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One selection filters the source overview, clinical facts, reports and dose calculator. Literature references are not species-filtered.
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Urine spraying/marking (primary use), inter-cat aggression, overgrooming
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Urine spraying/marking (primary use), inter-cat aggression, overgrooming — Extra-label — published efficacy data available
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Low-grade anxieties, fears, social phobias
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Low-grade anxieties, fears, social phobias — Extra-label — less experience than in cats
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens5
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects91
Minimal overall — well tolerated — —
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Increased affection/friendliness (may be desired) — Common
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Increased aggression (paradoxical) — Uncommon
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Bradycardia, GI upset, stereotypic behavior — Uncommon
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Lack of efficacy - NOS2 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')2 reports
- Abnormal breathing1 reports
- Agitation1 reports
- Anxiety1 reports
- Ataxia1 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS1 reports
- Blindness1 reports
- Death1 reports
- Decreased appetite1 reports
- Emesis1 reports
- Excess tear flow1 reports
Cat
- Aggression2 reports
- Death2 reports
- Eosinophilia2 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')2 reports
- Vomiting2 reports
- Weight loss2 reports
- Abnormal radiograph finding1 reports
- Anaphylaxis1 reports
- Arthritis1 reports
- Ataxia1 reports
- Azotaemia1 reports
- Basophilia1 reports
Monitoring1
Clinical efficacy, adverse effect profile — no specific labs required
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Hypersensitivity to serotonin agonists
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Severe hepatic/renal disease — use cautiously; use cautiously in aggressive animals (may reduce behavioral inhibition); caution in working dogs (less sedating than most anxiolytics but not zero)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Takes a week or more to show effect — not suitable as a sole agent for acute/situational anxiety; pair with a fast-acting option (e.g., trazodone) if immediate calming is needed.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Relatively inexpensive as human generics are widely available — a practical option for cost-conscious clients.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Roughly half of treated cats respond for urine marking — set realistic expectations and consider it one tool among several (environmental modification, etc.), not a guaranteed fix.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
MAO inhibitors (selegiline, amitraz) — Not recommended — risk of dangerous hypertension
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil — ↑ buspirone plasma levels/adverse effects
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Trazodone — May cause increased ALT
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
SSRIs/other serotonergic agents — Combination possible but reduce doses to minimize additive effects
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics4
Bioavailability — ~5% (human, high first-pass); lower still in cats per limited study
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — ~95% (human)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — ~2–4h (human data); peak ~1.4h in cats
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic → active metabolite 1-PP
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
No teratogenic effects at up to 30× labeled dose in rabbit/rat studies. Human FDA category B. Detected in lactating rat milk — avoid during nursing if possible.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 168–169; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 91–92 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references20
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Acute effects of L-DOPA/carbidopa/buspirone (Spinalon™) on rhythmic electrical activity of the lumbosacral spinal cord in cats.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of anastrozole reservoir-type intravaginal ring.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Antinociceptive effect of the agonist of 5-HT1A receptors buspirone in the model of abdominal pain in dogs.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Role of 5-HT(1A)- and 5-HT(2A) receptors for the murine model of the serotonin syndrome.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Perrin C, Seksel K, Landsberg GM. Appendix: Drug Dosage Chart. Vet Clin Small Anim 2014;44:629-632.; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.