Educational Articles
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Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.
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Milbemycin oxime is a heartworm disease preventive and treats internal parasites (e.g., hookworms and roundworms) in dogs and cats. It is also found in combination products with other drugs. It is also used off label to treat infestations in dogs. Milbemycin is given by mouth with a flavored oral tablet. At regular doses, milbemycin is well-tolerated; when used at higher doses for treating mites, side effects have been observed. Some breeds of dogs (e.g., collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds) are more sensitive to milbemycin than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of milbemycin use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Silymarin is an over-the-counter nutritional supplement that is used off-label and is given by mouth to treat liver and cancer conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Minocycline is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat certain bacterial infections and as a part of the heartworm treatment protocol. Give as directed. Common side effects include stomach upset, such as vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, or are very young. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Mirtazapine is given by mouth or is applied to the skin and is used to treat weight loss in cats and is used off-label to treat inappetence, nausea, and vomiting in cats and dogs. Give as directed. The most common side effects include vocalization, restlessness, vomiting, incoordination, or trembling. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or that have recently used an MAOI. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Misoprostol is used to treat or prevent stomach ulcers, especially when they may be caused or aggravated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Misoprostol helps the stomach protect itself against acid damage. It also decreases the amount of gastric acid produced by the stomach. This medication may be used for other conditions as determined by your veterinarian.
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Mometasone combinations are applied topically to the skin and are used on and off label to treat skin lesions. The most common side effect is inflammation at the application site. It should not be used on pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant, have tuberculosis of the skin, or in pets with a ruptured ear drum. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Moxidectin and fluralaner are combined in one topical treatment for use in cats. Moxidectin topical is an avermectin antiparasitic that is used to prevent heartworms and treat intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms). Fluralaner is used to treat and prevent fleas and also kills black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include hair loss at the application site, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive drooling, and dry skin. Moxidectin + fluralaner should not be used in pets that are hypersensitive or allergic to it. Do not use this medication in sick, debilitated, or underweight cats. Use caution in cats with known neurologic disorders. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
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Moxidectin is an avermectin antiparasitic that is used to prevent heartworms and treat intestinal parasites. Imidacloprid treats and prevents fleas. These two drugs are combined in one topical product for use in cats, dogs, and ferrets. Use as directed. Side effects are uncommon and usually short-lived, however, if you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Moxidectin topical is applied to the skin and is commonly used to prevent heartworms and to treat topical and intestinal parasites. It has also been used off label to treat adult heartworms. Side effects are uncommon but may include lethargy, vomiting, uncoordinated walking, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching. It is contraindicated in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.