# Propentofylline: veterinary dose and monograph

> Propentofylline is a veterinary drug. A xanthine-derivative vasodilator/rheologic agent (Vivitonin) licensed to improve DEMEANOUR and ACTIVITY in dull, lethargic OLDER DOGS — it increases cerebral and peripheral blood flow, improves red-cell flexibility (microcirculation) and… Indications include improvement of dullness/lethargy and exercise tolerance in older dogs (licensed); support of peripheral/cerebral microcirculation in geriatric patients; off-label: feline geriatric demeanour; equine distal-limb perfusion (laminitis/navicular adjunct). This monograph lists 1 reference dose for dogs, each with route, frequency and source.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/propentofylline · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Veterinary drug
- **Also known as:** Vivitonin, Karsivan
- **Species with doses:** Dogs
- **General dose range:** 3–5 mg/kg PO q12h (before food) — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** PO
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Improvement of dullness/lethargy and exercise tolerance in older dogs (licensed)
- Support of peripheral/cerebral microcirculation in geriatric patients
- Off-label: feline geriatric demeanour; equine distal-limb perfusion (laminitis/navicular adjunct)

## Propentofylline dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Propentofylline doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Geriatric dullness / activity / circulation | 3–5 mg/kg | PO | q12h before food | — |

- Geriatric dullness / activity / circulation: Label-sourced — neither Papich 5e nor Plumb’s has a propentofylline monograph. Follow the Vivitonin/Karsivan label (twice daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 min before feeding).

### Cats

*Propentofylline doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| No reference dose for this species | Not established in Papich 5e or Plumb’s 10e — do not extrapolate from another species | — | — | — |

- No reference dose for this species: No propentofylline monograph in Papich 5e or Plumb’s, and the product is labelled for dogs only.

### Horses

*Propentofylline doses for horses*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| No reference dose for this species | Not established in Papich 5e or Plumb’s 10e — do not extrapolate from another species | — | — | — |

- No reference dose for this species: No propentofylline monograph in Papich 5e or Plumb’s and no referenced equine dose.

## Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to xanthines. Significant cardiac arrhythmia / recent myocardial infarction-type events (xanthine cardiac stimulation). Bleeding disorders (anti-platelet effect). Caution in pregnancy. Severe hepatic impairment.

## Adverse effects

- Usually well tolerated
- Occasional GI upset (vomiting), restlessness
- Rare tachycardia (xanthine effect)

## Drug interactions

- Other vasodilators / antihypertensives: additive effects
- Anti-platelet/anticoagulant drugs: additive bleeding tendency
- Other xanthines (theophylline): additive cardiac/CNS stimulation

## Pregnancy and lactation

Limited data; avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed.

## Monitoring

- Demeanour/activity/exercise-tolerance response over days–weeks (owner-reported)
- GI tolerance; heart rate if relevant
- Investigate and treat any underlying disease causing the lethargy (it is supportive, not a cure)

## Toxicity and overdose

Wide margin and well tolerated; overdose may cause GI upset, restlessness and xanthine-type cardiac stimulation (tachycardia). No characteristic organ toxicity at therapeutic use.

Management: No specific antidote. Supportive care; manage tachyarrhythmia/agitation if marked (as for xanthine effects). Effects are generally mild and self-limiting.

## Clinical pearls

- A nice "pick-me-up" for dull, slowing-down older dogs — improves cerebral/peripheral blood flow and often visibly lifts brightness, alertness and willingness to exercise
- Give on an EMPTY stomach (≈30 min before food) for absorption; effect builds over days–weeks
- Still work up the geriatric patient — rule out treatable causes of lethargy rather than just masking them
- Mild anti-platelet/vasodilatory effects — use cautiously with other anticoagulants/vasodilators

## Mechanism of action

A methylxanthine/phosphodiesterase-inhibiting agent that inhibits adenosine reuptake and phosphodiesterase, producing vasodilation and increased cerebral/peripheral/coronary blood flow; it also increases red-blood-cell deformability and inhibits platelet aggregation (improving microcirculatory flow) and has mild bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective effects. The net result is improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation, which underlies the "brighter, more active" effect in older dogs.

## Formulations and products

- 50 mg tablet (Vivitonin)
- 100 mg tablet
- Vivitonin (MSD Animal Health) — 50 / 100 mg tablet, Tablet

## Storage

Tablets: 15–30 °C, dry, protect from light.

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

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## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Propentofylline for dogs?

Reference doses for Propentofylline in dogs: 3–5 mg/kg PO q12h before food (Geriatric dullness / activity / circulation). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### Can Propentofylline be given to cats?

Not established in Papich 5e or Plumb’s 10e — do not extrapolate from another species (No reference dose for this species).

### Can Propentofylline be given to horses?

Not established in Papich 5e or Plumb’s 10e — do not extrapolate from another species (No reference dose for this species).

### When should Propentofylline not be used?

Known hypersensitivity to xanthines. Significant cardiac arrhythmia / recent myocardial infarction-type events (xanthine cardiac stimulation). Bleeding disorders (anti-platelet effect). Caution in pregnancy. Severe hepatic impairment.

### What are the side effects of Propentofylline in animals?

Usually well tolerated; Occasional GI upset (vomiting), restlessness; Rare tachycardia (xanthine effect).

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition

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VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.