Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It has largely replaced propylthiouracil in this treatment process since it has a lower incidence of adverse side effects. Methimazole requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats
Benefits:
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Effectively treats hyperthyroidism in cats
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Rapid results
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Affordably sold per tablet
How it works: Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Methimazole inhibits the production of thyroid hormones.
Cautions: Blood tests must be done to check for proper dosage. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not give your pet a live vaccine while giving methimazole. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops signs of an infection.
More Information:
Brand Name Tapazole (Jones)
Generic Name Methimazole
What is the most important information I should know about Methimazole: Methimazole is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in cats. Methimazole is available as a 5mg scored tablet. The usual initial dose for cats is 5mg every 8 to 12 hours. Do not give methimazole to pregnant or nursing animals. Methimazole can increase the risk of bleeding. Methimazole can lower the blood cells that help fight infections. Your veterinarian will need to give blood tests on a regular basis to be sure these blood cells do not get too low. Do not give the pet a "live" vaccine while the pet is taking methimazole. Methimazole is needed for the life of the pet. If the medication is stopped, the symptoms will reappear.
What is Methimazole: Methimazole prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Methimazole is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Methimazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Methimazole to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to methimazole or if your pet has liver disease, a blood cell disorder, or a weak immune system. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or nursing. Inform your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements your pet may be taking while receiving methimazole.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amounts, or give it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Methimazole can be given with or without food. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Store methimazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of methimazole overdose may include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, joint pain, headache, fever, itching, swelling, and easy bruising or bleeding.
What should I avoid while giving Methimazole to my pet: Do not give the pet a "live" vaccine while the pet is taking methimazole. Contact your veterinarian at once if your pet develops signs of an infection.
What are the possible side effects of Methimazole: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving methimazole and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Stop giving methimazole and contact your veterinarian at once if your pet develops any of these serious side effects; fever, chills, body aches; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; blood in the urine or stools; severe blistering, peeling, and skin rash; nausea, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving methimazole and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, drowsiness, dizziness; mild nausea, or vomiting; itching; muscle, joint, or nerve pain; swelling; hair loss. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Methimazole: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking theophylline (Theo-Dur), warfarin (Coumadin), digoxin (Lanoxin), a beta blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), or propranolol (Inderal). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Methimazole. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about methimazole written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Methimazole is a prescription medication used by veterinarians to treat overactive (hyper) thyroid in cats.
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Methimazole is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for cats.
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Methimazole is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
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Periodic blood tests will be necessary while the cat is taking this medication.
Tip: Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Methimazole can be given with or without food.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Cats:
All weights
The usual initial dose varies from 2.5-5mg 2 or 3 times a day. Periodic blood testing is required to monitor liver function and for any toxic effects on blood cells
Dogs:
Horses:
Storage: Store methimazole at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
My cats name is Betsy and she's 18 years old. She's part persion and part calleco. About a year ago she was eating and eating but loosing weight. The vet said she needed Methimazole. I bought it from the vet for around $80. WOW, thank God I found 1-800 Pet Meds. It now only costs me less than half. THANK YOU Pet Meds for making it easier to help my beautiful Betsy.
I have a very weird cat...she enjoys taking a bath every morning. So, every morning, she jumps in the tub, I open her mouth, drop in the pill and then turn on the water. She will stand under the faucet, letting the water run over her neck and then she starts to groom herself. Treating her to her favorite activity after giving her meds makes it so easy.
My 21-year old cat Zoe has been taking Methimazole for 3 years now and is doing very well on Methimazole for her hyperthyroidism. She's not thrilled when I put it in her mouth but I give it to her right before her meals so the bitterness doesn't stay in her mouth for long. She just had her dose upped and seems to be doing just fine.
My 15 yr. old cat Nicky has just started taking Methimazole. I used to chasr him around the house or closes doors to grab him. Now he waits at my chair that I have my coffee . We count to 3. 1 2 3 then I throw in in and praise him then we play with his favorite jumpy toy. I think he enjoys his pill time more than I do. Every morning as I'm making my coffee he comes in MEOWS and heads for the livingroom. He sits there at attention until I'm ready for him to take his pill. Praising your cat and using high pitched voices goes a long way. I also call him my love-boy that could be why he is so attentive!
Sundance is 13 years old and, after being on Methimazole for a few weeks, has started to gain back some weight. He is more active now and has stopped having seizures.
Our only difficulty is getting him to take the pill. We usually hide it in fresh chopped meat but he often gets bored with the meat and won"t eat it. We have just had success with putting the pill in a piece of cooked shrimp.
The pills are very bitter tasting and if you try to cut the pill, the bitterness gets into whatever you try to put it in and the cat will not take it. I wish the pill had a coating or something to get rid of the bitterness.
My cat was put on methimazole and our vet said she needed to eat special y/d cat food. I cannot afford to keep buying this food so I was wondering if I could keep giving her the pill and buy her normal food.
I cant afford the vet. After reading the reviews on here and talking to a vet tech her symptoms sound like hyperthyroidism. She is 16 yrs old. Does anyone have an answer it would be greatly appreciated.
Physical symptoms aside, the ONLY way to diagnose hyperthyroid is to perform a blood test. If the pet is hyperthyroid then methimazole can be used, with the dose dependent on the blood test result. While methimazole used to treat a cat is the same as human methimazole, a visit to the veterinarian is mandatory to properly diagnose the cat and then develop a treatment plan. Discuss your financial situation with your veterinarian. He/she may be able to make some accommodations.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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