Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs

Ephedrine

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: tablet. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Ephedrine.1

In short: questions and answers

Does Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs need a prescription?
Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
Which animals is Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs for?
Dogs.1
What is the active substance in Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs?
Ephedrine. ATCvet code: QG04BX90.13
What is the withdrawal period of Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs according to the leaflet?
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Dispensing
Prescription only1

POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12

Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.

Animal species
Dogs1
Active substance
Ephedrine
ATCvet code
QG04BX903
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: Ecuphar NV

Withdrawal period

No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3

Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Each tablet contains:

Active substance:

40.7 mg ephedrine equivalent to 50 mg ephedrine hydrochloride.

Excipients:

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

6.1 List of excipients

Colloidal silica

Lactose monohydrate

Microcrystalline cellulose

Magnesium stearate

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Pharmaceutical form

Tablets.

Round, white tablet with break line on one side and inscription ENURACE 50 on the other side.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group:urologicals.

ATC vet code: QG04BX90.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Ephedrine directly stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, present in all organ systems. It also stimulates the release of catecholamines from sympathetic neurons. Since ephedrine passes the blood-brain barrier, it also induces effects that are mediated through the central nervous system.

Ephedrine specifically causes a contraction of the internal urethral sphincter muscles and a relaxation of the bladder muscles through a sympathomimetic action on the adrenergic receptors.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars

Ephedrine is rapidly absorbed, and the bioavailability is high. Ephedrine is widely distributed over the body. Degradation by demethylation to norephedrine is the major metabolic pathway. Within 48 hours, urinary excretion accounts for elimination of 80 to 90 % of the administered dose, at high urinary acidity.

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Target species

Dog (ovariohysterectomised female dogs).

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Indications

Treatment of urinary incontinence caused by urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in ovariohysterectomised female dogs.

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Dosage

For oral administration only.

A starting dose of 2 mg ephedrine HCl per kg of bodyweight per day, divided in two oral doses is recommended. Dogs can be dosed according to the following table:

Weight (kg)Dose (mg/day)Dose (Number of tablets): per dayDose (Number of tablets): 1st giftDose (Number of tablets): 2nd gift
20-30501½½
31-40751½½1
41-50100211

Desired therapeutic effect and occurrence of adverse effects have to be monitored approximately at 14 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the start. Based on the observed effect in comparison with the expected effect and taking into account the occurrence of adverse effects, the individual dose should be adjusted. The dose should be adjusted to find the lowest effective dose.

Once the effective dose has been established, dogs should still be monitored at regular intervals, e.g. every six months.

The product should be administered before meals in a piece of food.

A maximum dose of 5 mg/ kg of bodyweight per day has to be respected.

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Contraindications

Do not use in dogs with glaucoma.

Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

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Adverse reactions

• Cardiovascular effects like tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, stimulation of the heart activity; and vasoconstriction.

• Stimulation of the central nervous system leading to sleeplessness, excitation, anxiety and muscle tremors.

• Panting.

• Mydriasis.

• Cystitis.

• Bronchodilatation and decrease of mucus release in the respiratory mucosal membranes.

• Reduction of the motility and tone of the intestinal wall.

Due to the nature of ephedrine the mentioned effects can occur at the recommended therapeutic dose, with anxiety and cardiovascular effects being the most prevalent. In 10% of the treatments, side effects have been observed in efficacy studies.

Vomiting has been reported very rarely in spontaneous reports.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

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Warnings

Special precautions for use in animals

Do not use the product in dogs under 20 kilogram of bodyweight.

As ephedrine is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, the product should be used with caution in dogs with cardiovascular disease and only after a comprehensive risk/benefit analysis by the attending veterinarian.

The dog’s cardiovascular functionality should be carefully assessed before the start of the treatment with the product and it should be periodically monitored during the treatment.

In addition, a similar approach should be adopted in animals suffering from partial urethral obstruction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism or other metabolic disorders. It should be mentioned that the polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD) frequently accompanying the aforementioned conditions may be falsely diagnosed as urinary incontinence.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals

Ephedrine hydrochloride could be toxic if ingested. Adverse effects may include insomnia and nervousness, dizziness, headache, increased blood pressure, increased sweating and nausea.

Ingestion may be fatal, especially in children. To avoid accidental ingestion, the product must be used and kept out of the reach of children. Always replace the cap securely after use.

In case of accidental ingestion, most importantly by children, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

It is strongly recommended that pregnant women should wear gloves for administration.

Wash hands after administration.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Not applicable.

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Interactions

• Ephedrine may interact with other sympathomimetics.

• Ephedrine may enhance glucocorticoid metabolism.

• Concomitant use with MAO-inhibitors may cause hypertension.

• Ephedrine can enhance the activity of products of the same class as theophylline.

• Volatile anaesthetics may enhance the sensitivity of the myocardium to the cardiovascular effects of ephedrine.

• Concomitant use with cardiac glycosides, quinine and tricyclic antidepressants can cause arrhythmias.

• Vascular constrictions can occur after concomitant treatment with ergot alkaloids and oxytocin.

• Substances leading to an increase in pH of the urine are able to prolong the excretion of ephedrine, whereas substances leading to a decrease in pH of the urine are able to accelerate the excretion of ephedrine.

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Overdose

The signs of overdose resemble those of the adverse reactions as described in section 4.6. In case of overdose, it is useful to accelerate excretion of ephedrine by acidification of the urine and enhanced diuresis.

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Special warnings

This product is not suitable for treatment of inappropriate urination due to behaviour problems.

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Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

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Incompatibilities

None known.

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Immediate packaging

White polypropylene container containing 100 tablets, with child-resistant closure system, in a cardboard box. The packaging might also contain a polyurethane cover-up.

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Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Store in the original container.

Divided tablets should be returned in the original package and used in the subsequent dose. Close the cap to the click.

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Shelf life

Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 5 years.

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Disposal of unused product

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

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Additional information

Vm 32742/4002

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

04 January 2008

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

November 2020

PROHIBITION OF SALE, SUPPLY AND/OR USE

To be supplied only on veterinary prescription.

Approved: 10 November 2020

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Registration holder

Ecuphar NV

Legeweg 157-i

8020, Oostkamp

Belgium

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Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs, 32742/4002 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: Enurace 50, 50 mg Tablets for Dogs UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

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