Atopica (cyclosporine) administration is frequently associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Anecdotal reports suggest that by freezing the capsule prior to administration, vomiting or diarrhea occur less frequently.
Eight research dogs at Colorado State University were enrolled in a study examining the stability and pharmacokinetics of frozen cyclosporine (Atopica) capsules. Dogs were divided into two groups and given a single dose (5.0 mg/kg) of Atopica stored at room temperature or a capsule that had been stored in the freezer for 28 days. After a 1 week wash out period, the process was repeated with a crossover design. Adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and capsule stability were recorded following each time period.
The study revealed that there were no significant physical or pharmacokinetic differences between the frozen and room temperature Atopica treatments.
Of the eight dogs, two dogs exhibited vomiting after administration of the room temperature stored Atopica. None of the dogs vomited after freezer stored administration.
This study concluded that Atopica stability or absorption are not affected by storing capsules in a freezer for up to 30 days. The sample size of this study was too small to determine whether or not freezing Atopica capsules reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
Bachtel JC, et al. Comparison of the stability and pharmacokinetics in dogs of modified ciclosporin capsules stored at −20°C and room temperature. (2015) 26:228.
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