Methimazole Tablet is a prescription anti-thyroid medication developed specifically for use in cats. If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease, then your vet may recommend methimazole to help improve symptoms. While methimazole is not a cure for hyperthyroidism, it can help improve your pet's day-to-day quality of life as well as prevent organ damage. Methimazole tablets are sold individually and are available in either 5 mg or 10 mg strengths.How it Works

Hyperthyroidism takes place when thyroid hormones are overproduced by the thyroid gland. Methimazole controls or inhibits thyroid hormone production, which reduces hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Special Precautions

Nursing mothers, pregnant women, and women who could become pregnant should always use gloves if they handle Methimazole tablets or the bodily fluids and/or litter of cats treated with this drug.

Overdose Information

Immediately contact your closest emergency animal hospital.

Side Effects

Adverse reactions to Methimazole typically occur in the first 3 months of use and are often reduced when a smaller dose is initiated, slowly building to the full dose over the course of those 3 months. If your cat has any of the following reactions or any other unusual signs, speak with your veterinarian:

Bleeding
Bruising
Fever (103°F or greater)
Drowsiness
Myasthenia gravis (trouble swallowing and severe muscle weakness), in rare instances
Signs of undiagnosed kidney disease
Lethargy
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Liver issues (which may include vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, yellowing of the eyes, skin, or gums, dark urine, and facial itching leading to bleeding and/or scratching

Storage

Store away from sunlight and heat. Store at room temperature in a dry place. Store in a tight and light resistant container.

Tips

Cats with hyperthyroidism, also known as Graves disease, often have high metabolic rates and could show symptoms of thyroid problems, including:

Heart murmur
Labored breathing
Poor coat
Rapid heart rate
Irregular bowel movement and/or urination frequency
Increased thirst and/or appetite
Muscle weakness
Weight loss

Rx only
Available in 5 mg or 10 mg strengths
Helps treat hyperthyroidism in cats, with results seen fairly quickly after starting treatment
Suppresses thyroid hormone production to help combat the effects of hyperthyroidism
Can alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms, such as heart murmur, labored breathing, poor coat, rapid heart rate, irregular bowel movement and/or urination frequency, increased thirst and/or appetite, muscle weakness and weight loss
Also helps prevent heart failure, heart enlargement and organ damage
Commonly administered to cats who are about to undergo radioactive iodine treatment, thyroid surgery or cisplatin chemotherapy to help protect their organs
Includes a single methimazole tablet