Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG)
Also known as: Adequan · PSGAG
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indolent corneal ulcers | 1 drop of a 5% PSGAG solution in artificial tears | topical ophthalmic | TID | — | 🌎 NA |
- Indolent corneal ulcers: Anecdotal efficacy
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indolent corneal ulcers | 1 drop of a 5% PSGAG solution in artificial tears | topical ophthalmic | TID | up to 3 weeks | 🌎 NA |
- Indolent corneal ulcers: 86% of eyes treated were considered healed within 3 weeks
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) was originally developed for use in degenerative osteoarthritis but has intriguing properties for corneal ulcer management.
- Anecdotally effective in promoting healing of indolent corneal ulcers in dogs.
- Shown to be highly effective (86% healed within 3 weeks) for indolent ulcers in horses.
Clinical Pearl: While surgical keratectomy remains the most reliable treatment for indolent ulcers, topical PSGAG offers a non-invasive adjunctive or alternative medical therapy.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits multiple degradative enzymes (lysozyme, hyaluronidase, and serine proteases) → decreases prostaglandin E2 synthesis → reduces production of toxic superoxide radicals → increases synthesis of collagen proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid.
Safety & warnings
Precautions
Surgical keratectomy remains the most reliable treatment for indolent ulcers. Efficacy in dogs is currently anecdotal.
Monitoring
- Corneal ulcer healing via fluorescein staining
Available products
Formulations
- Ophthalmic solution 5% (compounded from injectable)
Veterinary
- Adequan injection (diluted 1:1 with sterile artificial tears to produce a 5% PSGAG solution)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store compounded ophthalmic solutions as directed by the compounding pharmacist, typically refrigerated.
Client information
Apply the eye drops exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Monitor your pet's eye for any signs of increased redness, squinting, or discharge, and contact your clinic if the eye seems more painful.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.