Problem medications for cats

Close up image of grey tabby cat with white on it's chin, neck and front paws.

Since the feline MDR1 mutation was more recently discovered than the canine MDR1 mutation there has been less research on the topic. The WSU PrIMe research team is working to determine if other drugs commonly used for treating cats are substrates for feline P-glycoprotein (i.e., have the potential to cause toxicity in cats with the MDR1 mutation).

Drug (Active Ingredient)Brand NameRecommendation
ChemotherapyContact MDR1Caddie™ for dosing recommendations.
EmodepsideProfenderDo not use in cats with the MDR1 mutation.
EprinomectinNexgard ComboDo not use in cats with the MDR1 mutation.
IvermectinHeartgardIf used in accordance with label, the dose of ivermectin is low enough to be safe for cats with the MDR1 mutation.
For other formulations of ivermectin contact MDR1Caddie™ for dosing recommendations
LoperamideImodiumAt doses used to treat diarrhea, this drug will be expected to cause neurological toxicity in cats with the MDR1 mutation. We recommend avoiding loperamide in cats with the MDR1 mutation.
MilbemycinInterceptor
If used in accordance with label, the dose of milbemycin is low enough to be safe for cats with the MDR1 mutation.
For other formulations of milbemycin
contact MDR1Caddie™ for dosing recommendations.
MoxidectinAdvantage Multi, Bravecto PlusOral ingestion of this topical product would be expected to cause neurological toxicity in cats with the MDR1 mutation.
VinblastineSee Chemotherapy
VincristineSee Chemotherapy
VinorelbineSee Chemotherapy
SelamectinRevolution PlusOral ingestion of this topical product would be expected to cause neurological toxicity in cats with the MDR1 mutation.