Acridine derivative that intercalates into protozoal DNA, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis. Also disrupts electron transport. Used for Giardia infections refractory to metronidazole and fenbendazole.
At a glance
Class
Acridine Dye Antiprotozoal
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Dosing
Rescue therapy for giardiasis refractory to metronidazole and fenbendazole
Cats sensitive to quinacrine toxicity
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 →Safety
Fecal Giardia antigen/PCR post-treatmentHepatic enzymesCBC
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.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Quinacrine?
Quinacrine is a acridine dye antiprotozoal used in pets. Acridine derivative that intercalates into protozoal DNA, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis. Also disrupts electron transport. Used for Giardia infections refractory to metronidazole and fenbendazole.
›What is Quinacrine used for in pets?
Quinacrine is used in veterinary medicine for: Rescue therapy for giardiasis refractory to metronidazole and fenbendazole; Cats sensitive to quinacrine toxicity.
›What is the Quinacrine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Quinacrine is typically dosed as follows — Rescue therapy for giardiasis refractory to metronidazole and fenbendazole: 6.6 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Quinacrine dose for cats?
For cats, Quinacrine is typically dosed as follows — Cats sensitive to quinacrine toxicity: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Quinacrine need a prescription?
Yes. Quinacrine 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