Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose according to your cat’s weight. 2019;42(2):179-188. A total of 177 cats were determined to be eligible for the effectiveness analysis; 83 cats were in the Mirataz™ group and 94 cats were in the vehicle control group. Mirataz ® (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is for topical use in cats only under veterinary supervision. Mirtazapine affects neuroreceptors in the stomach and intestine, making it hard for these organs and the vomit center of the brain to communicate. Buhles W, Quimby JM, Labelle D, et al. Another concern with using human-approved mirtazapine products in cats is the difference in dose. Mirtazapine helps stimulate appetite in cats and reduces nausea. This dose, while effective, results in fewer undesirable side effects than the traditional 3.75-mg dose. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of a novel transdermal ointment in cats. Do not use in cats with a known hypersensitivity to mirtazapine or any of the excipients. The smallest strength for people is 15 mg while the typical dose for cats is 2 mg. Not for human use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment), a new animal drug used to manage undesired weight loss in cats. 2. Mirtazapine works best in cats when a smaller (3-3.75mg dose) is used daily rather than when a larger dose is used less frequently. Buy it today at America's Largest Pet Pharmacy. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to evaluate the weight gain drug, mirtazapine transdermal ointment, in cats with unintended weight loss. Keep out of reach of children. Mirtazapine is an appetite stimulant for pets suffering from stomach problems or cancer treatments. The dosage was a 1.5-inch ribbon (approximately 2 mg/cat) mirtazapine or vehicle ointment administered topically to the inner pinna of the cat’s ear. Current dosing recommendations for mirtazapine in young, healthy cats is 1.88 mg/day. In older cats and those with chronic kidney or liver disease, 1.88 mg can be given every 48 hours. At low doses below those needed for antidepressant efficacy, mirtazapine binds more avidly to the histamine site than to the adrenergic sites, leading to increased daytime sedation. Side Effects of Using Mirtazapine for Cats Appetite Stimulation A dosage of 1.88 mg or 3.75 mg is generally given to cats orally twice a week. Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is the first and only FDA-approved transdermal medication for the management of weight loss in cats. Historically, mirtazapine has been prescribed at a variety of doses, including a common dose of 3.75mg every 3 days. At the same time in the gut, serotonin, a chemical often associated with feelings of relaxation and comfort, is connected to proper digestion. Do not use in cats treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Possible Side Effects The most common adverse reactions included application site reactions, behavioral abnormalities (vocalization and hyperactivity), and vomiting. This dose lacks pharmacologic backing, and significant published data indicates that a lower dose of 1.88mg every 24 hours (every 48 hours in cats with chronic kidney disease) is equally effective at appetite stimulation. Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant and has an unusual dose-dependent effect on sleep. We weren't giving up all together though and even though our vet said most cats do well on Cerenia and the appetite stimulant Mirtazapine, he listened to us and switched our cat to a new appetite stimulant Entyce that is very new and has an off label use for cats. Mirtazapine is a prescription medication and is sold per tablet. On the flip side of this, however, is the reputation of many cats for being difficult with regard to oral medication. 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