Marie A. Chartier, DVM, DACVIM, is particularly interested in gastroenterology and is a member of the Comparative Gastroenterology Society. She joined the IVG network of hospitals in 2013. Dr. Chartier earned her undergraduate degree in biology at Roger Williams University and her DVM from Louisiana State University. She completed a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston and a 3-year residency in small animal internal medicine at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego.
Which of the following drugs could be safely administered?
Based on the information provided, how would you grade the following drugs and why? Please click on the red, yellow, or green buttons next to each drug name to indicate its level of safety.
Acetaminophen
Correct ResponseDo Not UseAlthough this patient would most likely benefit from pain management, acetaminophen at any dose is contraindicated in cats. In cats, deficient acetaminophen glucuronidation results in toxic metabolites that may cause methemoglobinemia.
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
Correct ResponseSafeAntibiotics are indicated in cases of pyelonephritis, and pending urine culture results, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid is a safe, broad-spectrum antibiotic choice for this patient. Adverse GI effects can occur in cats but are usually minor.
Buprenorphine
Correct ResponseSafePatients with pyelonephritis may need some level of pain control, and buprenorphine is a safe analgesic for cats. Buccal administration is well tolerated and effective.
Cyproheptadine
Correct ResponseDo Not UseSee also mirtazapine for comparison
Cyproheptadine is a safe appetite stimulant for use as an alternative to mirtazapine; however, cyproheptadine is not a good choice in patients receiving fluoxetine because it may decrease or reverse the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is a good antidote in cases of serotonin syndrome.
Enalapril
Correct ResponseUse CautionControl of hypertension is needed, but options better than enalapril are available. The elimination rate of enalapril may be affected in patients with kidney disease, as it is cleared primarily through renal excretion. A better option may be benazepril, which is cleared in part by the liver and does not accumulate in cats with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency. Either drug may cause azotemia in some patients by adversely affecting the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This patient should be monitored closely for worsening azotemia, hyperkalemia, or hypotension if any angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is given.
Enrofloxacin
Correct ResponseUse CautionIf urine culture and sensitivity results indicate use of a fluoroquinolone, enrofloxacin is not an ideal choice for kidney disease and, of the veterinary fluoroquinolones, carries the greatest risk for dose-dependent retinotoxicity. Marbofloxacin, pradofloxacin, and orbifloxacin have much lower risks at label doses.
Maropitant
Correct ResponseSafeCats with chronic kidney disease often develop signs of nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite attributable to uremia. Maropitant is an approved antiemetic for use in cats and, if necessary, would have been a safe, effective choice for this patient. There is no evidence that the dose needs to be adjusted in cats with kidney disease. This neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist may also aid in treating visceral pain.
Meloxicam
Correct ResponseDo Not UseNSAIDs should not be used in cats that are dehydrated or have preexisting renal disease (ie, considerable risk for renal toxicity). NSAIDs should not be given with prednisone because the combination can exacerbate adverse GI effects (eg, ulceration).
Mirtazapine
Correct ResponseDo Not UseThe use of mirtazapine with fluoxetine, an SSRI, is contraindicated, as it can cause serotonin syndrome. In addition, mirtazapine should be used with caution in patients with reduced renal function, as drug clearance may be impaired.
Sucralfate
Correct ResponseSafeAlthough sucralfate administration is not contraindicated in this patient, the benefits are limited unless oral, esophageal, gastric, or duodenal ulceration is suspected. Sucralfate has a local rather than systemic effect, as it binds to ulcerated tissues. Sucralfate may also decrease absorption and efficacy of any aluminum-containing medications (eg, fluoroquinolones) that may be used in this patient.