Adequan I.M.

Polysulfated Gylcosaminoglycan

General Drug Information and Indications

Treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease in horses and dogs; reduces intra-articular inflammation; supports cartilage matrix and synovial fluid quality. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Mechanism: inhibits degradative enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases, hyaluronidase, prostaglandin E2); stimulates proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid synthesis; provides substrate for cartilage matrix repair. Semi-synthetic heparin analogue derived from bovine tracheal cartilage. IM or intra-articular administration. Key information Refrigerate; do not freeze. IM injection only — IV use not approved and associated with adverse reactions. Shake well before use. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG); may prolong bleeding time — use caution with concurrent anticoagulants. Equine label: 7 doses over 4 weeks.

How to Give this Medication

IM formulation: administer IM only into large muscle mass. Standard equine protocol: 500 mg IM twice weekly for 4 weeks. Intra-articular: inject using strict aseptic technique; use a new sterile needle for each joint. Canine: 5 mg/kg IM twice weekly for 4 weeks. Store refrigerated (2–8°C); do not freeze. Bring to room temperature before injection. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. IM injection: transient local soreness, swelling. Systemic: mild thrombocytopenia possible (heparin-like anticoagulant properties — monitor with concurrent anticoagulants). Rare: anaphylactoid reactions.

Precautions

For animals Avoid IM injection in horses with active joint infection. Use with caution in animals with bleeding disorders (mild heparin-like anticoagulant activity). Intra-articular use: aseptic technique essential to prevent septic arthritis. Do not use in horses with known hypersensitivity to the product. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Avoid self-injection — if accidentally injected, seek emergency medical attention. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan overdose may increase bleeding time. Contact vet for guidance.

Adequan I.M. dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
ADEQUAN I.M. 100 MG/ML INJECTABLE100 MG/MLInjectable—Commercial
ADEQUAN I.M. MULTI DOSE 100 MG/ML INJECTABLE100 MG/MLInjectable1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Joint Disorders in Horses; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com); FDA-approved label (Adequan i.m., Luitpold)