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Educational Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Enrofloxacin otic is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear infections in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use with pets allergic to quinolones or sulfonamides, with young animals, or with those with central nervous system disorders. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

  • Enzymes are given by mouth and are used over the counter or as a prescription to treat digestion problems, pain, or inflammation. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to the enzyme or the source of the enzyme. Use cautiously in pets with liver or kidney disease, or in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ephedra is prescribed most often treat breathing problems and is given by mouth. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure, agitation, restlessness, sleeplessness, nausea, tremors, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic, pregnant, nursing, are debilitated, elderly or young, or have glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, anxiety, enlarged prostate, liver disease, kidney disease or thyroid disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ephedrine is most commonly given by injection (and rarely by mouth) and is used off label to treat low blood pressure and certain types of urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include restlessness, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with severe heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Erythromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility problems in many animal species. Common side effects include diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have liver disease or dysfunction, or in pets such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Erythromycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Erythromycin ophthalmic comes in ointment form. Caution when using this medication in pocket pets as fatal diarrhea may occur if ingested orally.

  • Esafoxolaner + eprinomectin + praziquantel is given topically on the skin to treat and protect against various internal and external parasites and prevent heartworm in cats. Side effects are rare but may include hair loss at the application site, gastrointestinal upset, skin reactions, or neurologic signs. Use caution in sick or underweight cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Eyebright is an over the counter supplement, given by mouth or used topically as an adjunctive treatment for infection and inflammation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is a sensitivity reaction that may include redness, itching, or irritation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, have had eye surgery, or have diabetes. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Famciclovir is given by mouth and is used off-label to control feline herpesvirus. Give as directed. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and increased drinking and urination. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or penciclovir. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Famotidine is an antacid given by mouth or into the vein, and is commonly used off label to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and acid reflux. Side effects are uncommon but may include a slow heart rate, stomach upset, or dry mouth and skin. Use cautiously in pets that are geriatric or have liver, kidney, or heart disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.