Taurine
(tor-een)

Description: Amino Acid Supplement
OtherNames forthis Medication:Dyna-Taurine®
Common Dosage Forms: Veterinary: 250 mg tablets; 375 mg/4 mL oral liquid. Human: 500 mg & 1000 mg tablets or capsules.

Key Information

Usually causes no side effects, but could cause vomiting.
Blood tests are often needed to check taurine levels in the blood.
If using a powder form, mix into food.

How is this medication useful?
Taurine is an amino acid thatis essential for normal heartfunction. It may be used as a supplementfor dogs or cats with heart disease when there is not enough taurine in the dietfor the animal.
Taurine is considered a nutritional supplement by the FDA; therefore, it does not evaluate these products for safety or efficacy. For your animal’s safety, use only products recommended by your veterinarian. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many things might affect how well this drug will work in your animal. Be sure to discuss the following with your veterinarian so together you can make the besttreatment decisions.While there are no drugs known that possibly could cause problems when taken with taurine, be sure to tell your veterinarian and
pharmacist what medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) you are giving your animal, as well as the amount and schedule of each.
Tell your veterinarian about any conditions or diseases your animal may have now or has had in the past.
If your animal has been treated for the same disease or condition in the past, tell your veterinarian aboutthe treatment and how well it did or didn’t work.
Taurine appears safe to use during pregnancy, butif your animal is pregnant or nursing, talk to your veterinarian aboutthe risks of using this drug.
Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any medication side effects (including allergic reactions, lack of appetite, diarrhea, itching, hair loss) your animal has developed in the past.

What are the side effects of this medication?
Side effects are not usually seen with taurine use. Any medication given by mouth may cause vomiting in some animals. If this occurs
give with some food to see if that helps. If vomiting continues or is severe, contact your veterinarian.

If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
Overdoses of taurine should not cause any harmful effects, butif your animal gets a very large overdose and is showing any unexpected signs contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for further advice. Animal poison control centers that are open 24 hours a day include: Pet Poison HELPLINE (855-764-7661) and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435); a consultation fee is charged for these services.

Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
There are no specific precautions required when handling this medication, but it is always a good idea to wash your hands after handling any medication.

How should I store this medication?
Taurine should be stored in a tight, light-resistant, child-proof container away from all children and other animals.