1.25mg Felimazole Tablet for Cats - per Tablet

Description

Felimazole 1.25mg is a prescription-only antithyroid medicine for cats with hyperthyroidism. Each coated tablet contains 1.25mg thiamazole, which reduces the production of thyroid hormones within the thyroid gland. Felimazole 1.25mg is the lower-strength tablet in the range and is intended for cats needing particularly small amounts of thiamazole or adjustments to an existing treatment. The medicine is authorised for long-term management of feline hyperthyroidism and for stabilising affected cats before thyroid surgery. This listing is sold per tablet. The tablets are small, red and sugar-coated, measuring approximately 5.5mm across. They provide a whole-tablet option when a small quantity of the active ingredient is needed, without breaking a higher-strength tablet or disturbing its coating.

Hyperthyroidism develops when thyroid tissue becomes overactive and releases more hormone than the body needs. It is most often diagnosed in older cats and commonly results from benign changes within the thyroid glands. Felimazole 1.25mg helps control the excessive hormone production that accelerates metabolism. Affected cats may appear hungry much of the time but continue to lose weight and muscle, even when they are eating more than previously. Other signs include increased thirst, more frequent urination, vomiting, loose stools, restlessness and a scruffy coat. Some become unusually vocal or seem unable to settle, while others are quieter and show a reduced appetite. Weight loss can include loss of muscle over the back and hindquarters, and the coat may look less well cared for as normal grooming changes. These effects can develop gradually and become more apparent as hormone excess continues. Felimazole 1.25mg can help address the hormonal cause of these changes, allowing activity, appetite and body condition to become more stable as treatment takes effect.

Thiamazole in Felimazole 1.25mg interferes with thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme involved in incorporating iodine into thyroid hormones. This reduces the synthesis of thyroxine, known as T4, and triiodothyronine, known as T3. Both hormones influence how rapidly the body uses energy and affect the activity of many tissues. Felimazole 1.25mg reduces the manufacture of new hormone, while hormone already stored in the gland or circulating in the blood takes time to decline. Improvement is therefore gradual rather than an immediate change after the first tablet. As the excessive metabolic stimulation eases, the cat may become more settled and start recovering lost condition. The medicine controls the activity of abnormal thyroid tissue but does not remove it, so medical treatment is generally continued for life.

An overactive thyroid can place additional demands on the heart and circulation. Cats may develop a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure or changes in heart muscle function as a result of sustained hormonal stimulation. Felimazole 1.25mg helps reduce that hormonal burden as thyroid levels come under control. Kidney health is also relevant because hyperthyroidism can increase renal blood flow and temporarily conceal reduced kidney function. Once metabolism returns towards normal, underlying kidney impairment may become more apparent. Felimazole 1.25mg is therefore used with assessment of thyroid response, blood-cell counts and other aspects of health. This monitoring helps balance effective hormone control with the needs of an older cat that may have more than one condition. Excessively low thyroid activity can also affect wellbeing, making adequate control more useful than maximal suppression.

Felimazole 1.25mg tablets are administered by mouth and must be swallowed whole. They should not be split or crushed. Wherever possible, the total daily treatment is divided between morning and evening, although the individual schedule depends on the amount of thiamazole required. The lower strength allows a small amount of medicine to be provided as an intact tablet. Felimazole 1.25mg is not restricted to small-bodied cats: the strength needed reflects thyroid control and the response to treatment, as well as the overall clinical picture. Thiamazole is absorbed after oral administration and reaches the thyroid tissue where it acts. Its effect is maintained through continued treatment, so improved appetite or weight does not mean that the underlying overactive tissue has disappeared.

Felimazole 1.25mg can cause vomiting, reduced appetite, lethargy or marked itching, particularly around the head and neck. Blood-cell changes and liver problems are also recognised adverse effects. Sudden illness, jaundice, unusual bleeding or severe facial irritation needs prompt veterinary attention. Felimazole 1.25mg must not be used in pregnant or lactating cats, and conditions including primary liver disease, diabetes and certain immune or blood disorders can make it unsuitable. Wash hands after handling the tablets or used litter. Pregnant women should wear gloves when handling the medicine, and women of childbearing age should wear gloves when handling litter from treated cats. Store the tablets below 25°C, protected from moisture in the packaging supplied, and keep drinking water freely available to the cat throughout treatment.

What is Felimazole 1.25mg used for?

Felimazole 1.25mg treats hyperthyroidism in cats by reducing excessive thyroid hormone production. It is used for long-term medical management and to stabilise cats before thyroid surgery. The lower-strength tablet is intended for cats needing particularly small amounts of thiamazole or adjustments to their treatment.

What is the active ingredient in Felimazole 1.25mg?

Each tablet contains 1.25mg thiamazole, also known as methimazole. This antithyroid ingredient interferes with an enzyme needed to make thyroid hormones. It reduces new hormone production within the gland and is used for an overactive thyroid, rather than supplying thyroid hormone as replacement treatment.

Can Felimazole 1.25mg tablets be split or crushed?

No. Felimazole tablets must remain whole and should not be split or crushed. The 1.25mg strength provides a small amount of thiamazole in an intact coated tablet. If swallowing tablets is difficult, a different formulation can be considered as part of the cat’s treatment.

How long does Felimazole take to improve symptoms?

Felimazole reduces the manufacture of new thyroid hormone, but hormone already stored or circulating must decline before its full effect becomes apparent. Improvement is gradual, with appetite, activity and bodyweight changing at different rates. Initial thyroid reassessment is normally scheduled around three weeks after treatment begins.

Does Felimazole cure an overactive thyroid?

Felimazole controls excessive hormone production while treatment continues, but it does not remove the abnormal thyroid tissue. Medical management is therefore usually lifelong. It can also stabilise a cat before another treatment, such as thyroid surgery, is used to address the source of excess hormone production.

What side effects can Felimazole cause?

Possible effects include vomiting, reduced appetite, lethargy and severe itching around the head or neck. Changes in blood cells and liver problems can also occur. Sudden illness, jaundice, unusual bleeding or marked facial irritation needs prompt veterinary attention so the cat’s treatment can be assessed.

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