Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid (a.k.a. bioflavonoid - a plant pigment that attracts pollinators to the plant) with anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties.  

The anti-histamine property can shut off the histamine production that occurs during an allergic reaction.  The anti-inflammatory property can moderate, or even suppress, the inflammation associated with histamine production as well as inflammation from other medical conditions.

Quercetin naturally occurs in certain fruits, herbs, and vegetables.  Supplements are available and typically contain Bromelain, an enzyme that also has anti-histamine properties.  
Bromelain increases the bioavailability of the Quercetin, meaning it helps make the Quercetin easier for the body to absorb and use.  If formulating your own, Bromelain should be included at 1/4 to 1/3 of the total daily amount of Quercetin.  So, if you have 400 mg. of Quercetin, you would want at least 100 mg. of Bromelain.

Quercetin is believed to be beneficial for many medical conditions including, but not limited to: allergies (environmental, food), cancer prevention cataracts, diabetes, heart disease, and inflammatory diseases (asthma, arthritis, etc.)

Dosage (check with your veterinarian, s/he may want a different dosage):

• Pet Weight in Pounds x 1,000 mg. = Pet Weight mg.
  
• Pet Weight mg. /  125 = Total Daily Dosage
  

     Example:

•      60 lbs. x 1,000 mg. = 60,000
  
•      60,000 / 125 = 480 mg. total daily dosage
  

You can round up or down as needed to make dosing your chosen product easier.  If you are using an 800 mg. capsule for the example weight, you can give 1/4 capsule twice a day for a daily total of 400 mg.  If you are using a loose powder that has 500 mg. per 1/4 teaspoon, you can give 1/8 teaspoon twice a day for a daily total of 500 mg.

It is recommended that the total daily dosage be split into 2 doses given 12 hours apart.

Safety Information:

• While generally considered safe for dogs and cats, it can cause upset stomachs.  If this happens, try a lower dose.  
  
• Avoid giving to animals that have been diagnosed with kidney disease.  
  
• Kidney damage may occur with very high doses.  
  
• Do not use with pregnant and nursing pets.  The effects of Quercetin on these animals has not been documented.
  
• It is recommended that use be limited to 12 weeks at a time with a break before starting again. 
  
• As with all supplements, talk to a knowledgeable veterinarian prior to starting.  
• Prior to surgery, ask if it should be stopped and when it is safe to resume post surgery.
  
• Advise your veterinarian that there are potential drug interactions.

Potential Drug Interactions:

• Antibiotics, Quinolone: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, etc.
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
  
• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates): paclitaxel, rosiglitazone, amiodarone, docetaxel, tretinoins, repaglinide, verapamil, etc.
  
• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates): celecoxib, diclofenac, fluvastatin, glipizide, ibuprofen, irbesartan, losartan, phenytoin, piroxicam, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, warfarin, etc.
  
• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates): calcium channel blockers, chemotherapeutic agents, antifungals, glucocorticoids, alfentanil, fentanyl, losartan, fluoxetine, midazolam, omeprazole, lansoprazole, ondansetron, propranolol, fexofenadine, amitriptyline, amiodarone, citalopram, sertraline, etc.
  
• Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs): includes captopril, enalapril, losartan, valsartan, diltiazem, Amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, etc.
  
• Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein substrates): paclitaxel, diltiazem, cyclosporine, saquinavir, digoxin, cancer drugs, protease inhibitors, H2 antagonists, verapamil, corticosteroids, erythromycin, fexofenadine, loperamide, quinidine, etc.