Home/Medicines/Dichlorphenamide
All medicines

Dichlorphenamide

Prescription
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (10x more potent than acetazolamide) that reduces aqueous humor formation, promotes bicarbonate diuresis, and causes systemic metabolic acidosis. Used for glaucoma when acetazolamide is insufficient.

At a glance

Class
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for glaucoma — reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production
Dose
2–5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Used for acute glaucoma management
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8–12h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature

Safety

Monitoring parameters

IOPSerum electrolytesBlood gasRenal function
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Daranide
Keveyis

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Dichlorphenamide?
Dichlorphenamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used in pets. Potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (10x more potent than acetazolamide) that reduces aqueous humor formation, promotes bicarbonate diuresis, and causes systemic metabolic acidosis. Used for glaucoma when acetazolamide is insufficient.
What is Dichlorphenamide used for in pets?
Dichlorphenamide is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for glaucoma — reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production; Used for acute glaucoma management.
What is the Dichlorphenamide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dichlorphenamide is typically dosed as follows — Used for glaucoma — reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production: 2–5 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Dichlorphenamide dose for cats?
For cats, Dichlorphenamide is typically dosed as follows — Used for acute glaucoma management: 1–2 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Dichlorphenamide need a prescription?
Yes. Dichlorphenamide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor).

Acetazolamide
Rx
Reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, renal tubules, and CNS. Reduces aqueous humor production (lowers IOP), promotes bicarbonate diuresis (alkaline urine), and has weak anticonvulsant effects by altering neuronal pH.
dogcat
Dorzolamide
Rx
Inhibits carbonic anhydrase II in the ciliary body, reducing aqueous humor secretion and lowering intraocular pressure
dogcat
Methazolamide
Rx
Sulfonamide-derived carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces aqueous humor production in the ciliary body. Better CNS penetration and longer duration than acetazolamide. Less metabolic acidosis than dichlorphenamide.
dogcat
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp