Transdermal methimazole treatment in cats with hyperthyroidism

J Feline Med Surg. 2003 Apr;5(2):77-82. doi: 10.1016/S1098-612X(02)00095-5.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess serum thyroxine concentrations and clinical response in hyperthyroid cats to treatment with transdermal methimazole, and to determine if further investigation is indicated. Clinical and laboratory data from 13 cats with hyperthyroidism were retrospectively evaluated. Methimazole (Tapazole, Eli Lilly) was formulated in a pleuronic lecithin organogel (PLO)-based vehicle and was applied to the inner pinna of the ear at a dosage ranging from 2.5mg/cat q 24h to 10.0mg/cat q 12h. During the treatment period, cats were re-evaluated at a mean of 4.3 weeks (recheck-1), and again at a mean of 5.4 months (recheck-2). Clinical improvement was observed, and significant decreases in thyroxine concentrations were measured at recheck-1 (mean: 39.57nmol/L, SEM: 14.4, SD: 41.2) and recheck-2 (mean: 36.71nmol/L, SEM: 13.9, SD: 45.56) compared to pretreatment concentrations (mean: 97.5nmol/L, SEM: 11.42, SD: 39.5). No adverse effects were reported.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Antithyroid Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Ear, External
  • Female
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
  • Hyperthyroidism / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Methimazole / administration & dosage
  • Methimazole / therapeutic use*
  • Records / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thyroxine / blood
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Methimazole
  • Thyroxine