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How To Administer Transdermal Methimazole For Cats

Are There Any Special Precautions Or Side Effects To Watch For

Applying transdermal methimazole to my cat’s ear

Take great care when applying the product and use disposable latex or vinyl gloves. Wash your hands after applying the medication to prevent any absorption into your skin. The gel has temperature dependent viscosity properties therefore as it is rubbed into the skin it will warm up and become more viscous and harder to rub.

Since Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism, an excess can cause hypothyroidism. Symptoms to watch for are cold intolerance, weight gain despite decreased appetite, constipation, decreased energy, changes in the animals fur and an increase in sleep requirements.

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How Do I Administer A Transdermal Medication To My Pet

The ideal application site for transdermal medications is one that has minimal hair and that cannot be easily licked or rubbed. Some pets may require shaving to allow for better administration. The inside of the outer ear flap is an excellent area for many pets.

Most transdermal medications will come in pre-dosed syringes or in gel form that you can draw into a syringe to the prescribed dosage. You should wear protective gloves when handling transdermal medications. Remember that these drugs have been formulated to cross the skin barrier, so you can potentially be exposed if you come in contact with them.

âTo avoid being exposed to the drug, wear protective gloves when handling transdermal medications.â

If your pet is prescribed a transdermal gel, you may need someone to assist you, especially at first. Here are some tips for administration:

  • have your helper gently hold your pet and distract it by petting or offering a toy or treat.
  • make sure the area on the ear where you are going to apply the medication is clean and dry.
  • slowly and deliberately apply the correct amount of medication onto your pets ear.
  • if necessary, gently rub the gel into the skin to facilitate absorption using your gloved fingertip or the tip of the syringe. It is important not to leave a clump, glob, or thick area of medication on the ear because it will be easily dislodged if your pet shakes its head after administration.

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Amelia Billingsley1 And Pilar Z Murphy2*

1PharmD Candidate 2018, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, USA

2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, USA

Submission: July 17, 2019 August 19, 2019

*Corresponding author: Pilar Z Murphy, PharmD, BCACP, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 3529, USA

How to cite this article: Hicks E, Murphy PZ. Transdermal Methimazole for Feline Hyperthyroidism. Open Acc J of Toxicol. 2019 4: 555630.DOI: 10.19080/OAJT.2019.04.555630.

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What Should You Do To Protect Your Cats

What Should You Do To Protect Your Cats?

If your cats develop any sign of an infection, immediately contact your veterinarian. Unfortunately, in the worst case, if your sick lovely friend is suffering from overactive thyroid , he/she is sure to continue to deteriorate and ultimately pass away from his/her condition, especially if you do not take him/her to your vet office for a thorough examination.

For all diseases, the goal in veterinary medicine is synonymous with treating for a cure. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To save yourself from worrying about Methimazole For Cats How Fast Does It Work, why not give them frequent check-ups? That way, your cats will continue to be loving and sweet.

How to breathe a sigh of relief that your cats do not need to take methimazole? How to save yourself from thinking about Methimazole For Cats How Fast Does It Work? Give your cats much more care and love!

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Dosage And Administration Of Methimazole

Applying Methimazole To A Cats Ear

Methimazole transdermal gel is applied topically and should be administered to the pet exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. The transdermal gel is usually best applied on the inside of the pets ear.

If you miss a dose, then give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, wait and resume with the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not administer a double dose to catch up on a missed dose. When administering the gel, it is important to wear rubber surgical gloves as this medication gets absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. After administering the drug, you should wash your hands thoroughly.

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Pharmacology And Mechanism Of Action

Methimazole is an important antithyroid drug used mostly in cats. The action of methimazole is to serve as substrate for thyroid peroxidase and decrease incorporation of iodide into tyrosine molecules for the formation of thyroxine and triiodothyronine . Methimazole inhibits coupling of mono- and di-iodinated residues to form T4 and T3. Methimazole does not inhibit release of preformed thyroid hormone. It does not affect existing thyroid hormones already circulating or stored in the thyroid gland and does not inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. It generally takes 24 weeks for serum T4 to reach the normal range in hyperthyroid cats treated with methimazole. Carbimazole is a similar drug used in Europe that is converted to methimazole in animals. Methimazole also may have immunosuppressive effects. Treatment may decrease antithyrotropin-receptor antibodies.

Pharmacokinetics: The pharmacokinetics have been limited to studies in cats. Methimazole has a half-life of 2.33.1 hours in hyperthyroid cats and 4.7 hours in normal cats. Oral absorption in cats is high .

What Should You Do If You Want To Give Methimazole To Your Cat

What Should You Do If You Want To Give Methimazole To Your Cat?

What should you do if you want to give your cat methimazole? Discussion with your veterinarian is sure to be necessary! Theres nothing wrong with methimazole just in case you are ready to tolerate a high side-effect rate of up to 20%. If you do not want to get angry when your cats have an adverse reaction to methimazole, tell your veterinarian everything about your cats health condition. Whether your furry four-legged pets are nursing or pregnant, or they have an allergy to methimazole, or they have a blood cell disorder, any liver disease, or a weak immune system, make sure to report everything to your vet.

If the commercially available methimazole medications cannot meet the special demand of cats with hyperthyroidism, your vet is likely to prescribe compounded methimazole which is both strong and appropriately sizeable enough for your four-legged friends from a compounding pharmacy. Also, it is not a bad idea to inform him/her of any other medication such as supplements and vitamins your cats may be taking while they are having methimazole.

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Can Methimazole For Cats Be Crushed In Soft Food

Can methimazole be crushed in soft food? It is not recommended to crush or mix tablet forms of methimazole, which are intended for consumption whole. Using crushed tablets can reduce the effectiveness or absorption of this medication, as well as reveal bitter flavors.

The cat must be picked up, placed in your arms, and subjected to gentle pressure on its cheeks before being placed. If youre thirsty, take a few sips of beer, scotch, or throw away your tee-shirt and apply cold compress to your cheek. If you must get the cat out of a tree, call the fire department to help you. I apologize to my neighbor who crashed into the fence while swerving to avoid a cat. If your cat has hyperthyroidism, an alternate option is to give him a single dose of radioiodine.

Methimazole is a safe and effective medication for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. Because of its minimal side effects, it is the first line of treatment for cats with the disorder. In some cases, cats may not be able to tolerate methimazole instead, a combination of potassium iodate and prochlorol, a heart medication, is used. Potassium iodate, in addition to blocking iodine absorption by the thyroid gland, regulates heart function. If cats are unable to take methimazole, this combination may be beneficial in managing hyperthyroidism.

Why Methimazole Is Prescribed In Veterinary Medicine

Hyperthyroid Cats and Transdermal Methimazole

Methimazole is a medication that is used in veterinary medicine to treat hyperthyroidism because it reduces the amount of thyroid hormone being produced by the thyroid gland. The medicine thats used in the topical gel formulation is the same as that in the commercially manufactured tablets. The only difference is the method of administration. Methimazole is very bitter when taken orally, so this formulation is popular in veterinary medicine because it gets applied across the skin, making it easier to dose the pet.

In addition to being used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats and dogs, methimazole lipoderm gel is also used by veterinarians in cases where the pet is undergoing thyroid surgery or receiving radioactive iodine treatment.

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What Is Methimazole For Cats

Methimazole for cats is a thioureylenes antithyroid agent and a white, crystalline substance that is freely soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C4H6N2S, and its molecular weight is 114.16 Daltons. In cats, Methimazole inhibits the formation of thyroid hormones by inhibiting the incorporation of iodine into tyrosyl residues of thyroglobulin.

Methimazole For Cats: Felimazole Dosage Chart By Weight

Methimazole for cats also known as Thiamazole is an Antithyroid medication used to treat feline hyperthyroidism. So what is a safe Methimazole dosage for Cats?

Methimazole popular brands namesTapazole®, Felimazole® are mostly prescribed by the veterinarian to treat cats Hyperthyroidism. However, Felimazole is an FDA-approved drug for hyperthyroidism treatment in cats.

Knowing about the safe dosage of Methimazole for felines and other medication is essential for every kitty owner. Giving the medicine in the wrong amount may harm more than benefit.

Hyperthyroidism is a common health concern, and every cat can suffer from it however, older and senior cats are more exposed.

Proper and timely treatment is essential to control the risk of complications.

Hyperthyroidism leads cats to excessive weight loss, weakness, restlessness, abnormal appetite, behavioral changes, and cardiac problems.

This article is a comprehensive guide about Methimazole for Cats. You can use the table of content for smooth navigation.

  • What happens if you dont treat Hyperthyroidism in cats?
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    Best Use Of Antithyroid Drugs

    Hypertension, progression of chronic kidney disease, iatrogenic hypothyroidism, and persistence of hyperthyroidism are all concerns when managing patients with hyperthyroidism. A recent paper described the best practice of using antithyroid drugs for pharmacologic management of hyperthyroid cats.4

    Treatment. Two drugs have been licensed for cats in the last decade: methimazole and its prodrug carbimazole. Based on current evidence and available tablet sizes, recommended starting doses include:

    • Methimazole: 2.5 mg PO Q 12 HCarbimazole : 10 to 15 mg PO Q 24 H.

    These doses should then be titrated to effect in order to obtain circulating total thyroxine concentrations in the lower half of the reference interval.

    Monitoring. Patients should be monitored for side effects, especially during the first months of treatment. Some side effects may require discontinuation of treatment.

    At each monitoring visit, clinical condition and quality of life should also be evaluated, with special attention to possible development of azotemia, hypertension, and iatrogenic hypothyroidism.

    When euthyroidism has been achieved, monitoring visits are recommended after 1 month, 3 months, and twice yearly thereafter.

    Survival Time. Cats with pre-existing azotemia have shorter survival times. However, development of mild azotemia during the initial course of treatment, unless associated with hypothyroidism, does not appear to decrease survival time.

    High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis Of Methimazole From Serum

    Methimazole Transdermal Gel (Compound)

    Sample Preparation

    Whole blood samples from cats were allowed to clot for at least 30 minutes. Blood samples were stored overnight at 4°C and serum was prepared by centrifugation at 3,000 à g for 5 minutes and the supernatant was collected. Serum was stored at â20°C until use. Proteins in the serum samples were removed by precipitation with methanol. To 100 μL of serum, 500 μL of ice-cold methanol was added and the sample was vortexed. Samples were incubated on ice for 30 minutes and then centrifuged at 10,000 à g for 5 minutes. The supernatant was collected and then air dried on a heating block at 55°C. The dried samples were dissolved in 100 μL of mobile phase, vortexed and sonicated briefly, and centrifuged at 10,000 à g for 10 minutes. The supernatant was collected and loaded into the auto sampler. All samples were prepared in duplicate for HPLC.

    HPLC Methods

    Samples were analyzed for HPLC as described earlier. Samples were analyzed with a Shimadzu LC20VP system . The same HPLC conditions were used for all samples. Methimazole standards were run before all samples.

    The mobile phase consisted of 0.1 M ammonium acetate, pH 4.0 in 5% acetonitrile made up in MilliQ grade water , and filtered with a 0.4 micron filter. The column was a Phenomenex Luna C18, 150 Ã 4.6 mm, 5 micron, with a Phenomenex guard column.

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    Slowing Down Feline Hyperthyroidism: Is Methimazole Worth It

    Your cat has been your best pal for years. You make sure your cat is pampered and feels loved. It hurts you that your furry friend no longer wants to play and constantly feels fatigued with hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian may prescribe the only antithyroid medication known as methimazole. What is methimazole and will it work? What do I do if my cat will not take the tablets? Compounded medications can save the day and help your cat get back to long days of playtime and meowing. Purr-fect!

    What is hyperthyroidism?1-3

    When the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, is enlarged and over produces thyroid hormone, this is known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone is responsible for the bodys metabolism, growth, and development, so it has a huge effect all over the body. It is one of the most common diseases in cats that typically occurs during their middle ages. No breeds are at a greater risk, but Siamese, Persian, and Himalayan cats have less of a risk.

    Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, frequent urination, increased thirst, weakness, greasy hair, restlessness, aggressive behavior, depression, difficulty breathing, and stomach problems. The symptoms may be mild at first, then they become more severe over time. If you notice these signs in your cat, you may want to check with your veterinarian about performing a thyroid test.

    What is methimazole?2,4

    Does methimazole work?5

    How do I give methimazole to my cat?4,6

    References:

    What Is This Medication

    The preparation dispensed for your cat is a transdermal gel containing the drug Methimazole. The concentration of Methimazole will vary depending on what your Veterinarian has ordered. Commonly prescribed doses are 1mg, 2.5mg, 3.5mg, and 5.0mg. In an attempt to keep the amount of gel for each dosing application, as small as possible, the mg amounts mentioned above are usually contained in volumes no larger than 0.1ml. The transdermal gel allows the drug to be transported across the skin barrier, to gain access to the micro-circulation of the animals blood stream. This allows the drug to reach the thyroid gland, which is the target organ for this drug. The transdermal gel use may be one of several varieties including pluronic lecithin organogel or Lipoderm® gel/cream.

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    What Is Methimazole Transdermal Gel Or Cream

    Methimazole transdermal gel and/or cream are currently the drug of choice for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is often used instead of propylthiouracil because it has a lower incidence of side effects. This medication is not commercially available, so it can only be obtained with a veterinarians prescription through a veterinary compounding pharmacy.

    My Veterinarian Has Suggested I Use A Transdermal Medication For My Pet What Is It

    How to give Transdermal medication to a cat

    Transdermal means the application of a medicine or drug through the skin. In the simplest terms, a drug is placed on top of the skin, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Transdermal medications have many advantages, the main one being ease of application. Medications that can be absorbed through the skin bypass the need for pills or liquids, which can be a challenge to administer to some pets. In addition, because they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and avoid initially passing through the intestinal tract and liver, drugs that are administered transdermally may be more effective or work faster than some oral medications, allowing for better treatments.

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    About Methimazole For Cats

    Methimazole is classified as an antithyroid medication. Essentially, it inhibits the synthesis or production of thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid glands.

    Methimazole is a very common and valuable medication for use in treating cats with hyperthyroidism where the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone , leading to chronically debilitating effects on the body.

    One brand of methimazole, called Felimazole and manufactured by Dechra Pharmaceuticals, is FDA approved for use in cats. Tapazole, a human brand, is commonly used off-label in cats. There are also many generic forms of methimazole.

    Although a couple of treatment methods for hyperthyroidism are available, including methimazole, iodine 131 treatment, surgical removal of the overactive thyroid gland, and a prescription diet, methimazoles greatest benefit is that it is a very inexpensive way to get fairly quick control over the disease.

    Dosing And Administration Of Mirataz

    Administer topically by applying a 1.5-inch ribbon of ointment on the inner pinna of the cats ear once daily for 14 days .

    Step 1:Wear disposable gloves. Twist cap on tube counterclockwise to open.

    Step 2:Apply even pressure on tube and squeeze a 1.5-inch line of ointment onto your gloved finger using the measured line on the carton or in the package insert.

    Step 3:Using your gloved finger, gently rub ribbon of ointment on inside pinna of the cats ear spreading it evenly over the surface. Dispose of used gloves after each application. If contact with your skin occurs wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.

    After application, care should be taken that people or other animals in the household do not come in contact with the treated cat for 2 hours because mirtazapine can be absorbed transdermally and orally.

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