{"product_id":"methimazole-for-cats-5mg","title":"Methimazole Tablets for Cats - Treat Hyperthyroidism, 5 mg","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAntithyroid Tablets to Manage Hyperthyroidism in Cats\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethimazole 5mg is a prescription antithyroid medication used to manage hyperthyroidism in cats. It works by reducing the thyroid gland's ability to produce excess hormone, helping bring metabolic function back to a normal range. Since it manages rather than cures the condition, most cats stay on it long term. It is FDA-approved for veterinary use in cats and is widely regarded as the antithyroid treatment of choice in feline medicine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eControls Feline Hyperthyroidism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces overproduction of thyroid hormone, helping manage symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity in affected cats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRestores Normal Thyroid Levels:\u003c\/strong\u003e When dosed correctly and consistently, methimazole is highly effective at bringing thyroid hormone levels back within a healthy range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAs Effective as Surgery or Radiotherapy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Used properly, methimazole delivers results comparable to radioactive iodine therapy or surgical thyroidectomy, at a much lower cost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHelps Assess Kidney Function:\u003c\/strong\u003e Normalising thyroid levels with methimazole first allows vets to evaluate how the kidneys respond before committing to any permanent treatment option.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in Multiple Forms:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beyond tablets, methimazole can be compounded into flavored liquids, chewables, or transdermal gels for cats that are harder to medicate orally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-Addictive for Long-Term Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Methimazole carries no risk of dependency, making it a practical and safe choice for cats requiring ongoing thyroid management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eActive Ingredients\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethimazole\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethimazole is a prescription-only medication. A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required to purchase this medicine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment for your cat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting your cat to take a tablet does not have to be a struggle. Tucking the tablet into a pill pocket or pill wrap makes the whole experience far less stressful for your cat and for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/collections\/cat-pill-pockets\" title=\"Cat pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: easy medication treats | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Cat pill pockets \u0026amp; wraps: easy medication treats | hardypaw\"\u003eShop Pill Pockets for Cats\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePrecautions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot for Pregnant or Breeding Cats:\u003c\/strong\u003e Methimazole must not be used in pregnant, nursing, or breeding cats due to risk of serious developmental harm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaution with Organ Disease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cats with autoimmune, liver, kidney, or blood clotting issues need close veterinary supervision on this medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid in Allergic Cats:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use in cats with a known allergy to methimazole, carbimazole, or polyethylene glycol, as serious reactions may occur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegular Blood Monitoring Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blood tests are needed before starting and every 2 to 3 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 3 to 6 months once stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrug Interactions to Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Methimazole may interact with several medications including beta-blockers, digoxin, and phenobarbital; always keep your vet informed of everything your cat takes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo Not Break or Crush Tablets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tablets should be handled whole with protective gloves, and hands must be washed thoroughly after every handling to avoid skin contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePossible Side Effects\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Early Side Effects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vomiting, reduced appetite, and tiredness are most frequently seen in the first three months and may settle with continued treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFacial Itching (Stop Medication):\u003c\/strong\u003e Head or facial itching signals poor tolerance to methimazole and tends to return if restarted; an alternative thyroid treatment will likely be needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRare Liver Disease:\u003c\/strong\u003e Serious liver disease affects less than 2% of cats; watch for complete loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, or yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlood Cell Changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Changes in blood cell counts occur in less than 4% of cats; regular blood tests help catch these early before they require a treatment change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Rare Effects:\u003c\/strong\u003e Less common reactions include immune-mediated disorders, skin lesions, elevated liver enzymes, anemia, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia in some cats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStorage Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore at Room Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep methimazole tablets in a dry, dark place at room temperature, protected from both light and moisture at all times.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep Away from Children:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a secure location out of children's reach, as methimazole can cause serious adverse effects if handled or ingested by humans.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep Away from Other Pets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Make sure other animals in the household cannot access the storage area to prevent accidental ingestion of this medication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFor generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Return\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our \u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/pages\/shipping-policy\" title=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\"\u003eshipping policy\u003c\/a\u003e for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed \u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/policies\/refund-policy\" title=\"Refund policy\" aria-label=\"Refund policy\"\u003erefund policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ1: What is methimazole 5mg used for in cats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Methimazole 5mg is prescribed to manage feline hyperthyroidism, where an overactive thyroid gland throws the body's metabolism off balance. It brings thyroid hormone levels back under control to restore normal function. Since it manages rather than cures the condition, most cats need it lifelong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ2: How does methimazole work to control hyperthyroidism in cats?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Methimazole blocks several steps involved in thyroid hormone production, reducing the amount the thyroid gland can make. It does not clear hormones already in circulation, so noticeable improvement may take days to weeks after starting treatment. Consistent dosing is key to keeping levels controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ3: How long does my cat need to stay on methimazole?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hyperthyroidism in cats does not go away on its own, so methimazole is usually a lifelong commitment. Without it, the thyroid gets overactive again fairly quickly. Pet owners who struggle with daily tablets can speak to their vet about other treatment paths that offer a more permanent solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ4: What monitoring does my cat need while on methimazole?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blood tests are needed before starting treatment and every 2 to 3 weeks during the first 3 months to check thyroid levels and watch for any effects on blood cells or organ function. Once the dose is stable, thyroid levels should be rechecked every 3 to 6 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ5: What should I do if my cat develops facial itching after starting methimazole?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Facial or head itching is a sign your cat is not tolerating methimazole well. This reaction tends to come back if the medication is restarted, so stop use and contact your vet promptly. Your vet may recommend switching to radioactive iodine therapy or surgery as an alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClinical Research\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1016\/S1098-612X%2802%2900095-5\" title=\"Https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1016\/s1098-612x%2802%2900095-5\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1016\/s1098-612x%2802%2900095-5\"\u003ehttps:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1016\/S1098-612X%2802%2900095-5\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00799.x\" title=\"Https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00799.x\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00799.x\"\u003ehttps:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/j.1939-1676.2011.00799.x\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1365-2885.1991.tb00850.x\" title=\"Https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1365-2885.1991.tb00850.x\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1365-2885.1991.tb00850.x\"\u003ehttps:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1365-2885.1991.tb00850.x\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Varies (Generic)","offers":[{"title":"1 tablet","offer_id":41799549747361,"sku":"151845-1","price":1.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30 tablets","offer_id":44417255669921,"sku":"151845-30","price":7.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60 tablets","offer_id":44417255702689,"sku":"151845-60","price":13.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 tablets","offer_id":41799549714593,"sku":"151845","price":22.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/2446\/5313\/files\/methimazole-tablets-for-cats-treat-hyperthyroidism-5-mg-pet-medicine-276.png?v=1778112790","url":"https:\/\/hordypaw.shop\/en-ca\/products\/methimazole-for-cats-5mg","provider":"HardyPaw","version":"1.0","type":"link"}