Prescribing overview
Atopica dog capsules and cat solution have separate skin-disease indications and administration instructions.
Key prescribing checks
- Screen for malignancy and infection risks before treatment. The canine label excludes a history of neoplasia; the feline label excludes known or suspected malignancy and FeLV/FIV infection.
- Cyclosporine is systemically immunosuppressive. Review infections, vaccination planning and other immune-modifying medication with the prescriber rather than assuming combination treatment is routine.
- Monitor gastrointestinal tolerance, body weight and clinical response. Progressive weight loss in a cat can have serious consequences, including hepatic lipidosis; it needs reassessment.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Dogs ≥4 lb
FDA-approved veterinary labelAtopic dermatitis control
Safety below 6 months unestablished.
Use / indication source ↗Cats ≥6 months and ≥3 lb
FDA-approved veterinary labelAllergic dermatitis control
Includes excoriations, miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic plaques and self-induced alopecia.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Suppresses T-cell activity and interleukin-2; it is neither a steroid nor an antihistamine.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
Canine metabolism involves cytochrome P450, predominantly hepatic. Oral elimination half-life in healthy cats varies substantially, from 6.8 to over 40 hours.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Atopica for Dogs
U.S. modified cyclosporine capsules for dogs.
Contraindications · when not to use
- History of neoplasia or cyclosporine hypersensitivity.
Precautions & monitoring
- Not for breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Safety below six months or four pounds is unestablished. Immunosuppression increases infection/neoplasia risk; caution with diabetes or renal insufficiency. Use killed vaccines; keep capsules intact.
Atopica for Cats
U.S. modified cyclosporine oral solution for cats.
Contraindications · when not to use
- History of malignant disease, suspected malignancy, FeLV/FIV infection or cyclosporine hypersensitivity.
Precautions & monitoring
- Not for breeding, pregnant or lactating cats. Safety below six months or three pounds is unestablished. Test FeLV/FIV before treatment. Avoid Toxoplasma exposure; serious infection and progressive weight loss require reassessment. Caution with diabetes/renal insufficiency; vaccine response may decrease.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Gastrointestinal intolerance can occur. Immunosuppression increases infection risk; progressive feline weight loss needs prompt reassessment.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs ≥4 lb; safety below 6 months unestablishedAtopic dermatitisAtopica modified capsules | 5 mg/kg/day (label range 3.3–6.7 mg/kg/day) Oral · Once daily initially 30 days initially; then response-guided frequency taper | At least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food; taper to every other day or twice weekly as effective. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
| Cats ≥6 months and ≥3 lb (1.4 kg)Allergic dermatitisAtopica for Cats modified oral solution 100 mg/mL | 7 mg/kg/day (3.2 mg/lb/day) Oral · Once daily initially Minimum 4–6 weeks or until signs resolve; then response-guided taper | Give on a small amount of food or just after feeding; taper to every other day or twice weekly as effective. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Do not assume modified/nonmodified preparations interchangeable; keep canine capsules intact.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
Atopica for Dogs
U.S. modified cyclosporine capsules for dogs.
- P450 inhibitors such as ketoconazole may increase cyclosporine exposure; review other P450-active drugs.
Atopica for Cats
U.S. modified cyclosporine oral solution for cats.
- Do not combine with other immunosuppressants. P450 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, may raise cyclosporine exposure.
Monitoring
Assess infections, skin response, appetite and weight. Test cats for FeLV/FIV before treatment.
Client counseling
Keep treated cats indoors and avoid raw meat to reduce Toxoplasma exposure. Report reduced appetite/weight loss.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Both products: original container, 15–25°C. Cat solution: use opened 5 mL bottles within two months and 17 mL bottles within 11 weeks.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Cyclosporine
Other searchable names: Ciclosporin · Cyclosporine modified
Atopica for Dogs contains modified cyclosporine in capsules; Atopica for Cats is a modified oral solution. These presentations need separate dispensing instructions.
Modified and nonmodified cyclosporine preparations should not be assumed equivalent. Confirm the formulation whenever a human product or pharmacy preparation appears on the medication list.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Atopica for Dogs
- Formulation
- Modified oral capsules
- Label / product scope
- Dogs
Do not open or break capsules; follow canine label.
Product label / source ↗Atopica for Cats
- Formulation
- Modified oral solution
- Label / product scope
- Cats
Feline-specific solution and exclusions.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.