Atopica Solution for Cats & Dogs - 17ml

Description

Atopica 17ml Oral Solution contains ciclosporin, a medicine used to control chronic allergic dermatitis in cats and the long-standing signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs. These conditions can cause persistent itching, inflamed skin and repeated scratching or licking, often affecting comfort well beyond the appearance of the coat. Atopica 17ml works on the immune response responsible for this inflammation, helping reduce the cycle of irritation and self-trauma. Each millilitre contains 100mg of ciclosporin, and the liquid is measured with the supplied oral syringe. This provides an alternative to capsules for animals receiving ciclosporin treatment. The 17ml bottle contains the same concentration as the smaller 5ml presentation, with a larger total volume for a treatment plan that needs it.

Allergic skin disease can look quite different in cats and dogs. Cats may lick away hair from the abdomen or flanks, scratch around the face and neck, or develop small crusted bumps known as miliary dermatitis. Raised, inflamed areas called eosinophilic plaques are another possible presentation. In dogs, atopic dermatitis often affects the feet, face, ears, armpits or underside of the body, with repeated licking, chewing and rubbing. Atopica 17ml helps control the allergic inflammation behind these signs once the condition has been identified. Hair loss caused by overgrooming may be symmetrical and can occur even when an owner rarely sees the cat scratching. By reducing the urge to scratch or lick, Atopica 17ml allows the skin to suffer less repeated damage, although coat regrowth takes longer than the initial improvement in itch.

Ciclosporin belongs to a group of medicines called calcineurin inhibitors. It reduces the activation of certain immune cells, particularly T-lymphocytes, and decreases the release of signals that sustain allergic inflammation. Atopica 17ml therefore acts on an underlying part of the inflammatory process rather than simply coating the skin or washing away surface material. It is a non-steroid treatment, although it still has important effects on immune function. Atopica 17ml is generally used for continuing control because the allergic tendency can remain even after the skin looks better. Environmental exposures may vary with the seasons, while some animals experience symptoms throughout the year. Reducing inflammatory activity can make skin more comfortable, but the medicine does not remove allergens from the home or treat every possible cause of itching.

Improvement with Atopica 17ml develops over several weeks. In cats, satisfactory control is generally seen within four to eight weeks, while dogs often show a satisfactory response within about four weeks. Treatment begins with daily administration; once signs are controlled, some animals can maintain improvement with less frequent dosing under veterinary direction. This gradual onset explains why an animal with severe itching may need additional relief at the beginning of treatment. Atopica 17ml can also form part of broader skin care that includes suitable flea control, skin cleansing or fatty acid supplementation where appropriate. Bacterial or yeast infections may need their own treatment because ciclosporin does not act as an antibiotic or antifungal medicine. A reduction in scratching, fewer new skin lesions and more comfortable rest are meaningful changes, even before the coat has fully recovered.

Administration of Atopica 17ml differs between cats and dogs. Cats can receive the measured liquid directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of food that will be eaten completely. Dogs receive it directly into the mouth, at least two hours before or after food. The initial recommended amounts also differ by species, at 7mg/kg daily for cats and 5mg/kg daily for dogs, so the supplied directions provide the individual volume. The dispenser supplied with Atopica 17ml includes a 1ml oral syringe and a bottle adaptor system. The syringe should not be washed with water between uses. An opened 17ml bottle has a 70-day in-use shelf life. Store it in its carton between 15°C and 30°C, preferably avoiding prolonged storage below 20°C, and do not refrigerate it.

Digestive upset is a recognised effect of Atopica 17ml, particularly vomiting or diarrhoea in cats; these reactions are often mild and temporary. Reduced appetite and weight loss need prompt attention, especially in a cat, because prolonged poor intake can lead to hepatic lipidosis. Ciclosporin can increase susceptibility to certain infections, and treated cats should not eat raw meat or hunt prey because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. Atopica 17ml must not be used in cats with FeLV or FIV, or in animals with a history of malignant disease. Live vaccines must be avoided during treatment and for two weeks either side. Safety has not been established in cats under six months or below 2.3kg, and the product is not for dogs under six months. Marked illness, persistent vomiting or a continuing loss of appetite warrants veterinary advice.

What is Atopica 17ml used for?

Atopica 17ml is used for chronic allergic dermatitis in cats and chronic signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs. It contains ciclosporin, which reduces immune activity involved in allergic skin inflammation. This can help control itching, scratching, licking and the skin damage caused by repeated self-trauma.

Is Atopica Oral Solution licensed for cats and dogs?

Yes. The current licence covers cats and dogs, with the canine indication applying to dogs weighing more than 2kg. The species have different initial doses and feeding instructions. Safety has not been assessed in cats under six months of age or below 2.3kg.

How long does Atopica take to reduce itching?

A satisfactory response generally develops within four to eight weeks in cats and around four weeks in dogs. It is therefore a treatment for developing ongoing control rather than immediate itch relief. Severe itching may need additional treatment initially while ciclosporin’s effect on inflammation builds.

Is Atopica a steroid?

No. Atopica contains ciclosporin, a calcineurin inhibitor that reduces the activity of immune cells involved in allergic inflammation. It offers a non-steroid approach to controlling chronic skin disease. However, it still affects immune function and has its own precautions, including restrictions relating to infections and vaccination.

Can Atopica 17ml be given with food?

Cats may receive it in a small portion of food that is eaten completely, or directly into the mouth. Dogs should receive the solution directly into the mouth at least two hours before or after feeding. These species-specific instructions are important when using the oral solution.

Can a cat taking Atopica eat raw meat?

Raw meat and hunting should be avoided during treatment because ciclosporin can increase the risk of clinical toxoplasmosis following infection. Keeping treated cats indoors and preventing scavenging reduces potential exposure. This precaution is specific to the medicine’s effects on immunity and applies even when the skin is improving.

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