Selectively inhibits JAK1 (and to lesser extent JAK3), blocking cytokine signalling pathways (IL-31, IL-4, IL-13) involved in pruritus and allergic inflammation
At a glance
Class
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor — selective JAK1/JAK3
Dosing
Atopic dermatitis (pruritus control)
Frequency
BID x 14 days, then SID maintenance
Duration: BID for 14 days loading, then SID long-term
Allergic pruritus (acute)
Max dose
27 mg/dose; 54 mg/day
Duration: Up to 14 days BID
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Dogs <12 months of age
Not approved in dogs <12 months — affects developing immune system
Cats
Not approved for cats; safety and efficacy not established
Serious infections
Immunomodulatory — may worsen active infections
Pre-existing neoplasia
JAK inhibition may affect immune surveillance — use with caution in dogs with history of neoplasia
Concurrent immunosuppressive therapy
Additive immunosuppression — limited safety data for combinations
Adverse effects
Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Increased susceptibility to infections (UTI, pyoderma)
Serious
Demodicosis (immune suppression)
Neoplasia (theoretical — papillomas reported)
Bone marrow suppression
Increased susceptibility to Demodex
CBC (baseline, 30 days, then every 6 months)Skin infection surveillanceTumour monitoringPruritus score
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Oclacitinib?
Oclacitinib is a janus kinase (jak) inhibitor — selective jak1/jak3 used in pets. Selectively inhibits JAK1 (and to lesser extent JAK3), blocking cytokine signalling pathways (IL-31, IL-4, IL-13) involved in pruritus and allergic inflammation
›What is Oclacitinib used for in pets?
Oclacitinib is used in veterinary medicine for: Atopic dermatitis (pruritus control); Allergic pruritus (acute).
›What is the Oclacitinib dose for dogs?
For dogs, Oclacitinib is typically dosed as follows — Atopic dermatitis (pruritus control): 0.4–0.6 mg/kg PO BID x 14 days, then SID maintenance; Allergic pruritus (acute): 0.4–0.6 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Oclacitinib?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite, Increased susceptibility to infections (UTI, pyoderma). Serious (call your vet immediately): Demodicosis (immune suppression), Neoplasia (theoretical — papillomas reported), Bone marrow suppression, Increased susceptibility to Demodex.
›Does Oclacitinib need a prescription?
Yes. Oclacitinib is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Oclacitinib not be used?
Do not use Oclacitinib if: Dogs <12 months of age; Cats; Serious infections.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 2
Oclacitinib maleate 5.4 mg film coated tablets and 16 mg tablets Brand Apoquel F
M/s Zoetis India Ltd · Approved 03.06.2019
for treatment of pruritis associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs for treatment of clinical manifestations of atopic
Oclacitinib Maleate Chewable tablet 5.4mg & 16 mg
M/s Zoetis India Limited, 31, 3rd Floor, Kalpataru Synergy, · Approved 13.03.2026
The treatment of pruritis associated with allergic dermatitis in Dogs. The Treatment of Clinical Manifestations of atopi
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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