would give 25 mg/lb, then on day 2, 3, 4, 5 (etc.) you would give 12.5 mg per pound.

Below you will find the correct dosage for treating susceptible infections.

Tablets

Weight of dog (lbs)First doseSubsequent doses
51 x 125 mg tablet½ x 125 mg tablet
101 x 250 mg tablet½ x 250 mg tablet
201 x 500 mg tablet½ x 500 mg tablet
303 x 250 mg tablets1 + ½ x 250 mg tablets
402 x 500 mg tablets1 x 500 mg tablet
502 + ½ x 500 mg tablets1 x 500 mg tablet + 1 x 125 mg tablet

 
For dogs over 50 pounds use an appropriate combination to reach the recommended target dosage. Our calculator below should help you.
 

Dog’s Weight In Pounds: Initial Dose In Mg: Subsequent Daily Dosage In Mg:

Liquid

Note: Generic liquid forms of sulfadimethoxine may use a different concentration. Always check the details on the bottle. The following dosage is based on the 5% solution (250 mg of sulfadimethoxine per 5 mL). For reference, a standard teaspoon in the United States is 5 mL.

Weight of dog (lbs)First dose (mL)Subsequent doses (mL)
52.51.25
1052.5
20105
30157.5
402010
502512.5


Treatment duration: The treatment time may vary depending on the condition being treated. When using sulfadimethoxine off-label for coccidiosis 9 – 14 days is usually enough.
 

Example: A dog weighing 20 pounds could be given 500 mg on day one and then 250 mg per day for the remaining duration of treatment.

Is It Safe?

 
The medicine is usually safe when given in normal amounts and for normal lengths of time. Dogs may be unsuitable for treatment if they:
 

  • Are hypersensitive to sulfonamides, sulfonylureas or thiazides
  • Have poor liver or kidney function
  • Have urinary obstruction
  • Are pregnant/nursing

 
Use in pregnant or nursing animals is not recommended unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
 

Guidelines For Use

 
We recommend these guidelines when using Albon (or generic sulfadimethoxine) to treat a dog:
 

  • Never give to your dog without a prescription from a vet
  • Complete the full course of medicine suggested by your vet
  • Try to avoid SC or IM injections which can cause skin irritation
  • Avoid use in pregnant/nursing animals whenever possible

 
It can cause several symptoms of allergic reaction. Monitor for adverse effects and report anything concerning to your vet for advice on how to proceed.
 

Uses

 
Albon is used to treat the following conditions:
 

  • Enteric, respiratory and soft-tissue infections
  • Infections of the genitals or urinary organs
  • Coccidiosis

 
The treatment of coccidiosis is considered extra-label.
 

Side Effects

 
Here are some of the adverse effects your pet could experience during treatment:
 

  • Allergic reactions
  • Bone marrow depression
  • Focal retinitis
  • Crystalluria
  • Joint pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

 
If sulfadimethoxine is injected too quickly muscle weakness, loss of motor control, loss of vision and collapse are possible.

Sources

Dr. P. Connick
Albon package insert
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (sixth edition)