What Is Animax Ointment?
Nystatin/neomycin/thiostrepton/triamcinolone topical (Animax Ointment, Derma-Vet Ointment) is a combination medicine used for several skin conditions and infections in dogs and cats.
- Nystatin is an antifungal for treating and preventing infections caused by certain fungus, especially Candida albicans.
- Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic for treating and preventing infections caused by certain bacteria.
- Thiostrepton is a natural cyclic oligopeptide antibiotic for treating and preventing infections caused by certain bacteria.
- Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid for treating inflammation (swelling) and itching.
Animax Ointment is approved by the FDA for treatment of ear infections in dogs and cats. It can be used for a single ear infection or ear infections that come back frequently. It is also FDA-approved for treatment of cysts between the toes in dogs and cats and infections of the anal glands in dogs.
Animax Ointment is also FDA-approved for several other skin conditions, especially when there is a risk of infection caused by bacteria or the fungus Candida albicans. It can relieve the symptoms of various types of dermatitis. Dermatitis is the general term used for skin conditions that cause inflammation, redness, and itching.
Animax Ointment is available from your veterinarian or from a veterinary pharmacy with a prescription. It is available as an ointment for topical use (applied to the skin).
How Is Animax Ointment Used in Pets?
Animax Ointment is applied to the skin or inside the ear canal. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your veterinarian may prescribe it to be used anywhere from once a week to multiple times a day. It is important to finish all of the prescribed antibiotics unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems to be better.
Always wear gloves when applying Animax Ointment and wash your hands afterward. Prevent the pet and its housemates from licking the affected areas for 30 minutes after applying.
When used for skin conditions, clean the affected area and apply a thin film of Animax Ointment.
When used for ear infection, clean the ear to remove any wax or debris. Then place three to five drops of Animax Ointment into the ear canal.
When used for cysts or anal glands, follow your veterinarian's instructions. They may show you how to drain the gland or cyst, then apply the ointment.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Animax Ointment in Dogs and Cats?
- Animax Ointment has multiple ingredients that can treat symptoms and prevent or treat infections.
- Animax Ointment starts to relieve symptoms quickly.
- Animax Ointment is well tolerated in dogs and cats since it is applied to the skin.
What Follow-up Is Required With Animax Ointment?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition as well as for side effects of the medicine. There are usually no blood tests that need to be done.
Does Animax Ointment Have Warnings or Side Effects in Pets?
Do not use Animax Ointment in animals that are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Animax Ointment contains a corticosteroid (triamcinolone). When given by mouth or injection to pregnant animals, corticosteroids can cause problems for the unborn offspring. Some triamcinolone can be absorbed by the animal when applied to the skin. Caution should be used in pregnant pets. Safety in nursing pets is unknown.
Animax Ointment should not be used for more serious infections, such as those associated with deep wounds or severe burns.
Side effects are rare with Animax Ointment. Irritation or redness at the site of use can happen. Some triamcinolone can be absorbed when Animax Ointment is applied to the skin or ears. This is more common with frequent use on larger areas. If this happens, your pet may have increased thirst, increased peeing, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight gain.
Hearing loss has been reported with use of Animax Ointment. This loss sometimes returns after stopping the medicine.
If side effects are severe, worsen, or continue with Animax Ointment, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options depending on the side effects and may recommend switching to a different medicine.
If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Animax Ointment Interact With Other Medicines?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.
No specific interactions with other medicines have been noted.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
- Keep Animax Ointment out of the reach of children.
- Wear gloves when applying Animax Ointment.
- Wash your hands after giving Animax Ointment to your dog or cat.
- Do not handle Animax Ointment if you are allergic to it.
What If My Pet Takes Too Much Medicine or Has an Overdose?
If you think your pet has gotten more Animax Ointment than prescribed or if it has ingested the medicine, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.
What If My Pet Misses a Dose ?
If your pet misses a dose, you can give that dose if it is close to the original scheduled time. If it is closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct time. Do not apply more of the medicine than prescribed.
How Do I Store Animax Ointment?
Animax Ointment should be stored at room temperature.
