Medicines for Cats

Competitively inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal brush border alpha-glucosidases, delaying digestion of complex carbohydrates and reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Does not stimulate insulin secretion.

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors centrally; also has alpha-1 adrenergic blocking, antihistaminic, and antiserotonergic effects, producing sedation and anxiolysis

Centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic that inhibits COX enzymes in the CNS (primarily COX-3 variant), reducing prostaglandin synthesis centrally. Minimal peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. Metabolized by hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation; toxic metabolite NAPQI normally detoxified by glutathione.

Reversibly inhibits carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary body, renal tubules, and CNS. Reduces aqueous humor production (lowers IOP), promotes bicarbonate diuresis (alkaline urine), and has weak anticonvulsant effects by altering neuronal pH.

Provides cysteine as a precursor for hepatic glutathione synthesis; restores glutathione stores depleted by acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity, preventing formation of toxic NAPQI metabolite; also has mucolytic action by breaking disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins

Breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins (mucolytic effect) and chelates zinc and calcium ions required by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs/collagenases), inhibiting corneal melting (keratomalacia). Also provides antioxidant protection to the corneal surface.

Highly porous form of carbon that adsorbs toxins, drugs, and chemicals in the GI tract, preventing systemic absorption; most effective within 1–2 hours of toxin ingestion

Stimulates alpha-1 (vasoconstriction), beta-1 (increased heart rate and contractility), and beta-2 (bronchodilation) adrenergic receptors; the primary drug for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis

Synthetic steroid that competitively antagonizes progesterone at its receptor with ~3x higher affinity than progesterone itself. Blocks progesterone's actions on the uterus and mammary gland, causing pregnancy termination and treating pyometra/false pregnancy.

Binds to parasite beta-tubulin, inhibiting microtubule polymerization and glucose uptake, leading to energy depletion and death of helminths

Human serum albumin provides oncotic pressure (accounts for ~80% of plasma colloid oncotic pressure), maintaining intravascular fluid volume. Also serves as a carrier protein for drugs, hormones, and bilirubin, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist causing rapid bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. Acts within minutes via inhaled route. Also stimulates Na+/K+-ATPase, shifting potassium into cells (useful for hyperkalemia).

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that binds to hydroxyapatite in bone, is internalized by osteoclasts during resorption, and inhibits farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (mevalonate pathway), disrupting osteoclast function and inducing apoptosis. Reduces bone resorption and lowers serum calcium.

Modulates GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission; produces dose-dependent sedation, hypnosis, and general anaesthesia

Synthetic piperidine mu-opioid receptor agonist approximately 10–15x more potent than fentanyl on a per-dose basis for single bolus, but with much shorter duration (10–15 min). Rapid onset (1–2 min IV). Metabolized by CYP3A4.

Inhibits xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid; reduces uric acid production and is used to prevent urate urolithiasis and treat Leishmania

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing GABA-mediated chloride ion channel opening, increasing neuronal inhibition; produces anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects

Potent synthetic progestogen (norethisterone derivative) that mimics progesterone by binding to progesterone receptors, suppressing LH release, preventing ovulation, and maintaining pregnancy in progestogen-dependent species.