Vivitonin (Propentofylline) for Dogs

What it's licensed for, what the evidence shows, the label dose and side effects, how US owners can get it, and how it compares with selegiline.

By La Petite Labs Editorial 9 min read

As Seen On

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Contents

Vivitonin is propentofylline, a prescription tablet licensed in the UK and Europe "for improvement in dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs," especially older dogs. It works by increasing blood flow, including to the brain. It isn't FDA-approved, so there's no US version, and its evidence for dementia is limited.

Here's what it does, the label dose, side effects, how US owners can get it, and how it compares with selegiline.

La Petite Labs publishes this guide and makes Hollywood Elixir, a dog and cat supplement. We don't sell propentofylline, and we're not affiliated with MSD Animal Health or any company named here.

What is Vivitonin for dogs?

Vivitonin is a prescription-only tablet for dogs that contains propentofylline. MSD Animal Health sells it in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths, and both are licensed for dogs only.1 The UK first authorized it in 1994.2

The same drug is sold under other names. In EU countries it's also sold as Karsivan, from the same license holder, and as Vitofyllin from a German veterinary cooperative.34 Spellings such as propentofilin and propentofyline mean the same drug.

Vivitonin for dogs at a glance

What it is
Propentofylline, a xanthine drug that increases blood flow
Licensed for
Dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs, especially older dogs (UK label)
Where it's licensed
The UK since 1994, and EU countries including as Karsivan and Vitofyllin
FDA-approved?
No; DailyMed lists no US label
UK label dose
Half a 50 mg tablet per 5 kg twice a day, at least 30 minutes before food
Side effects
Rare: vomiting, mostly early on, and allergic skin reactions
Evidence for dementia
Limited for the core cognitive signs
UK price
£18 for 60 × 50 mg tablets at one online pharmacy

Vivitonin vs selegiline for older dogs

Vivitonin (propentofylline)Anipryl (selegiline)
Licensed forDullness, lethargy and demeanour (UK, EU)Cognitive dysfunction and pituitary Cushing's (US)
How it worksIncreases blood flowBlocks MAO-B in the brain
US statusNot FDA-approvedFDA-approved
Label doseHalf a 50 mg tablet per 5 kg, twice daily0.5–1.0 mg/kg once daily, morning
EvidenceLimited for cognitive signs; no change in activity in one aged-beagle study12-week placebo-controlled trial; 77.2% of 641 dogs improved in an open study
Main side effectsRare vomiting and allergic reactionsVomiting, diarrhea, restlessness
InteractionsNone known on the UK labelAntidepressants, tramadol, amitraz

Competitor label and pricing facts checked November 11, 2026. Sources are listed in the References section below.

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What is Vivitonin used for in dogs?

Vivitonin's UK label says it's "for improvement in dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs." The label adds that it's particularly useful in older dogs, where it may increase their willingness to exercise and how much exercise they can manage.2

Other labels for the same drug put the circulation first. The Vitofyllin label adds "improvement of peripheral and cerebral vascular blood circulation."4 The Belgian Karsivan leaflet describes it as supportive treatment for circulation problems in the limbs and brain, and says any specific organ disease must be treated directly.3 No label we found lists canine cognitive dysfunction.

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How does propentofylline work?

Propentofylline increases blood flow, particularly to the heart and skeletal muscle, according to the UK product information. It also raises blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain without increasing the brain's demand for glucose.2

The label lists other effects too. It strengthens the heart's contractions, mildly raises heart rate, widens the airways about as much as aminophylline, makes blood platelets less sticky and helps red blood cells flow.2 A 2026 review adds that it blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase and the uptake of adenosine into cells.5

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Does Vivitonin work for dogs?

Vivitonin may make some older dogs brighter and more active, but the published evidence is thin. A 2026 review of canine cognitive dysfunction says it's reported to improve demeanour, lethargy and dullness in older dogs, but that evidence for specific cognitive benefits is limited.5 The review adds that some comparison studies found it less effective than other drugs on specific behaviors.5

In one controlled study, 36 beagles aged 9 to 16 got one of three drugs for 33 days. The 12 dogs given propentofylline at 5 mg/kg twice a day showed no change in movement, while the comparison drug adrafinil increased it.6 We couldn't find a recent placebo-controlled trial of Vivitonin in pet dogs.

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Is Vivitonin used for dogs with dementia?

Vivitonin isn't licensed for dementia (canine cognitive dysfunction), though it's discussed as an option for older dogs with cognitive signs. Its labels cover dullness, lethargy and circulation, not cognitive decline.23 The 2026 review lists it among the drugs used for cognitive dysfunction, with limited evidence for the core signs.5

In the US, where Vivitonin isn't approved, vets most often recommend selegiline for cognitive dysfunction, according to a 2025 survey of 318 vets.7 Signs to raise with your vet follow the acronym DISHAA: disorientation, changed social interactions, sleep-wake changes, lost house training, activity changes and anxiety.8

Vivitonin is licensed for dullness and lethargy in dogs, not for dementia, and it isn't FDA-approved.

How long does Vivitonin take to work?

Expect weeks, not days. The UK Vivitonin label doesn't give a timeline.2 The Belgian leaflet for Karsivan, the same drug from the same license holder, says to give it every day throughout treatment and to continue for at least 4 to 8 weeks.3

The drug itself acts quickly in the body. Blood levels peak about 15 minutes after a dose, the half-life is about 30 minutes, and it doesn't build up in the body.2

Overhead view of a black-and-white dog beside a food bowl and Hollywood Elixir box

What is the dose of Vivitonin for dogs?

The UK Vivitonin 50 mg label gives half a tablet per 5 kg of body weight, twice a day. Dogs under 5 kg may get a quarter tablet twice a day, and dogs over 20 kg can use the 100 mg tablets.9 The 100 mg label gives half a tablet per 10 kg twice a day, and those tablets shouldn't be quartered.2

The tablets go on the back of the tongue or in a small ball of food, at least 30 minutes before a meal.2 EU labels for Karsivan and Vitofyllin give 6–10 mg/kg a day, split into two doses of 3–5 mg/kg.34 In kidney failure, the label says the dose should be reduced.2 These are label facts; your vet sets your dog's dose.

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What are the side effects of Vivitonin in dogs?

Vivitonin's labeled side effects are rare. The UK label lists vomiting, mostly at the start of treatment, and allergic reactions such as hives, each in 1 to 10 dogs per 10,000 treated. An allergic reaction means treatment has to stop.2 The Vitofyllin label also lists rare heart problems.4

Too much is a different story. The UK label reports signs of heart and brain overstimulation after overdose.2 The Karsivan leaflet lists lethargy, drooling and vomiting at double the dose, and wobbliness and muscle tremors at higher doses.3 Call your vet if your dog vomits repeatedly, breaks out in hives or seems agitated.

Man holding a Hollywood Elixir box while sitting on an outdoor sofa with a golden retriever

Which dogs shouldn't take propentofylline?

Propentofylline isn't for pregnant or breeding dogs, or dogs allergic to it.2 The Karsivan leaflet also rules out dogs under 2.5 kg and dogs with advanced cardiomyopathy, and the Vitofyllin label rules out dogs under 5 kg.34

Some dogs need extra care. The UK label says to reduce the dose in kidney failure, to treat specific diseases such as kidney disease directly, and to review the medicines of dogs already treated for congestive heart failure or airway disease.2

Does propentofylline interact with prednisolone?

No interaction with prednisolone is listed. The UK Vivitonin label lists no known interactions with other medicines.2 The Karsivan leaflet advises against combining it with other drugs that act the same way or with other xanthine drugs.3

Heart and airway medicines are the ones the UK label flags for review.2 Give your vet a full list of your dog's medicines and supplements before starting it.

The UK label lists its side effects as rare: vomiting early in treatment and allergic skin reactions.

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Is Vivitonin FDA-approved?

No. As of November 2026, DailyMed, the US government's database of drug labels, listed no propentofylline product for animals or people.10 FDA's veterinary import page says unapproved drugs will be detained and refused at the port of entry.11

That also limits off-label use. The US rules that let vets prescribe drugs off-label cover approved animal and human drugs, and propentofylline is neither.12

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Can I get Vivitonin in the US?

Only through narrow routes, and none is guaranteed. The FDA says it's illegal in most circumstances for individuals to import drugs for personal use. It may allow up to about a three-month supply for a serious condition with no effective US treatment, and it applies the same criteria to animal drugs, with a letter from the treating vet.13 Whether a given shipment qualifies is FDA's decision.

The other route is compounding. FDA's guidance GFI #256 describes when it generally won't take action against compounding animal drugs from bulk ingredients for pets, when no other medically appropriate treatment exists. Such drugs aren't FDA-approved.14 Ask your vet whether either route fits your dog; for cognitive dysfunction, selegiline is the approved US option (chapter 14).

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How much does Vivitonin cost?

In the UK, Vivitonin is inexpensive. In November 2026, one online UK pharmacy listed 60 × 50 mg tablets at £18 and 60 × 100 mg tablets at £33, with a vet's prescription required.1516 At the UK label rate, a 10 kg dog gets one 50 mg tablet twice a day, so a 60-tablet pack lasts about a month.9

We found no published US price, because there's no US product. Importing or compounding costs vary, and an exam and bloodwork come first either way.

Vivitonin vs selegiline: which is better for older dogs?

They do different jobs, and in the US only selegiline is an option without importing. Selegiline (Anipryl) is FDA-approved to control signs of canine cognitive dysfunction.17 Vivitonin is licensed in the UK and Europe for dullness, lethargy and demeanour.2

Selegiline's placebo-controlled trial found improvements in sleep, house training and activity after four weeks.17 Its 77.2% figure comes from an open-label study with no comparison group.5 We found no published data on giving the two together. Our selegiline for dogs guide covers that drug in depth.

Is Vivitonin used in humans?

No. Vivitonin is a veterinary medicine, and propentofylline isn't sold as a human drug in the US.210 It was tested in people with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. A 2003 Cochrane review found only limited evidence of benefit, and noted the manufacturer declined to share data on about 1,200 more patients.18

In 2000, Aventis stopped developing it for Alzheimer's after disappointing results in a 72-week trial.19 The dog label asks people handling the tablets to avoid swallowing them by accident and to wash their hands after use.2

Woman holding a Hollywood Elixir box beside a dapple dachshund and green food bowl on a sofa

What else could be making my older dog dull or slow?

Dullness and slowing down often have a medical cause, and the Vivitonin label itself says specific diseases, such as kidney disease, should be treated directly.2 The 2023 AAHA senior care guidelines list pain, organ problems and brain tumors among the conditions that can look like cognitive decline. They recommend a full history, exam, neurological exam, bloodwork and urine test.8

See your vet before trying any drug. Note when the change started, which daily moments are hardest, and whether your dog coughs, pants at rest, drinks more or eats less. Our guide to muscle loss in older dogs covers one more reason older dogs slow down.

Woman cuddling a brown-and-white spaniel while holding a Hollywood Elixir box

What else helps a slowing senior dog?

The best-supported options in the US are selegiline for cognitive signs, plus diet and daily enrichment. The AAHA guidelines say diets high in antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides showed the most benefit when combined with exercise, new toys and cognitive games.8 They also say treating pain and anxiety should be part of the plan for a cognitively impaired dog.8

No drug is approved to slow aging in dogs; Loyal's candidates are still in development.20 Our dog longevity drug guide covers where they stand. For food and supplements, see our natural alternatives guide and senior dog diet guide.

Where daily nutrition fits

We make Hollywood Elixir, a daily nutrition powder for adult and senior dogs and cats. It's built around nicotinamide riboside, an NAD+ precursor, with CoQ10, glutathione and 14 more actives, and every active amount is printed on the label. It's a supplement, not a Vivitonin substitute: it isn't designed to do what propentofylline does, and it hasn't been tested for lifespan. Its case is practical: one daily sachet stirred into food (half for pets under 7 lb, two for dogs over 30 lb) instead of a cupboard of separate supplements. If your dog takes Vivitonin, check with your vet before adding it or any other supplement. See the full formula and serving guide.

In the US, selegiline is the approved drug for canine cognitive dysfunction. Vivitonin means importing or compounding.

Educational content only. This material is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Glossary

Propentofylline: a xanthine-derivative drug that increases blood flow, sold for dogs as Vivitonin, Karsivan and Vitofyllin.

Xanthine derivative: a drug built on the xanthine chemical structure; the Karsivan label advises against combining it with others of that family.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor: a drug that blocks enzymes that break down messenger molecules inside cells.

SPC: summary of product characteristics, the official label text for a licensed medicine in the UK and EU.

Canine cognitive dysfunction: age-related decline in a dog's thinking and behavior, similar to dementia.

Compounding: a pharmacist or vet making a custom drug for one patient; compounded drugs aren't FDA-approved.

Related Reading

Aging & Senior Dog Guidance
• Dog Age Calculator
• Dog Lifespan by Breed
• Dog Dementia
• Lethargy in Dogs
• My Dog Won't Eat
• Dog Pacing At Night
• Dog Licking Paws
• Can Dogs Dehydrate

Healthy Aging Support
• NAD+ for Dogs
• NMN for Dogs
• Antioxidants Supplements for Dogs
• Best Senior Dog Supplements & Vitamins
• Dog Longevity Drugs
• Rapamycin for Dogs

References

Sources and further detail

  1. MSD Animal Health UK (checked November 2026). *Vivitonin 50 mg tablets and Vivitonin 100 mg tablets*
  2. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (approved October 2025). *Vivitonin 100 mg tablets for dogs: summary of product characteristics*
  3. Intervet International / Belgian FAMHP (October 2025). *Karsivan 50 mg tablets: package leaflet (German), BE-V144137*
  4. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (approved January 2023). *Vitofyllin 100 mg film-coated tablets for dogs: summary of product characteristics*
  5. Dondi M, Bianchi E, Borghetti P et al. *Animals* (2026). *Evidence-based clinical management of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome*
  6. Siwak CT, Gruet P, Woehrlé F et al. *American Journal of Veterinary Research* (2000). *Comparison of the effects of adrafinil, propentofylline, and nicergoline on behavior in aged dogs*
  7. Simon KE, Gruen ME, Olby NJ. *Frontiers in Veterinary Science* (2025). *Current practices for diagnosis and management of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in the United States*
  8. Dhaliwal R, Boynton E, Carrera-Justiz S et al. *Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association* (2023). *2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*
  9. Veterinary Medicines Directorate (October 2025). *Vivitonin 50 mg tablets: label and package leaflet*
  10. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine (checked November 2026). *Search results for propentofylline*
  11. FDA (2025). *Importing veterinary drugs*
  12. FDA (2023). *The ins and outs of extra-label drug use in animals: a resource for veterinarians*
  13. FDA (2025). *Personal importation*
  14. FDA (August 2022). *CVM GFI #256: Compounding animal drugs from bulk drug substances*
  15. Pet Drugs Online (checked November 2026). *Vivitonin tablets for dogs 50 mg*
  16. Pet Drugs Online (checked November 2026). *Vivitonin tablets for large dogs 100 mg*
  17. Zoetis (revised July 2019). *Anipryl (selegiline hydrochloride) tablets: FDA-approved label, NADA 141-080*
  18. Frampton M, Harvey RJ, Kirchner V. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews* (2003). *Propentofylline for dementia*
  19. BioCentury (3 March 2000). *Aventis ends propentofylline development*
  20. Loyal (checked November 2026). *Products in development*

FAQ

Can cats take Vivitonin?

Vivitonin is licensed for dogs only, and cat use is off-label with very little evidence. Don't give a cat a dog's tablets; our propentofylline for cats guide explains what's known.

Should Vivitonin be given with food?

No. The UK label says to give it at least 30 minutes before feeding, either on the back of the tongue or hidden in a small ball of food.

Can Vivitonin tablets be split?

The 50 mg tablets can be split into halves and quarters with a knife or tablet splitter. The UK label says the 100 mg tablets shouldn't be quartered.

Can Vivitonin be used long term?

The labels don't set a maximum length of treatment. The Belgian Karsivan leaflet says to give it daily for at least 4 to 8 weeks, so ask your vet how and when to judge whether it's helping.

What happens if a dog gets too much Vivitonin?

The UK label reports signs of heart and brain overstimulation after overdose. Another label for the same drug lists lethargy, drooling and vomiting at double the dose, so call your vet promptly.

Is Vivitonin safe for dogs with kidney disease?

It can be used, but the UK label says the dose should be reduced in kidney failure. In dogs, 80–90% of the drug leaves the body through the kidneys.

Is Vivitonin safe for dogs with heart disease?

It needs care. The UK label asks vets to review the medicines of dogs treated for congestive heart failure, and the Karsivan leaflet rules it out in advanced cardiomyopathy.

Is there a generic version of Vivitonin?

Other brands of propentofylline include Karsivan and Vitofyllin, which are sold for dogs in EU countries. Neither is FDA-approved in the US.

Do I need a prescription for Vivitonin?

In the UK, yes: it's a prescription-only veterinary medicine. Vitofyllin's label lists it as prescription-only in most EU countries it names but not in Germany.

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