What is Denamarin Chewables?
Denamarin is a supplement manufactured by Nutramax for use in cats and dogs. This supplement works primarily to promote healthy liver function. However, studies have shown that this supplement can be beneficial to the brain as well.
Denamarin uses active ingredients S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex.
SAMe is an endogenous molecule used to boost the levels of glutathione in the liver of your dog or cat. Glutathione, a naturally produced by the liver, protects the hepatic cells from harm. Animals experiencing liver failure have been found to have decreasing levels of glutathione. The use of SAMe can help rebuild lost hepatic cells. SAMe is formed from amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate.
Silybin comes from Sylimarin, an active milk thistle extract. Silybin is beneficial to the liver in several ways. It actively protects the liver from the stress of oxidation, it produces hepatocyte protein helping with liver rejuvenation, it acts as an inhibitor in leukotriene production reducing hepatocytic inflammation, and it increases bile flow and glutathione productions allowing your pet to properly digest nutrients from food. Silybin has been known to limited bioavailability. Denamarin takes this incredibly useful extract and combines it with soybean phosphatidylcholine, vastly increasing its chance for absorption.
Simply substituting Marin or other supplements for this number-one rated liver supplement will not be as effective for the simple reason that they do not contain phosphatidylcholine. Therefore, the Silybin will have a decreased chance of absorption in your pet’s system.
Although primary studies have shown the positive effects of Denamarin drug in the liver, research has also been done on Denamarin's effect on the brain. This research shows a positive effect in the brain activity of dogs. The older a dog gets, the bigger the decrease in the SAMe levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. SAMe works as a stimul
How to use Denamarin Chewables
Denamarin is only to be given upon instruction from your veterinarian.
Denamarin comes in three sizes. The small tablet contains contains 90 mg of SAMe and 9 mg of silybin. The medium tablet contains 225 mg of SAMe with 24 mg of silybin. The large tablet contains 425 mg of SAMe and 35 mg of silybin.
Dosing instructions will depend on several factors. The size of your pet will determine how big of a dose you should administer. Whether your pet of choice is a dog or a cat will determine what type of tablet you can give them. As of right now, the convenient tablets only come as an option in Denamarin for dogs.
Administer to your dog or cat as follows:
Small dogs or cats (Up to 12 lbs.) – take one small tablet
Medium dogs or cats (13 to 34 lbs.) – take 1 medium tablet
Large dogs (35 to 65 lbs.) – take one large tablet
Large dogs (66 to 120 lbs.) – take 2 large tablets
Large dogs (120 lbs. or more) – take 3 large tablets
The number of tablets you use can be gradually increased or reduced as needed. Consult with your veterinarian to find out what is right for your pet. Because this drug needs to be taken on a consistent basis and it can become rather expensive, consult with your veterinarian about rotating doses with Marin, which is alsoproduced by Nutrimax.
For best results administer tablet(s) to your pet at least one hour before a meal on an empty stomach. Ideally, you would do this before the morning meal. Taking these steps will increase in absorption, optimizing your pet’s chances for good liver health. If you give medication to your cat, be sure to give them 3-6 cc of water immediately following. Otherwise, tablets may become lodged in the esophagus and never make it to the stomach.
If your pet refuses to take their medication, try camouflaging the tablet in a piece of cheese or other types of food that your pet enjoys to eat. A more effective way of administering Denamarin for dogs is to use specially formulated chewable tablets.
Denamarin Chewables warnings and precautions
Denamarin is for the use of dogs and cats only. It is sensitive to moisture and extreme heat. Do not split or crumble tablets. It can be purchased over the counter, but it is still recommended that you consult your veterinarian before beginning any new pet regiment.
What do I do if I have missed a Denamarin Chewables dose?
If find that you have missed a Denamarin dose, administer it as soon as you realize the dose that has been missed. However, do not take two doses at once. There is an extremely large margin for overdose of this drug. However, you should still do your best to keep a consistent and correct dosage. In the case of a Denamarin overdose, contact your local veterinarian.
Denamarin Chewables interactions
There are no known drugs interactions with this medication. Your veterinarian may suggest that you combine the use of Denamarin and Marin or other dietary products for increased levels of silybin, zinc, and vitamin E.
Although Adenosylmethionine is made from amino acid methionine, it is not recommended that you give your pet methionine. Doing so may not increase natural levels of SAMe, and it may actually increase damage to the liver. The best way to increase natural levels of Adenosylmethionine is by using direct dosage of Adenosylmethionine.
Denamarin Chewables side effects
Denamarin side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbance, itching, and headaches have been rarely reported in primates. Denamarin side effects have not, however, been reported in dogs and cats. Research has shown tolerance for up to 80 times the normal dosage without side effects.