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Diethylstilbesterol

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen agent. It has been used in estrogen responsive urinary incontinence and in the prevention of pregnancy after mismating in female dogs and cats. Your veterinarian may prescribe diethylstilbestrol for other conditions.

How do I give this medication?medications

"Handle this medication with caution if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant."
  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • Give this medication one hour before or two hours after meals.
  • If the medicine is in liquid form, measure the dose with reasonable care.
  • Depending on the response to treatment, this medication may be given once daily, once every 3 to 5 days or as a maintenance dose of once weekly.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed and for a longer period of time than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.
  • Handle this medication with caution if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

  • This medication may cause certain blood abnormalities. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior in your pet.
  • This medication can suppress bone marrow. 
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following drugs can potentially interact with diethylstilbestrol: rifampin, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, corticosteroid agents, and oral anticoagulants.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER!  READ THE LABEL.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jun 9, 2017.