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Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen (brand name Vectra) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas in dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.14 kg (2.5 lbs) and in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lbs). Do not confuse this medication with Vectra 3D®, a similar product labeled for use in dogs only.

  • Diphenoxylate + atropine (brand name Lomotil) is an opioid combination medication used to treat diarrhea or coughing in dogs and diarrhea in cats. Its use in cats is not generally recommended. Diphenoxylate + atropine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid. This article discusses administration, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.

  • Ear cleansing/drying products are used over-the-counter to treat and prevent ear infections in many species of pets. They come as a liquid solution that is used topically within the ear canal and are typically used in the ears after debris and wax have been removed using a cerumenolytic cleanser.

  • Emodepside/praziquantel (brand name Profender®), is an antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats. Empodepside with praziquantel comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin.

  • Epineprhine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). It may be added to local anesthesia drugs due to its ability to cause veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.

  • Eprinomectin + praziquantel (brand name Centragard®) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm infections, and to prevent heartworm disease in cats and kittens that are at least 7 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.8 kg (1.8 lb). Do not use in cats known or suspected to have two copies of the MDR1 gene mutation.

  • Erythromycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Erythromycin ophthalmic comes in ointment form. Caution when using this medication in pocket pets as fatal diarrhea may occur if ingested orally.

  • Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Fluocinolone + acetonide DMSO (brand name Synotic®) is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear inflammation in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use on pets allergic to corticosteroids or DMSO, on pets with a ruptured ear drum or pets that are pregnant.

  • Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic is a steroid anti-inflammatory eye medication with antibiotic used for the treatment of external eye infections and inflammation of the eye in dogs. It is also sometimes used to manage pannus or pigmentary keratitis in dogs. It may be used off-label in cats and horses.