Home Drug Guide Trimeprazine Tartrate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Trimeprazine Tartrate

Brand Names Temaril

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamine and antitussive agent

Pharmacological: Tricyclic phenothiazine derivative with antihistaminic and sedative properties

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treats cough and pruritus in dogs; not FDA approved for human use

Mechanism of Action

Blocks histamine H1 receptors and possesses anticholinergic and sedative effects, reducing itching and suppressing cough reflex.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer as prescribed by veterinarian; dosage varies based on weight and condition.

Pediatric: Not approved for human pediatric use; use in animals as directed by veterinarian.

Geriatric: Adjust dose based on clinical response and tolerance.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; renal function may influence drug clearance.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; hepatic function may affect metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine.

Half Life: Approximately 10-15 hours in dogs.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to trimeprazine or similar phenothiazines.
  • Concurrent use with CNS depressants or MAO inhibitors.

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in animals with cardiovascular or hepatic disease; monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Sedation (Common)
  • Dry mouth (Common)
  • Hypotension (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Rare)
  • Allergic reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants (additive sedative effect)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (may increase risk of hypotension and sedation)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for sedation, respiratory status, and anticholinergic effects.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for sedation related to drug administration.
  • Risk for dry mouth and anticholinergic effects.

Implementation: Administer with food if GI upset occurs; avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.

Evaluation: Assess reduction in pruritus and cough; monitor for adverse side effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until response is known.
  • Report excessive sedation, dry mouth, or any unusual symptoms.
  • Ensure adherence to veterinarian’s dosing instructions.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • No FDA black box warnings for human use; used primarily in veterinary medicine.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: Possible interference with liver function tests due to hepatic metabolism.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Sedation, agitation, hypotension, respiratory depression.

Treatment: Supportive care; gastric lavage; intravenous fluids; airway management; activated charcoal in early stages.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable for 2 years when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.