Chlortrimiton for Allergy in Cats
Chlor-Trimeton is a brand name for an antihistamine medication used in humans but also used off-label in cats. Cats can suffer from hundreds upon thousands of potential allergens, including but not limited to: dust, mold, pollen, flea bites and even their own dander. Antihistamines, such as Chlor-Trimeton, have been proven to control up to 70 percent of allergies occurring in cats.
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Histamines
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Histamines are chemicals that are released into the feline's body following contact with an allergen. These chemicals attach to receptors found on certain cells within the body, known as H1 or H2 receptors; thus causing the allergic reaction. Antihistamines are formulated to block either H1 or H2 receptors. H2 blockers, such as Claritin and Hismanal, have not been found to be effective in treating allergic reactions in cats. However, H1 antihistamines, such as Chlor-Trimeton, have shown to be effective in felines.
Symptoms
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An allergic reaction in a cat is different from an allergic reaction a human may have. For example, cats who are suffering from an allergy may begin to excessively itch. The cat may also pull out tufts of his own fur and begin to suffer from hair loss. Some cats may also develop skin lesions such as crusty papules, long thin red lesions or hot spots. In extreme cases, there may be mutilated skin due to excessive itching and biting.
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Dosage
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The specific dosage of Chlor-Trimeton for a cat will vary based on several different factors. These factors include the cat's age, weight and other medications the cat may be on at the time. This antihistamine is available in tablet form, liquid syrup and an injectable form--though only the tablet form is used in cats. Tablets are available in two, four, eight and twelve milligram dosages. For cats, dosage ranges from two and four milligrams per day. This may involve administering 2 mg tablets twice a day, or cutting a 4 mg tablet in half.
Side Effects
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As with any medication, some cats may suffer from side effects while using Chlor-Trimeton. Some of the more common side effects seen in cats while using Chlor-Trimeton include sedation, drowsiness and behavioral changes such as becoming more lethargic. Some cats may suffer from severe side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. Lastly, some cats may suffer from a loss of appetite while taking Chlor-Trimeton.
Precautions
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There are several precautions that should be taken before giving Chlor-Trimeton to any cat. Chlor-Trimeton should only be administered after approval from a veterinarian. It should not be given to cats who are suffering from certain health issues such as heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, lung disease or prostate gland enlargement. It may also interact with other drugs the cat may be taking including tranquilizers, heparin and barbiturates.
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References
- Photo Credit cat image by nutech21 from Fotolia.com
