Carbimazole
Also known as: Vidalta, Neo-Carbimazole, Carbazole, Basolest, Camazol, Carbistad, Cazole, Neo Tomizol, NeoMercazole, Neo-Thyreostat, Thyrostat, Tyrazol, Neo-morphazole, Neo-Mercazole
* **Purpose**: This medication manages your cat's overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. It is a management tool, not a cure. * **Patience is Key**: It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to see significant improvement in your cat's symptoms. * **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. Do not crush or break sustained-release tablets (like Vidalta). * **Side Effects to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian if your cat experiences vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or severe facial scratching/itching. * **Safety**: Pregnant women or nursing mothers should handle this medication with caution (wear gloves), as it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism (Sustained-release tablets)
- Hyperthyroidism
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Eosinophilia (usually transient)
- Leukopenia (usually transient)
- Lymphocytosis (usually transient)
- Self-induced excoriations (rare but serious)
- Bleeding (rare but serious)
- Hepatopathy (rare but serious)
- Thrombocytopenia (rare but serious)
- Agranulocytosis (rare but serious)
- Positive direct antiglobulin test (rare but serious)
- Acquired myasthenia gravis (rare but serious)
- Positive ANA (with chronic use)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to carbimazole or methimazole
- Not recommended in cats intolerant to methimazole
- History of or concurrent hematologic abnormalities
- Liver disease
- Autoimmune disease
- **Hypersensitivity**: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to carbimazole or methimazole. **Cross-Reactivity**: Because carbimazole is a prodrug converted into methimazole, cats who have had prior serious reactions to methimazole should receive carbimazole with great caution. **Pregnancy/Nursing**: High levels of methimazole cross the placenta and may induce hypothyroidism in kittens. Levels higher than those found in plasma are found in breast milk. Kittens should be placed on a milk replacer after receiving colostrum from mothers on methimazole. FDA categorizes methimazole as category D for use during pregnancy.
Drug interactions
- Bupropion: Potential for increased risk for hepatotoxicity; increased monitoring (LFT's) necessary
- Digoxin: Carbimazole may decrease digoxin efficacy
- Warfarin: Potential for decreased anticoagulant efficacy if carbimazole added
- Iodine-131 (Radioiodine): Carbimazole interferes with the uptake and efficacy of radioiodine therapy. It must be discontinued prior to treatment.
- Low iodine prescription diets: Concurrent use is not recommended as it may interfere with the dietary management of hyperthyroidism.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carbimazole used for in pets?
* **Purpose**: This medication manages your cat's overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. It is a management tool, not a cure. * **Patience is Key**: It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to see significant improvement in your cat's symptoms. * **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. Do not crush or break sustained-release tablets (like Vidalta). * **Side Effects to Watch For**: Contact your veterinarian if your cat experiences vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or severe facial scratching/itching. * **Safety**: Pregnant women or nursing mothers should handle this medication with caution (wear gloves), as it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.
Is Carbimazole safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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