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Medications & Supplements

  • Metformin is an oral drug used as an anti-hyperglycemic (a medication that counteracts the accumulation of excess sugar in the blood) in cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). There is limited evidence to support the use of metformin in dogs with NIDDM, and debate about its use in horses.

  • Methazolamide (brand names Neptazane®, GlaucTabs®, Glaumetax®, MZM) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used off label (extra label) to treat open angle glaucoma in dogs and cats. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have significant liver, kidney, or adrenal disease, have electrolyte imbalances, have severe obstructive lung disease, or have closed angle glaucoma.

  • Methimazole (brand names Tapazole®, Felimazole®, Felanorm®) is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It is given by mouth or applied topically to the skin. Common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, but more severe side effects are possible. It is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing pets, as well as in cats with autoimmune disease, liver or kidney disease, and/or blood and clotting diseases.

  • Methionine (brand name Methio-Form) is a nutritional supplement used to make urine more acidic in cats and dogs. Urine acidifiers help manage certain types of urolithiasis (urinary stones). Methionine comes in gel, chewable, powder, and tablet forms. Monitor urine pH and seek immediate veterinary care if signs of Heinz-body anemia appear in cats (pale gums, red-brown urine, weakness).

  • Methocarbamol (brand names: Robaxin®, Robinax®, Robaximol®) is a muscle relaxant used to reduce muscle spasms associated with inflammation, injury, intervertebral disc disease, and certain toxicities. It is used only in companion animals. It is given by mouth as a tablet.

  • Methylprednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label in dogs, cats, and horses to treat inflammatory, immune-mediated, and hormonal conditions. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination, and appetite, dull/dry haircoat, and/or weight gain.

  • Metoclopramide (brand names Reglan® and Maxolon®) is used off label in dogs, cats, and small mammals to stimulate movement in the stomach and upper small intestines to prevent esophageal reflux. In cats and dogs, it is used in the treatment or prevention of vomiting, and also to induce milk let-down and to promote milk production.

  • Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat certain heart rhythm problems and hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats and dogs. It has also been used in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine.

  • Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) is used off label in the treatment of certain infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Trichomonas, in dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

  • Metyrapone is an adrenal enzyme blocking drug mainly used to treat cats with hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). It is most useful as a short-term treatment to stabilize cats with Cushing's disease before surgery. It may also be used in ferrets and hamsters.