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Medications & Supplements

  • Amoxicillin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections in a variety of species. Common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics; do not use in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, or other small mammals.

  • Acetylcysteine (alternate and brand names: N-acetylcysteine, NAC, ACC, Mucomyst®, Acetadote®, Cetylev®, Parvolex®) is given by mouth, injection, or topically and is used on and off label to treat toxicities or to break up mucus. It is usually a prescription, but some forms may be found over the counter. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Enoxaparin, also known as Low Molecular Weight Heparin or LMWH, is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent or treat blood clots in cats, dogs, and horses. It may be used before surgery to prevent blood clot formation. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Enoxaparin comes in an injectable form given subcutaneously.

  • Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.

  • Meropenem is an antibiotic used to treat multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections in cats and dogs, particularly infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its use in veterinary medicine is limited to susceptible infections with documented resistance to other antimicrobials. Its use is off label in veterinary medicine. Meropenem comes in an injectable form.

  • Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer and solid tumors in animals. It is prescribed off-label for use in dogs, horses, birds, and reptiles. It should not be used in cats due to potentially fatal side effects. Cisplatin is administered by injection, typically IV into the vein, by trained veterinary staff.

  • Psyllium combination supplements (e.g., DiaGel®) are used in cats and dogs to help control diarrhea and constipation. They contain psyllium seed husks and other natural products that help restore normal bowel movements. Psyllium combination supplements come in powder and liquid gel form (pre-measured syringes).

  • Remdesivir is an injectable, antiviral medication used to treat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. The injection may be painful or cause swelling or inflammation. Its use is still being evaluated and any concerns should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

  • Methimazole (brand names Tapazole®, Felimazole®, Felanorm®) is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It is given by mouth or applied topically to the skin. Common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, but more severe side effects are possible. It is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing pets, as well as in cats with autoimmune disease, liver or kidney disease, and/or blood and clotting diseases.

  • Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant used to prevent or treat blood clots in cats and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Rivaroxaban comes in tablet form. Monitor for unusual bleeding, bruising, pale gums, extreme weakness, collapse, and/or difficulty breathing.