Is Felimazole the same as methimazole? Approved by FDA in May 2009, Felimazole contains methimazole as the active ingredient. Unlike the methimazole products for people, Felimazole has been shown to be safe and effective in cats when used according to the directions on the label.
What type of drug is Felimazole?
Felimazole Description Methimazole is a thioureylene antithyroid drug, which inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Methimazole (1-methylimidazole-2-thiol) is a white, crystalline substance that is freely soluble in water. The chemical formula is C 4 H 6 N 2 S. Molecular weight is 114.16.
What class of drug is methimazole?
Methimazole belongs to a class of drugs that is known as anti-thyroid agents. Iodine is an important part of thyroid function, and methimazole interferes with iodine so that thyroid hormone cannot be effectively formed.
Is methimazole safe for cats?
Unlike the methimazole products for people, Felimazole has been shown to be safe and effective in cats when used according to the directions on the label. The drug’s label provides dosing and safety information specific to cats. Felimazole is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription.
How many milligrams of Felimazole are in a 5mg bottle?
Felimazole Coated Tablets are available in 2.5 mg or 5 mg in bottles containing 100 tablets. NADA 141-292, Approved by FDA
Is methimazole and Felimazole the same thing?
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.
What is the generic name for methimazole?
What Is Methimazole and How Does It Work? Methimazole is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. Methimazole is available under the following different brand names: Northyx, and Tapazole.
Is there an alternative to methimazole for cats?
Another approach for cats who cannot take methimazole involves a combination of potassium iodate and a heart medication called “propranolol.” Potassium iodate blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of iodine.
What is the best medication for hyperthyroidism in cats?
The most common medication prescribed to treat feline hyperthyroidism is called methimazole (trade name Tapazole or Felimazole). This medication has virtually replaced the older medication propylthiouracil or PTU because methimazole is effective without as much tendency for side effects.
Is 10 mg of methimazole a lot?
Typical dosing for methimazole (Tapazole) The dose of methimazole (Tapazole) for adults ranges from 5 to 40 mg by mouth per day depending on how severe your hyperthyroidism is.
How long can you stay on methimazole?
“Long-term, low-dose methimazole treatment for 60-120 months is a safe and effective treatment for Graves hyperthyroidism and is accompanied by much higher remission rates than the usual 18-24 months of methimazole treatment,” he summarized.
Does Felimazole have side effects?
In a second foreign field study with 78 cats using a starting dose of 2.5 mg twice daily, 4 cats were withdrawn due to suspected adverse reactions to Felimazole Coated Tablets including anemia, cholangiohepatitis, excoriations, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, and anorexia.
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 treat my cats hyperthyroidism naturally?
Feline hyperthyroidism natural treatment options are often considered by pet owners. Some of these treatments include switching your cat to a raw food diet, giving them special vitamins and supplements, and/or switching to special natural pet foods.
How Long Can cats live on methimazole?
When cats with preexisting renal disease were excluded, median survival time for cats treated with methimazole alone (2.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 3.9 years) was significantly shorter than median survival time for cats treated with 131I alone (4.0 years; IQR, 3.0 to 4.8 years) or methimazole followed by ...
What is Felimazole for cats?
Felimazole is a drug used in the treatment of an over active thyroid in cats. This disease is also called hyperthyroidism. Felimazole contain the active ingredient methimazole which is also known as thiamazole and is manufactured by Dechra Veterinary Products.
Should I put my cat down with hyperthyroidism?
When to put a cat to sleep with hyperthyroidism is a heartbreaking decision. If your cat is in pain and has lost a lot of weight or declining health, then it may be time to consider euthanasia. If your cat, however, is still relatively healthy and comfortable, then you may want to wait a little longer.
What is methimazole used for?
The primary action is to inhibit binding of iodide to the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, thereby preventing the catalyzed iodination of thyroglobulin and T 3 and T 4 synthesis.
What to do if a cat is on Felimazole?
If a cat becomes ill while on Felimazole Coated Tablets, the drug should be stopped and appropriate hematological and biochemical testing should be done. Anticoagulants may be potentiated by the anti-vitamin K activity of Felimazole Coated Tablets.
Can phenobarbital be used concurrently?
Concurrent use of phenobarbital may reduce the clinical effectiveness of Felimazole Coated Tablets. A reduction in dose of certain drugs (β-adrenergic blocking agents, digitalis glycosides, and theophylline) may be needed when the patient becomes euthyroid.
Can Felimazole be used on cats?
Use of Felimazole Coated Tablets in cats with renal dysfunction should be carefully evaluated. Reversal of hyperthyroidism may be associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate and a decline in renal function, unmasking the presence of underlying renal disease.
Is methimazole a teratogen?
Methimazole is a human teratogen and crosses the placenta concentrating in the fetal thyroid gland. There is also a high rate of transfer into breast milk. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers should wear gloves when handling tablets, litter or bodily fluids of treated cats.
Can cats take methimazole?
Do not use in cats with hypersensitivity to methimazole, carbimazole or the excipient, polyethylene glycol. Do not use in cats with primary liver disease or renal failure. Do not use in cats with autoimmune disease. See ADVERSE REACTIONS.
Does methimazole cause oxidation?
Methimazole is known to reduce the hepatic oxidation of benzimidazole anthelmintics (e.g. fenbendazole), leading to increased plasma concentration of these anthelmintics when administered concurrently. Felimazole Coated Tablets caused delayed maturation of the testes in young male cats in the 12-week safety study.
Can methimazole be used in animals?
Methimazole should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Methimazole should be used with extreme caution in animals with liver impairment, immune-system disease or blood disorders. Adverse effects occur with some frequency.
Is methimazole a prescription drug?
Methimazole belongs to a class of drugs that is known as anti-thyroid agents. Iodine is an important part of thyroid function, and methimazole interferes with iodine so that thyroid hormone cannot be effectively formed. Methimazole is used in cats only. Methimazole is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian ...
Can cats take methimazole?
Methimazole is used in cats only. Methimazole is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Can you take femozalone while pregnant?
FELIMAZOLE Coated Tablets are not for use in pregnant or lactating queens, or cats with renal, hepatic, ...
Does methimazole cause bleeding?
In some cases, death (or euthanasia) has been reported as an outcome of the adverse reactions listed above. Methimazole has anti‐vitamin K activity and may induce bleeding diathesis without evidence of thrombocytopenia. Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra‐us.com.
Can you give a pregnant cat femmazole?
FELIMAZOLE Coated Tablets are not for use in pregnant or lactating queens, or cats with renal, hepatic, or hematological disorders. In some reported cases, the patients recovered after adverse signs were recognized, the drug was withdrawn, and veterinary care was applied.
How much methimazole should I give my cat?
She said most of her feline patients who take methimazole are on 5-mg doses, for which generic pills are available. For cats that need 2.5-mg doses, Krause said she will let their owners know that Felimazole is available in the lower dose if they do not wish to cut the generic pills themselves.
Is Felimazole safe for cats?
New feline thyroid drug raises safe-handling questions. Label warnings on Felimazole, a new drug for cats with overactive thyroids, have thrown a spotlight on risks of the active ingredient methimazole, and raise the possibility that practitioners may be too casual in handling the generic form of the drug.
Can methimazole be taken in breast milk?
Besides being a safety issue in pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, the drug should not be handled by lactating women because methimazole is transferred in breast milk at a high rate.
Can methimazole cause vomiting in cats?
Also, since the act of pilling cats can induce vomiting, it is not uncommon for them to vomit right after any oral medication is administered, so in this case, methimazole could potentially be in the vomitus.”.
What is methimazole off label?
Veterinarians had to rely on methimazole products approved for people, which they prescribed in an extra-label manner in cats. ( Extra-label means using an approved human or animal drug in a way that isn’t listed on the drug’s labeling. It’s sometimes called off-label because the use is “off the label.”)
How often can you give a cat Felimazole?
Felimazole is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription. The drug is typically given by mouth every 12 hours. Your veterinarian will adjust the dose, as necessary, based on the results of your cat’s blood tests and response to treatment.
Is Felimazole safe for cats?
Approved by FDA in May 2009, Felimazole contains methimazole as the active ingredient. Unlike the methimazole products for people, Felimazole has been shown to be safe and effective in cats when used according to the directions on the label. The drug’s label provides dosing and safety information specific to cats.
Does Felimazole cause kidney problems in cats?
Once the excessive level of thyroid hormones is lowered by Felimazole (or any treatment for hyperthyroidism), the blood flow to the kidneys returns to normal and the kidney function in some cats will worse n. Regularly checking blood tests and urine samples will help monitor for signs of kidney disease. Back to the top.
Can Felimazole be given to cats with kidney disease?
Also talk to your veterinarian about monitoring your cat’s blood pressure. Veterinarians should carefully monitor cats with kidney disease that are receiving Felimazole. Older cats often have both hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, and treating these cats is a delicate balancing act.
Can cats take methimazole?
The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment options, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. For years, there was no methimazole product approved to treat hyperthyroidism in cats in the United States.
Does Felimazole cause diarrhea?
The most common side effects of Felimazole reported to FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine are : A change in appetite (the cat’s appetite may increase or decrease), decreased activity level (sluggishness), vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool, skin lesions, itchy skin, especially the face, head, and neck,
