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Methimazole For Cats Ear Application

  1. Methimazole is an anti-thyroid tablet administered for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Hyperthyroidism, often known as Graves disease, is an autoimmune disease that causes hyperactivity within the thyroid gland leading to the overproduction of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
  2. Methimazole is available in pill form and as a lotion or gel that is applied to the inner part of your cat's ear. Most times topical application is easier than trying to pry open your cat's mouth and shove a pill down her throat, but there's always a price for convenience: VetInfo reports that the topical form of methimazole is more expensive.
  3. Methimazole, USP (1-methylimidazole-2-thiol) is a white, crystalline substance that is freely soluble in water. It differs chemically from the drugs of the thiouracil series primarily because it has a 5- instead of a 6-membered ring. Each tablet contains 5 or 10 mg (43.8 or 87.6 μmol) Methimazole, an orally administered antithyroid drug.

Methimazole was formulated in a PLO-based vehicle and applied to the pinna of the inner ear. Depending on clinician preference, the starting doses were: 2.5 to 5 mg/cat administered in 1 dose (Q 24 H) or; 2.5 to 5 mg/cat administered in 2 divided doses (Q 12 H). Cats were re-evaluated at regular intervals, and median follow-up was 22.6 months. Most cats treated for hyperthyroid disease with methimazole for six months or longer will develop an autoimmune disease. This happens in about 50% of cats. Excessive Scratching is a Rare Side Effect. Some cats will self mutilate their neck and face because the methimazole will cause excessive itching. Jan 22, 2011  Hyperthyroid Cats and Transdermal Methimazole. For over a decade and is the largest single accumulation of information and experience in dealing with hyperthyroid cats. Clean Cat Ear.

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Although methimazole is available in pill form, cats are notorious for being difficult patients when it comes to oral medication. The good news is that methimazole is available as a lotion that can be applied topically, saving you and your cat the trauma and drama of a pilling.

What Is Methimazole?

Methimazole, also known by the brand name Tapazole, is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism. Methimazole is available in pill form and as a lotion or gel that is applied to the inner part of your cat's ear. Most times topical application is easier than trying to pry open your cat's mouth and shove a pill down her throat, but there's always a price for convenience: VetInfo reports that the topical form of methimazole is more expensive than the pills.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a fairly common condition that can affect older cats, regardless of their gender. An article on the website Healthy Pet reveals that the condition causes elevated levels of thyroid hormones that speed up your cat's metabolism and can lead to other complications such as high blood pressure, kidney or intestinal problems and enlargement of the heart. If you notice any symptoms of hyperthyroidism in your older cat, such as weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, hair loss or increased thirst and urination, make an appointment with her vet immediately. He should be able to diagnose the condition through a physical exam and standard blood tests and can discuss prescribing methimazole for your cat.

Side Effects of Methimazole

Methimazole is typically an ideal choice for treating hyperthyroidism in cats because of the low occurrence of side effects. As with any medication, however, side effects can occur and usually do so within the first three months of treatment. If your cat has been prescribed topical methimazole to treat her hyperthyroidism, be on the lookout for loss of appetite, vomiting and depression. The appetite and digestive issues are typically related to taking the drug orally, so they're unlikely. If your cat becomes depressed your vet may have to adjust her topical dosage. If your cat is on methimazole for six months or longer, odds are she will develop an autoimmune disease, making routine visits with her doctor while using methimazole vital to her health. Other, more rare side effects include excessive scratching, bleeding and the development of blood disorders.

Continuing and Alternate Treatment

If your cat develops hyperthyroid disease, she will be on methimazole for the long term, provided she doesn't develop any of the serious side effects associated with the drug. According to VetInfo, if side effects occur and are severe, your vet will discontinue methimazole and replace it with an alternate treatment. Radiation therapy is an alternative that you can opt for, especially if you don't want your kitty on medication for life. Treatment with radiation requires that your cat's hormone levels be normal, though, so you may have to wait to schedule it. The good news is that only one dose of radiation is necessary and will usually cure hyperthyroidism in cats.

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About the Author

Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Vmware vsphere client 6.5 u2 download. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.

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If you're tired of wrestling with Tabby to get her to take her thyroid medicine, you might be happy to learn there's an easier way. Hyperthyroid medication can also be applied to her skin. Tapazole, also known as methimazole, is available in a gel form for transdermal application.

Why Use a Transdermal Medication?

Methimazole for cats dosage

If Tabby doesn't like taking pills, she's not alone. Just about every cat owner has experience with trying to get a cat to take her medicine. Many cat owners can't pill their cats multiple times a day, as their conditions sometimes require. As a result, some cats aren't treated for their diseases because it's simply too difficult to give them the medication. Tapazole (methimazole) is no different. Fortunately, another choice has been developed: a methimazole gel administered to the cat's ear.

How Transdermal Medicine Works

Transdermal methimazole is administered to the hairless skin inside your cat's ear tip. The gel is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and then goes to work to help adjust the thyroid level. On the surface, applying medication to the skin may be counterintuitive; after all, the basic function of skin is to act as a barrier and protect the inside of the body from what's outside. Transdermal drugs are designed with this in mind: their chemical characteristics, the skin's properties and the substance carrying the drug (the gel, in this case) all affect how well the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Easy to Apply

Tabby's new form of methimazole will come in syringes, to be dispensed in a dose prescribed by her vet. Your vet will show you how to apply the gel: it involves putting the proper amount onto a gloved finger and rubbing it into the hairless portion of the inside of Tabby's ear. You should alternate ears so the drug is absorbed better and doesn't build up on her skin. Your vet may advise you to clean your cat's ears occasionally with a very mild soap or witch hazel on a cotton ball. It's important that you wear gloves when you work with the transdermal gel, to ensure that you don't absorb the methimazole as well.

Methimazole For Cats Side Effects

Effectiveness

Buy Methimazole For Cats

Studies of the effectiveness of transdermal methimazole vary in their conclusions. Veterinary Practice News notes that it can be an effective in controlling hyperthyroidism, although it can take longer and require a higher dose of methimazole than pills to effectively treat the condition. Dr. Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cat Specialists notes that two different studies yielded two different results. However, the bottom line is what is going to work for your cat. If Tabby is resisting her pills, and other treatments such as radioactive iodine therapy aren't feasible, transdermal gel may be a good option for her. Your vet will be monitoring her thyroid levels with regular blood testing, so if the transdermal methimazole isn't working, you'll know and be able to adjust accordingly.

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Methimazole Transdermal Gel For Cats

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Cat Thyroid Medication In Ear

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Methimazole Ear Cream For Cats

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