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Mycophenolate Mofetil

Prescription
Immunosuppressant (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Prodrug hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid; selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), blocking de novo purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, which depend exclusively on this pathway for proliferation

At a glance

Class
Immunosuppressant (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from moisture and light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory bowel disease
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: Weeks to months; gradual taper once remission achieved
🐈

Cat

Immune-mediated conditions (limited data)
Dose
10–15 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: Limited data; monitor closely

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 1

Strength
250mg
Available in India
💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
500mg
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from moisture and light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Pregnancy
    Teratogenic

Use with caution

  • Active infection
    Immunosuppression may worsen infection
  • Concurrent azathioprine
    Both inhibit purine synthesis; overlapping myelosuppression

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset (diarrhea, vomiting)
Anorexia
Serious
Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
Opportunistic infections
GI hemorrhage

Monitoring parameters

CBC (weekly initially, then monthly)Hepatic enzymesSigns of infectionGI tolerance

Interactions

Major — 1

Azathioprine
major
Both inhibit purine synthesis in lymphocytes via different mechanisms. Combined: severe additive myelosuppression.
Management: Do not combine. Choose one immunosuppressant. Monitor CBC closely during transitions.

Brands

International

CellCept
Roche
Myfortic (enteric-coated)
Novartis

India

Mycept
Panacea Biotec
Cellmune
Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Mycophenolate Mofetil?
Mycophenolate Mofetil is a immunosuppressant (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor) used in pets. Prodrug hydrolyzed to mycophenolic acid; selectively inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), blocking de novo purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, which depend exclusively on this pathway for proliferation
›What is Mycophenolate Mofetil used for in pets?
Mycophenolate Mofetil is used in veterinary medicine for: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory bowel disease; Immune-mediated conditions (limited data).
›What is the Mycophenolate Mofetil dose for dogs?
For dogs, Mycophenolate Mofetil is typically dosed as follows — Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory bowel disease: 10–20 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Mycophenolate Mofetil dose for cats?
For cats, Mycophenolate Mofetil is typically dosed as follows — Immune-mediated conditions (limited data): 10–15 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Mycophenolate Mofetil?
Common: GI upset (diarrhea, vomiting), Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), Opportunistic infections, GI hemorrhage.
›Does Mycophenolate Mofetil need a prescription?
Yes. Mycophenolate Mofetil is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Mycophenolate Mofetil not be used?
Do not use Mycophenolate Mofetil if: Pregnancy.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Immunosuppressant).

Azathioprine
Rx
Prodrug metabolized to 6-mercaptopurine and further to thioguanine nucleotides, which are incorporated into DNA causing chain termination; inhibits purine synthesis and T-cell proliferation, suppressing cell-mediated immunity
dog
Leflunomide
Rx
Prodrug converted to teriflunomide, which inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a key enzyme in de novo pyrimidine synthesis; preferentially suppresses rapidly dividing lymphocytes, reducing T- and B-cell proliferation
dogcat