Methimazole (Tapazole) is anti-thyroid drug veterinarians prescribe most often for cats with hyperthyroidism. The advantage of a cat taking Methimazole is that it is a non-invasive therapy that is low cost. It could take several weeks for the medication to have therapeutic effects and noticeable results.
How long does methimazole last in cats with hyperthyroidism?
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]. The following common side effects may occur within the first one to three months of treatment:
What is methimazole for cats used for?
Methimazole is a drug that’s used for feline hyperthyroidism treatment and management. Although designed for humans, it’s currently the drug of choice by most veterinarians because it doesn’t bring about a lot of life-threatening side effects when administered.
How much methimazole can I give my Cat for pain?
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].
What to do if your cat has diarrhea from methimazole?
If your cat is experiencing diarrhea for more than three to four days, it’s likely caused by too much methimazole. Visit your veterinarian so he or she may either adjust the dosage or change your cat’s treatment method.
How long does it take thyroid medication to start working in cats?
The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia.
Does methimazole make cats sleepy?
Are there any potential side effects? The most common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, and usually occur within the first three months of treatment.
How long can a cat live on methimazole?
The cost of methimazole and laboratory monitoring easily pay for 131I therapy after the first year, and the tumor continues to grow! The average life expectancy of a methimazole patient is ~3 years.
Can methimazole cure hyperthyroidism in cats?
Does methimazole cure hyperthyroidism in cats? No. Methimazole helps keep thyroid hormone levels under control, but it doesn't fix the root of the problem. In most cases, hyperthyroidism in cats is due to a non-cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.
How long does it take for thyroid levels to stabilize?
If your healthcare provider treats your condition with antithyroid medications (methimazole or propylthiouracil) your hormone levels should drop to a healthy level in about six to 12 weeks.
Why do hyperthyroid cats meow so much?
Signs of anxiety in a cat – including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness – are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
How can I fatten up my cat with hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroid cats need high calorie and high protein diets to reduce the rate of weight loss and muscle wasting that accompanies the disease. Thyroxine (the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland) is one of numerous counter-regulatory or anti-insulin hormones. As such it's effects are opposite to those of insulin.
What are the final stages of hyperthyroidism in cats?
Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease.
What is the average lifespan of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
What is the best food to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?
It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
How often should methimazole be given to cats?
Methimazole should be started at a dose of 1.25–2.5 mg per cat twice daily (q12h). Twice daily dosing is associated with less serious side effects than a higher dose once daily (q24h).
Can methimazole for cats be crushed in soft food?
Methimazole is a medication that can be given in tablet form (the tiny tablet can be crushed and mixed into wet food) or as a topical gel that you rub on the inside of the cat's ears (ideal for non-pillable cats).
What Is Methimazole Used For in Cats
Methimazole (the active ingredient in Tapazole) is an effective veterinary medication used for the management of hyperthyroidism in pets, a conditi...
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...
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 al...
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...
Methimazole (Tapazole) Side Effects
The following common side effects may occur within the first one to three months of treatment: 1. Vomiting 2. Headache 3. Dizziness 4. Drowsiness 5...
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: 1. Anemia 2. Ki...
How to give methimazole to cats?
How to give methimazole to your cat. 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].
What are some alternatives to methimazole?
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].
What is the active ingredient in tapazole?
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, ...
How to tell if a cat is overdosed?
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.
Can cats take methimazole?
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: Its use is also not recommended for pregnant and nursing cats because it may be toxic to an embryo and cause birth defects [1].
How long does methimazole take to work?
It can also be applied to hairless skin (usually on the inside of the earflap) in the form of a transdermal gel. This medication can take days to weeks before effects are noted, and sometimes effects are not visibly obvious.
What is methimazole used for?
What is methimazole? Methimazole (brand names: Tapazole®, Felimazole®) is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Its use in cats and guinea pigs to treat hyperthyroidism is occasionally 'off label' or 'extra label'. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.
How long does it take for a dog to get tired after taking a syringe?
The most common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, and usually occur within the first three months of treatment. Other, less common side effects such as gastrointestinal effects and mild changes in your pet’s blood cell counts are usually temporary and resolve with time.
What if I miss my dog's medication?
What if I miss giving my pet the medication? If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Can cats take methimazole?
Methimazole should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, or those allergic to carbimazole or polyethylene glycol. Cats with autoimmune disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or blood and clotting diseases should not use this medication, or it should be used with extreme caution and significant monitoring.
How long does methimazole stay in your system?
Methimazole leaves the system within about 20 hours. It is a very short-action drug, which is why it is given twice a day. How are the facial itching and the hive beneath her nose? Have they cleared up? She may have irritated her tummy vomiting and that is causing more vomiting. Try withholding food for a few hours, then feeding something gentle on the tummy. I know that either chicken and rice or lamb and rice are considered good for cats with sensitive tummies. If that doesn't work, call your vet!
How long does it take for a cat to get hives after stopping a med?
For medicines, it can possibly take months. This is what vets and online reasearch told me. Plus my cat had hives that took about 8 weeks to start really clearing up after we stopped the medicine and eating chicken.
What to feed a cat with a sensitive tummy?
Try withholding food for a few hours, then feeding something gentle on the tummy. I know that either chicken and rice or lamb and rice are considered good for cats with sensitive tummies. If that doesn't work, call your vet! Jan 4, 2018.
How long does methimazole treatment last for cats?
Usually, these symptoms stop after a week of treatment. Others, however, may self-mutilate or injure themselves through excessive scratching.
How long does it take for a cat to change his red and white cells?
Usually, changes occur within two months of the treatment.
Why does my cat have myasthenia gravis?
Rarely, cats develop myasthenia gravis due to methimazole overdose, a neuromuscular disease that weakens the skeletal muscles. They may also begin to experience ataxia, a symptom of an underlying disorder that affects a cat’s motion and balance. Ataxia comes in three primary forms: cerebellar, vestibular, and sensory.
What to do if my cat doesn't feel well?
If your cat still doesn’t feel well after a week, your veterinarian may prescribe a transdermal methimazole gel. Instead of taking the medication by mouth, a transdermal gel is applied on the skin, where it’s then absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream.
How long does it take for a cat to stop vomiting?
According to Wedgewood Veterinary Pharmacy, the largest animal-devoted pharmacy in the US, up to 20% of cats experience the aforementioned side effects. Most cats stop vomiting and begin to feel relatively better after a couple of days of regular administration, but others require their dosage reduced.
Why does my cat yell when touched?
Cats who yelp or yowl when touched might also be an indication of methimazole overdose. For the first few days, try to eliminate any stress factors that might trigger your cat.
What is the name of the disease that causes tremors in cats?
Tremors. Ataxia comes in three primary forms: cerebellar, vestibular, and sensory. Ataxia caused by overmedication is called vestibular ataxia. Severe vestibular disease can be fatal, but only if it isn’t caught early. If your cat is showing any of the symptoms above, immediate veterinary care is needed.
Profile of Medication
Application in Veterinary Medicine
- Indications
Methimazole is FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. It may also be used to control hyperthyroidism in dogs with functional thyroid tumors (off-label use). Methimazole (Felimazole, dechra-us.com) is approved for use in the U.S. and other countries, while carbimazo… - Contraindications
Methimazole should notbe used in cats with: 1. Hypersensitivity to methimazole, carbimazole, or the excipient, polyethylene glycol 2. Coagulopathies or hematologic disorders, such as anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, or thrombocytopenia 3. Primary liver disease or renal failure (or use c…
in The Literature
- A number of recent studies have evaluated the use of methimazole in cats with hyperthyroidism, evaluating its effects on renal and thyroid function, route of administration, and quality of life.
Administration in Feline Patients
- Dosage
Starting doses for methimazole therapy have decreased since the disease was first discovered, mainly due to the lower concentrations of TT4 seen in the majority of hyperthyroid patients diagnosed today. The suggested initial starting doses are: 1. Methimazole:2.5 mg PO Q 12 H or … - Route
Transdermal methimazole is suggested as an alternative to oral therapy for hyperthyroid cats that are difficult to pill. See Transdermal Methimazole Treatment, for further information on transdermal administration.
Monitoring
- Follow-Up
At each monitoring visit, clinical signs and quality of life should be evaluated, with special attention to possible development of azotemia, hypertension, and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. When starting treatment, the pet is re-evaluated at 2-week intervals with assessment of clinical s… - Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory monitoring should include a complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, TT4 concentration, and urinalysis. With regard to TT4 concentration: 1. The biochemical therapeutic endpoint is a TT4 concentration within the lower half of the laboratory reference range. 2. Value…
in Summary
- Methimazole (oral and transdermal) is a safe and effective medication for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism when dosed and monitored appropriately. fT4 = free thyroxine; PLO = pluronic lecithin organogel; T4 = thyroxine; TSH = thyroid stimulating hormone; TT4 = total thyroxine