The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (XXII): nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy

The pharmacotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis has relied primarily on the use of glucocorticoids and anti-histamines. During the last decade, other anti-inflammatory drugs have been investigated in clinical trials. This pap er will review the studies using misoprostol, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, pho sphodiesterase inhibitors, capsaicin, leukotriene inhibitors and serotonin- reuptake inhibitors for treatment of dogs with atopic dermatitis. For each drug the mechanism of action, the rationale for use in atopic dermatitis, t he clinical efficacy, reported adverse effects and strength of recommendati on for treatment of canine atopic dermatitis are described. At the time of this writing, there is fair evidence to support the recommendation for usin g cyclosporine, misoprostol and pentoxifylline for treatment of canine atop ic dermatitis. This recommendation can be strengthened by the performance o f additional blinded randomized controlled trials with larger number of dog s. In contrast, there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against treatment with tacrolimus, leukotriene inhibitors, serotonin-reuptake antag onists and capsaicin. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.