Methimazole
If your pet is showing signs of weight loss despite her increased appetite, as well as increased thirst and urination, then your pet may be suffering from an overactive thyroid problem (hyperthyroidism). Other signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and her coat may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy. If you notice these signs, then you should take her to the veterinarian for a thorough evaluation because treatments are available.
If hyperthyroidism is the diagnosis, then methimazole transdermal (lipoderm) gel and/or cream is a common medicine used by veterinarians to treat the condition.
What Is Methimazole Transdermal Gel or Cream?
Methimazole transdermal gel and/or cream are currently the drug of choice for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is often used instead of propylthiouracil because it has a lower incidence of side effects. This medication is not commercially available, so it can only be obtained with a veterinarian’s prescription through a veterinary compounding pharmacy.
Why Methimazole Is Prescribed in Veterinary Medicine
Methimazole is a medication that is used in veterinary medicine to treat hyperthyroidism because it reduces the amount of thyroid hormone being produced by the thyroid gland. The medicine that’s used in the topical gel formulation is the same as that in the commercially manufactured tablets. The only difference is the method of administration. Methimazole is very bitter when taken orally, so this formulation is popular in veterinary medicine because it gets applied across the skin, making it easier to dose the pet.
In addition to being used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats and dogs, methimazole lipoderm gel is also used by veterinarians in cases where the pet is undergoing thyroid surgery or receiving radioactive iodine treatment.
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