title: Clinical efficacy and safety following dose tapering of ciclosporin in cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis.
abstract: Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reducing ciclosporin (CsA) dosing frequency from daily to every other day (EOD) or twice a week (TW) according to clinical response in cats with hypersensitivity dermatitis (HD) and treated with CsA. Methods One hundred and ninety-one cats with HD were given 7 mg/kg CsA daily for at least 4 weeks. Depending on clinical response, the dosing frequency was tapered from daily to EOD over the next 4 weeks and further to TW for an additional 4 weeks. Safety was evaluated through physical examinations, clinical pathology and the monitoring of adverse events (AEs). Results The majority of cats were able to have their dose of CsA tapered to either EOD (15.5%) or TW (62.9%) according to the clinical response. Observed AEs were most frequently mild and self-limiting vomiting and diarrhea. A higher percentage of AEs occurred with daily administration (73%) compared with other dosing regimens (27%). Conclusions and relevance Following 4 weeks of daily dosing at 7 mg/kg, CsA may be tapered to EOD or TW while maintaining the desired therapeutic response in cats with HD. Additionally, CsA appears to be well tolerated with fewer AEs at EOD or TW dosing. Establishing the lowest effective dosing frequency of CsA improves the drug's safety profile.
authors: 1 Novartis Animal Health US, Greensboro, NC, USA.
authors: Elizabeth S
authors: ES
authors: Roberts
authors: 2 Veterinary Healing Arts, East Greenwich, RI, USA.
authors: Tiffany
authors: T
authors: Tapp
authors: 3 Animal Allergy and Dermatology Specialists, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Trimmer
authors: 1 Novartis Animal Health US, Greensboro, NC, USA.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Roycroft
authors: 1 Novartis Animal Health US, Greensboro, NC, USA.
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: King
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine