Tapazole for Cats

Tapazole for cats is one of the drugs of choice recommended by veterinarians for feline hyperthyroidism and other similar thyroid problems. The active ingredient of this drug is called Methimazole. The increased safety and the low number of side effects are two of the reasons why many veterinarians prefer to prescribe Tapazole instead of other hyperthyroidism medication. Methimazole inhibits the secretion of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which are known to cause the symptoms of hyperthyroidism when produced in excess.

Benefits of Using Tapazole for Cats

If compared to radiotherapy or surgical interventions, the two other possible treatments for hyperthyroidism, Tapazole is not only less expensive, but it does not even require the cat to be hospitalized. Even though Tapazole does not cure hyperthyroidism, it manages to keep the health condition under control. Unlike other treatments that must be dosed with strictness, in the case of Tapazole it is not a problem if one or two doses are missed.

Availability and Administration of Tapazole for Cats

Tapazole is available as tablets with 5 or 10mg of Methimazole, and as topical lotion. Besides the active ingredient, Tapazole also contains the following excipients:

  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Pregelatinized starch
  • Starch
  • Talc

The drug is administered orally once or twice a day, according to the indications and the dosage recommended by the veterinarian. The treatment frequently starts with a lower dose that is increased if the cat responds properly. If the veterinarian recommends the topical lotion instead, the gel must be applied on the inner ear of the cat. The topical lotion may not be as effective as the tablets, as the latter are better assimilated by the body. However, as a gel it is a lot easier to administer than the pills, considering that many cats are unwilling to take pills. The treatment needs to be followed for as long as the cat lives. The duration of the treatment and the difficulty to administer pills to a cat are the major downsides of Tapazole. However, this feline hyperthyroidism drug is still among the main choices of the veterinarians due to its low number of side effects, at least when compared to the other alternative treatments.

Adverse Reactions to Tapazole

Cats do not usually have adverse reactions to this drug, but when they do, the side effects tend to disappear if the treatment is discontinued. Most of the side effects typically occur in the first trimester of treatment. The risk of developing adverse reactions to Tapazole decreases significantly after this period. The cat may experience one or more of the following side effects:

  • Bone marrow modifications
  • Facial itching
  • Kidney failure
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Liver failure
  • Vomiting

Some of the adverse reactions are severe, but as mentioned before, they disappear if the treatment is interrupted. Lowering the dosage will resolve such problems as appetite loss, lethargy and vomiting. If the cat kidney failure as a result of the treatment, it is mandatory to discontinue it. For the other side effects it is sufficient to lower the dosage and to increase it progressively until the adverse reactions are gone.

Overdose Risk and Drug Interactions

Some of the signs that indicate that an overdose has been administered include:

  • Bleeding
  • Easy bruising
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Swelling
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting

Your cat needs to be consulted by a veterinarian urgently if any of the aforementioned symptoms are noticed. Also, the veterinarian is able to provide a list of drugs that interact with Tapazole. Some of these drugs are:

  • Beta blockers
  • Digoxin
  • Theophylline
  • Warfarin

Drug interactions can be easily avoided, but if they occur, the veterinarian must be informed immediately.

 

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