Introducing Reconcile®
Reconcile®, a flavoured, chewable tablet that contains fluoxetine hydrochloride, was developed specifically for dogs with separation-related disorders.
Reconcile chewable tablets are licensed as an aid in the treatment of separation-related disorders in dogs manifested by destruction and inappropriate behaviours (vocalisation and inappropriate defecation and/or urination) and only in combination with behavioural modification techniques. ¹²
Reconcile® is a prescription-only medication and so must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.
How does Reconcile® work?
Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are released from the presynaptic neuron and attach to receptors on the postsynaptic site. They are then reabsorbed back into the presynaptic site. Research has shown that control of anxiety is one function of serotonin.
Reconcile®, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), helps correct the imbalance by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and temporarily increasing the level in the synapse.
Reconcile® helps establish a calmer frame of mind in dogs, reducing detrimental behaviours and making them more receptive to training.
How well does Reconcile® work?
A multicentred, double-blinded study was conducted in 229 dogs for 70 days, with dosing of participating dogs for 56 days (14 days pre-treatment), to compare the Reconcile® chewable tablet to a placebo control tablet.¹¹ Both groups received behavioural modification. After 1 week significantly more dogs receiving Reconcile® had measurable improvement.
After 8 weeks, 73% of dogs receiving Reconcile® had measurable improvement compared to just over half of those receiving only placebo control tablets. ¹ ¹¹ ¹³
As Reconcile® is indicated for treatment of separation-related disorders in dogs only in conjunction with a behaviour modification plan, a suggested behavioural modification plan (the CALM Programme) is discussed here.
Safety of Reconcile®
Reconcile® has been licensed in the USA for many years and continued clinical use in real-life conditions has demonstrated it to be well tolerated in dogs. Additionally many studies demonstrate that Reconcile® has proven safe when prescribed and used as directed.
In a double-blinded, laboratory safety study, 38 dogs were administered Reconcile® for one year at 0.5×, 2.25× and 10× the recommended treatment dose to determine the potential cumulative toxicity and reversibility of any toxicologic effects of fluoxetine hydrochloride with chronic administration to Beagle dogs.¹⁰
The study demonstrated that fluoxetine has a variable, individual safety response regarding reported adverse events. As with all drugs it is important to monitor closely for any side effects and to ensure dosing accuracy to minimise the risk of adverse effects. The most common adverse events reported in decreasing order of reported frequency are: decreased appetite, urinary tract disorders (cystitis, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, stranguria), central nervous system signs (incoordination, disorientation), weight loss/loss of condition, mydriasis, panting, seizures, vomiting.¹²
References:
1. Simpson BS, Landsberg GM, Reisner IR, et al. Effects of Reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablet plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety. Vet Ther. 2007:8(1):18-31.
10. Toxicity study D3760. A One Year Chronic Toxicity Study with Two Month Recovery Phase of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride (LY110140) Administered Orally to Beagle Dogs. Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-272; Reconcile Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Chewable Tablets: Dogs. 2007:9.
11. Field study T8E420001. Efficacy Evaluation of Fluoxetine (fluoxetine hydrochloride) for the Control of Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-272; Reconcile Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Chewable Tablets: Dogs. 2007: 3.
12. Reconcile Chewable Tablets for Dogs, Summary of Product Characteristics. 2021.
13. Reconcile European Public Assessment Record, accessed October 2021. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/scientific-discussion/reconcile-epar-scientific-discussion_en.pdf