Assessment of the administration of maropitant and loperamide to dogs with cancer for the prevention and reduction of adverse effects associated with the administration of paclitaxel

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of maropitant and loperamide for the prevention and reduction of adverse gastrointestinal effects associated with administration of paclitaxel to dogs with cancer. 168 dogs with cancer. The study comprised 2 phases. For phase 1, dogs in the intervention group were administered maropitant and loperamide followed by paclitaxel. Outcomes were compared with those for a control group that received only maropitant and paclitaxel. For phase 2, all dogs of phase 1 that did not receive maropitant and loperamide and that had adverse gastrointestinal effects were enrolled; they received maropitant and loperamide and another dose of paclitaxel. In phase 1, significantly fewer dogs in the intervention group had adverse effects. For dogs that had adverse effects, the intervention group had a lower severity of lack of appetite and lethargy. Also, adverse effects for dogs in the intervention group were of significantly shorter duration than for the control group. In phase 2, significant reductions in adverse effects were observed after administration of maropitant and loperamide. In those dogs that still had adverse effects after administration of maropitant and loperamide, there was a significant reduction in severity of signs of nausea and lethargy. A combination of maropitant and loperamide was found to be safe for use and effective for reducing or preventing signs of paclitaxel-induced gastrointestinal effects in dogs.