What is taurine?
Taurine (brand names: Formula V®, Dyna-Taurine®) is an amino acid nutritional supplement that is used to treat taurine deficiency diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease. It is also effective in preventing retinal degeneration, a disease of the eye. Taurine may also be effective in the treatment of general heart disease.
Taurine deficiency primarily occurs in cats, but it may also occur in cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Newfoundland dogs, Dalmatians, Portuguese water dogs, and English bulldogs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health products (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health products must ensure their products are safe and labeled accurately.
The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health products” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These products are not tested by Health Canada.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.
Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it also may be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.
How is taurine given?
- Taurine comes in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid forms.
- All forms are given orally (by mouth).
- Measure liquid doses carefully.
- Give with or without food; however, if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food.
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions on administering this supplement and give for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your pet is feeling better.
This medication should take effect after 1 to 2 doses; however, it can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted. Effects may not be visible, so laboratory tests may be required to evaluate this supplement’s effectiveness.
What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Taurine may cause the following side effects:
- Mild vomiting
Serious adverse reactions are rare. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving taurine and contact your veterinarian immediately:
- An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, though effects may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this supplement?
Taurine is considered safe and there are no known risk factors.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
There are no documented drug interactions for this supplement. However, vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including all vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?
- Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the supplement is working and not causing side effects.
- Your veterinarian may want to monitor whole blood levels of taurine.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the supplement, and contact your veterinarian.
How do I store taurine?
- Store the supplement according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Protect from light, moisture, and heat.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
