Skip to main content

Educational Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Mupirocin otic, also known as pseudomonic acid A, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of ear infections. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat ear infections in animals. Mupirocin comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.

  • Mupirocin topical, also known as pseudomonic acid A (brand names Muricin, Bactroban, Centany), is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections. It is labeled for use in dogs to treat skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphlococcus and other gram-positive bacteria. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat skin infections in other species and acne in cats. Mupirocin comes in cream or ointment form.

  • Mycophenolate is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off-label to treat autoimmune disease in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to mycophenolate, are pregnant, or nursing. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Neomycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication, usually in a combination product, used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. It is used to treat surface eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Neomycin ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop suspension form. Caution when using this medication in cats, as allergic reactions have been documented.

  • Neomycin, isoflupredone, and tetracaine (brand names Neo-Predef with Tetracaine, Tritop), is a combination antibiotic (neomycin), steroid (isoflupredone), and local anesthetic (tetracaine) used in the treatment of certain superficial infections. It is labeled for use in cats, dogs, and horses to treat certain types of skin and ear infections. It may be used"off label" or "extra label" to treat other conditions or in other species.

  • Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic, also known as neopolydex (brand name Maxitrol), is a combination antimicrobial and steroid anti-inflammatory medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections and eye inflammation. Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic comes in liquid eye drop and ointment forms. Avoid use in pets with eye ulcers.

  • Nitenpyram is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat adult flea infestations and fly larvae infestations. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is itchiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in pets that weigh less than 2 pounds, or in pets younger than 4 weeks old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Nystatin is an antifungal, given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, and used off label to treat Candida fungal infections in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are rare, but at high doses could cause stomach upset or mouth irritation. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Nystatin 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. Nystatin should not be used on pets that are allergic to it or on pets that have tuberculosis infections of the skin or a ruptured ear drum. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Oclacitinib is given by mouth and is used to treat allergic dermatitis in dogs and has also been used off-label to treat other types of skin conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Do not use in pets with severe infections or in pets younger than 12 months old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.