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What is methimazole used for in cats
Jun 29, 2020 The usually recommended initial dose for cats of all weight is 2.5 mg, given twice at an interval of 8 to 12 hours per day 11. The maximal daily dosage varies depending on the severity of the condition, from 2.5 mg for a mild case to 5 mg for a moderate case, and 10-15 mg for a severe chronic condition 11. Sileo 0.1mg/ml oromucosal gel SPC 2. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Louis, MO: Elsevier-Mosby; 2013. Tiira K, Lohi H. Reliability and validity of a questionnaire survey in canine anxiety research. Appl Anim Behav Sci. Dexmedetomidine) that have a better adverse effect profile in dogs and cats. Because of the emetic action. Receptors then detomidine, dexmedetomidine, or romifidine. The alpha-2–alpha-1 selectivity of xylazine. Dexmedetomidine) that have a better adverse effect profile in dogs and cats. Labeled dose (FDA-approved): 1.1 mg/kg. The recommended dose of Sileo for dogs 64-86 lbs is 5 dots; therefore, one 3ml syringe will provide 2.4 doses. Please note the contents must be used within 4 weeks of opening the syringe. Answered by: Lisa M. If cats have pale mucous membranes and unacceptably slow pulses (less than 80 bpm) or hypotension - stimulate them by handling and if this does not resolve the problem administer 10 to 20% of the calculated atipamazole dose IM. If you feel that the cat is in crisis, the full atipamazole dose can be given IV slowly by titration over 2.
Methimazole (the active ingredient in Tapazole) is an effective veterinary medication used for the management of hyperthyroidism in pets, a condition that causes an excessive production of thyroid hormone in the body [1, 2]. While there are two drugs available, methimazole and propylthiouracil, for medical therapy of feline hyperthyroidism, the former is more commonly used because it has a lower rate of adverse side effects compared to the latter [3].
Aside from its use for lowering the thyroid hormone concentration in blood, the medicine may also be administered before a radioactive iodine therapy or surgery of the thyroid gland [5].
Quick Information | |
Methimazole for Cats | Generic name Methimazole Brand name Tapazole® [2] Type Thioureylene anti-thyroid agent [1] Does FDA approve it Yes [1] Availability Prescription medication [2] Who can take it Cats, dogs, humans [2] Forms 5 mg and 10 mg white round tablets, transdermal gel, cream, or liquid [1, 2] Cost $0.46 – $0.47 per 5mg tablet |
Mechanism of action: how does it work
The production of thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), is initiated by the peroxidase enzyme through the oxidation reaction of tyrosyl groups of thyroglobulin protein and iodide ion. Methimazole interferes with the regular interaction of peroxidase and iodine with thyroglobulin and reduces the formation of thyroid hormones [6, 10].
Sileo Dose In Cats Dogs
Methimazole dosage for cats
Talk to a vet to determine your cat’s daily dosage requirements and the best time to administer.
The usually recommended initial dose for cats of all weight is 2.5 mg, given twice at an interval of 8 to 12 hours per day [11]. The maximal daily dosage varies depending on the severity of the condition, from 2.5 mg for a mild case to 5 mg for a moderate case, and 10-15 mg for a severe chronic condition [11].
Blood tests are usually repeated every 28 days until the hormone level reaches a steady state, and the maintenance dosage is achieved [7].
How to give methimazole to your cat
Sileo Dog Dose
Give the medication as instructed by the vet. As a tablet, it can be administered with or without food. However, you need to check with the vet before dividing the tablet or crushing it to mix with your cat’s food [12]. Make sure you give your pet plenty of water to drink [8].
It may also be provided as an oral liquid [4]. Since methimazole tastes bitter, you may choose the flavored varieties that are compounded in some pharmacies [22].
How to apply topical methimazole to cats
For the transdermal cream or gel, wear gloves and measure the dose onto your finger before gently applying it on your cat’s skin (usually to the pinna) [4]. Clean the site using a small piece of moist cloth before giving the next dose.
Do not stop applying the cream unless the vet advises you to do so [4].
What to do if you miss giving a dose
If you have missed a scheduled dose, give it as soon as you can. However, it is best to skip the dose if the next dose is due within a few hours. Make sure never to provide a double dose [4].
Symptoms of an overdose
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Headache (your cat pushing its head against the floor or other objects, hiding its face in its paws, becoming sluggish, sleeping longer, and/or being hyper-reactive to touch specifically on its head or neck) [13]
- Fever (watch for signs like decreased drinking, loss of appetite, shivering, rapid breathing, and lack of activity) [14]
- Itching or increased scratching
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Upset stomach (look for signs like loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting) [9, 15]
If your cat shows any of the abovementioned signs of overdose, urgently call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Center at 1-888-426-4435.
How long does it take for methimazole to work
Although studies have revealed that methimazole can effectively work for 2.3 hours in hyperthyroid cats and 4.7 hours in normal cats, a single dose can actually suppress thyroid hormone levels for about 24 hours [10, 11, 20].
Methimazole (Tapazole) side effects
The following common side effects may occur within the first one to three months of treatment:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hair loss
- Joint, nerve, or muscle pain (difficulty jumping, reluctance to move, licking a specific body part, or abnormal gait) [19]
Other serious side effects may include:
- Difficulty breathing (the cat opening its mouth, sticking its elbows out from its body, flaring up its nostrils, extending its head and neck out in front while breathing) [17]
- Fever
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody stool or urine
- Vomiting
- Depression (losing appetite, becoming less active, displaying abnormal behavior, or disturbed sleep patterns) [18]
- Autoimmune disease like jaundice [8]
Contact your veterinarian if your cat has any of the above side effects.
When should it not be given to cats
Make sure to discuss with your vet of any existing health conditions in your cat. Methimazole is not prescribed for cats that have:
- Anemia
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disease
- Lymphopenia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
Its use is also not recommended for pregnant and nursing cats because it may be toxic to an embryo and cause birth defects [1].
Potential drug interactions
Be sure to inform the vet if your cat is on any of the following medications:
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Beta blockers like atenolol (Tenormin)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Theophylline (Theo-Dur) [8, 9]
Homeopathic and herbal remedies, as well as acupuncture, are considered alternatives for a methimazole treatment. However, there is not enough evidence to prove their effectiveness [21].
References
- Focus On Pharmacology: Methimazole: Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism – Todaysveterinarypractice.navc.com
- Methimazole – Petmd.com
- Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism – Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Methimazole – Vcahospitals.com
- Methimazole – 1800petmeds.com
- Methimazole, Tapazole – Medicinenet.com
- About Tapazole Tablets for Hyperthyroidism in Cats – Petcarerx.com
- Tapazole – 1800petmeds.com
- Tapazole for Cats – Vetinfo.com
- How to Dose and Monitor Hyperthyroid Cats on Methimazole – Animalendocrine.blogspot.in
- Methimazole (Veterinary – Systemic) – Aavpt.org
- Getting Your Cat to Take Medication – Thecatvet.co.uk
- Cat Headaches – Cats.lovetoknow.com
- Fevers in Cats – Pets.webmd.com
- Remedy for an Upset Stomach in a Cat – Pets.thenest.com
- Methimazole for Cats – Wedgewoodpetrx.com
- Breathing Difficulties in Cats – Petmd.com
- Can Cats Get Depressed? – Petmd.com
- 25 Red Flags That Spell Pain – Healthypets.mercola.com
- Optimal testing for thyroid hormone concentration after treatment with methimazole in healthy and hyperthyroid cats – Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Feline Hyperthyroidism – Healthypets.mercola.com
- Methimazole for Cats and Vomiting – Pets.thenest.com
Important Safety Information: Do not use SILEO in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients. SILEO should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. SILEO has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of SILEO. SILEO has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of SILEO to their skin, eyes or mouth. Failure to lock the ring-stop on the syringe before dosing SILEO could potentially lead to an accidental overdose. Always review INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE before dispensing and dosing. See full Prescribing Information.