Meclizine (NausX®) Benefits for Motion Sickness in cats

Did you know that 95% of pet motion sickness is caused by stress, not motion¹? This fact shows how important Meclizine (NausX®) is. It helps cats with motion sickness or vestibular disorders. This over-the-counter medicine is a big help for pet owners and vets.

NausX® uses Meclizine to help. It’s mainly for dogs and cats with motion sickness. It also treats dizziness from vestibular issues in small animals². By blocking harmful chemicals, Meclizine stops nausea and vomiting. This way, it eases cats’ motion sickness or vertigo³.

Key Takeaways

• Meclizine (NausX®) is a commonly used medication to treat motion sickness and vestibular disorders in cats.
• It works by blocking chemical messengers that trigger nausea and vomiting, providing relief for cats.
• Meclizine is not FDA-approved for veterinary use but is widely used by veterinarians off-label.
• Certain cat breeds, such as Boxers and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to motion sickness.
• Proper dosage and administration, as well as monitoring for side effects, are crucial when using Meclizine (NausX®) in cats.

This article digs into how Meclizine (NausX®) helps cats with motion sickness and vestibular problems. It will guide pet owners. They’ll learn how to use the medicine safely for their cats’ health and comfort.

What is Meclizine (NausX®)?

Understanding the Drug Type and Usage

Meclizine is the main part of NausX®, a medicine used to fight motion sickness and dizziness in cats and other small pets⁴. It’s not fully approved for pets by the FDA⁴. But, vets often use it to help animals, especially when they are dizzy or sick in moving cars. This has been a helpful way to treat pets even though it’s not the main use.

FDA Approval Status for Veterinary Use

Even though the FDA hasn’t fully given it a thumbs-up for pets, Meclizine does a lot of good for animals. It’s often the choice for dealing with sickness or balance issues in pets⁴. Sometimes, vets mix this medicine in ways not sold ready-made. They do this to match what a specific pet might need better⁴. It’s a kind of using the medicine in a way it wasn’t exactly made for but works well, based on the vet’s knowledge.

Meclizine is a popular pick by vets for pets that feel sick while moving or have trouble keeping their balance⁴. It’s seen as both effective and safe by vets for these situations. So, it stays a key part of how vets help these animals get better.

“Meclizine has been a game-changer for many of my feline patients struggling with motion sickness or vestibular problems. While it’s not officially approved for pets, its proven track record and low-risk profile make it a go-to option in my practice.”

– Dr. Emma Watkins, Veterinarian

How Meclizine (NausX®) Works for Motion Sickness in Cats

NausX® uses Meclizine to fight motion sickness in cats. This antihistamine is very good at reducing those sick feelings⁴. It does this by stopping certain chemical signals. These signals can make cats feel like they’re going to be sick⁴.

Meclizine has a special way of working. First, it affects the part of the body in charge of balance⁴. It stops the ear from sending messages of sickness to the brain. This lessens that feeling of being sick⁴. Also, it acts in the brain to stop sickness signals⁴.

So, Meclizine works in two important ways. This makes it great at reducing motion sickness in cats⁴. It deals with both the body and brain parts of motion sickness. This helps cats feel better and travel easier⁴.

“Meclizine is a game-changer for cat owners who want to take their feline friends on the road. By effectively targeting the root causes of motion sickness, it provides much-needed relief and enables cats to enjoy the ride.”

Meclizine’s success in treating cat motion sickness is proven⁵. A lot of people with dogs report problems with car sickness. And for many, it hurts their relationship with their pets⁵. Although less is known about cat motion sickness, we think cats can have the same issues. So, Meclizine is a key tool for cat owners⁶.

Thanks to Meclizine, cat owners have a strong solution for motion sickness⁴. This makes travel happier for the cats and their owners⁴. With its clear benefits, NausX® with Meclizine is a major help for cats with motion sickness⁴.

Administering Meclizine (NausX®) to Cats

Dosage Guidelines and Frequency

Veterinarians often use Meclizine, or NausX®, for cats. It comes in 12.5 mg or 25 mg tablets². The right dose depends on the cat’s size and what’s wrong. For motion sickness, give it 30-60 minutes before a trip. It works for 3-6 hours⁶. For vestibular disease, it might be once or twice a day. How long depends on what caused the issue and how the cat responds.

Missed Dose Instructions

Forgot a dose? Give it when you remember. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, better to skip it². Don’t double up to catch up.

“Meclizine works as an H1 receptor blocker to prevent certain chemical messengers from communicating nausea and vomiting signals to the brain.”²

Always follow the vet’s directions carefully. It’s to make sure your cat gets the right amount and doesn’t take too much.

Be aware, Meclizine can make your cat feel sleepy, cause dry eyes, or speed up their heart². Pregnant cats or kittens under 6 months shouldn’t take it². Always talk to your vet before giving any medicine to your cat⁷⁶².

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Meclizine (NausX®) is mostly safe for cats. But, it can cause drowsiness, dry eyes, and speedy heartbeats⁸. Owners should be careful, especially if their cat has health issues like glaucoma, seizures, or problems with their urine⁸.

Adverse Reactions and Contraindications

Cats that are pregnant or nursing should not take Meclizine. It might lead to birth defects in little ones⁸. Also, steer clear if your cat is allergic to this drug or other antihistamines⁸.

If a cat has an overdose, big problems like seizures or ending up in a coma can happen. Get them to the vet right away if this happens⁸.

Using Meclizine wisely in cats with health issues is key. This includes those with glaucoma, seizures, high thyroid levels, heart or blood pressure problems, and more. Be very cautious⁸.

This drug may not mix well with certain other medicines. These include some used for depression and those that lower blood pressure. Always ask your vet before giving your cat this drug⁸.

Always talk to your vet before giving Meclizine to your cat. This makes sure it’s okay for them⁸.

“Meclizine helps cats with many things, but it can also cause drowsiness, dry eyes, and a fast heart rate sometimes. It’s best to check with the vet first.”

Meclizine (NausX®) for Cats

Meclizine, known as NausX®, is a great option for dealing with cat motion sickness and vestibular disorders⁹. It stops the body’s signals that make cats feel sick. This helps them feel better and live happier lives².

NausX® comes in chewable tablets with 25 mg Meclizine Hydrochloride and other ingredients⁴. It’s for cats between 26-75 pounds. One tablet can keep your cat comfortable for about 6 hours⁴. And, you can get NausX® without a prescription, so it’s easy for pet owners to use⁴.

Meclizine blocks the pathways that make cats want to throw up². This includes times when they’re feeling sick from moving or have vestibular issues. NausX® stops these bad feelings, helping cats travel or just move around at home more easily².

Even though Meclizine isn’t approved by the FDA specifically for cats, vets use it and trust it². They say it’s safe and works well. So, pet owners can feel good about giving it to their cats².

But, not all cats should take Meclizine. If your cat has certain health issues or takes specific drugs, be careful². Always check with your vet before giving your cat NausX® or any other medicine².

NausX® is a key player in helping cats with motion sickness and balance problems. It’s safe and does its job well⁹. Know how the drug works, its right use, and what to expect in terms of side effects. This knowledge helps you take the best care of your furry friend².

Comparing Meclizine (NausX®) with Other Motion Sickness Treatments

Efficacy, Cost, and Side Effect Comparison

NausX® uses meclizine to help with motion sickness and vertigo in cats. But, there are others like dimenhydrinate in Dramamine and Cerenia (maropitant citrate)³. Meclizine can work better than dimenhydrinate sometimes and is usually less sleepy. Yet, Cerenia might be stronger and work for a longer time¹⁰. The decision on which to use often depends on cost, availability, and the cat’s unique needs.

Doctors might also use meclizine for pets with motion sickness or vestibular disease even though it’s not its main use³. This medicine works as an antihistamine with benefits like fighting nausea and lowering the central nervous system activities. The dosages for dogs can vary, but it’s typically in 12.5mg or 25mg tablets³. Always talk to a vet before giving meclizine or any drug to cats. They can make sure it’s safe and works well for your pet³.

Cerenia is specifically for cat nausea and motion sickness, making it a specialized option¹⁰. To prevent motion sickness, give it with a small meal two hours before travel. It starts working in 1 to 2 hours after you give it¹⁰. Some cats might have side effects like vomiting, more drooling, and being tired. They could also feel pain, not want to eat, have loose stools, or have allergic reactions. Walking may be wobbly, and in severe cases, seizures could happen¹⁰.

Deciding between NausX®, Dramamine, and Cerenia involves looking at how well they help, their cost, and what side effects might come. Proper advice from a vet is key to choosing the best one for your cat.

To select the right drug for cats’ motion sickness, think about how your cat might react, the seriousness of their condition, and what you want to prioritize between effectiveness, cost, and side effects. Talking to a vet first will help pick the best one for your furry companion.

Storage and Handling Guidelines

Keeping Meclizine (NausX®) safe is key for your cat’s health. It comes in different strengths, like 12.5 mg to 50 mg tablets. There are also 25 mg capsules for dogs¹¹.

Store it at room temp, 68-77°F (20-25°C), in a closed container. This keeps it dry and safe from light². If it’s a special mix from a pharmacy, check how to store it with them².

Keep Meclizine away from kids and pets. This stops them from taking it by mistake². If it’s a liquid, make sure it doesn’t freeze⁸.

How you handle Meclizine is important for safety too. Use it exactly how your vet says. Be careful not to spill or touch it wrongly. Always keep things clean¹¹²..

Follow these tips for storing and handling Meclizine well. This keeps your cat safe and helps with their motion sickness².

Emergency Situations and Overdose Information

If a cat takes too much Meclizine, watch out for signs like sleepiness, excitement, throwing up, or a fast heart rate¹¹. In very bad cases, too much can make a cat very sleepy, see things that aren’t real, have seizures, or can’t pee¹¹. If you think your cat ate too much, call the vet right away or contact animal poison control for help¹¹.

Meclizine comes in several types for dogs, like tablets of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, and 50 mg, and 25 mg capsules too¹¹. The dose depends on how much the dog weighs. For dogs weighing up to 5kg, give 6.25 mg every 12-24 hours. Dogs between 6-20kg need 12.5 mg, and those over 20kg should have 25 mg, all every 12-24 hours¹¹. Meclizine works for about three to six hours after you give it to your dog¹¹.

Using Meclizine may make dogs sleep a lot, feel their mouth is dry, not pee enough, have a fast heart rate, high eye pressure, stop making milk for some time, or stay active longer if their liver is not well¹¹. Don’t give Meclizine to dogs who are allergic, have back issues, eye problems, a big prostate, certain bladder issues, overactive thyroid, seizures, heart issues, high blood pressure, or if they’re expecting puppies. Also, don’t mix Meclizine with certain allergy tests, tranquilizers, or other antihistamines¹¹.

If your pet feels drowsy after taking dimenhydrinate, that’s normal⁸. This medicine starts working in 1 to 2 hours⁸. But, if you notice your pet has a seizure or falls into a coma, it might be too much medicine⁸. Only use dimenhydrinate if your pet isn’t allergic to it or similar drugs⁸. Also, when your pet is taking dimenhydrinate, be careful with certain other drugs like antidepressants that can make things worse⁸. Keep an eye on your pet for any bad side effects. If you see something wrong, call your vet right away⁸.

In vet medicine, doctors sometimes use medicines in ways not on the label, like giving maropitant citrate for other issues¹⁰. Cats might get sick to their stomach, drool a lot, feel tired, not want to eat, have diarrhea, high blood pressure, or other bad problems after taking maropitant citrate¹⁰. This medicine is not for cats under 8 weeks, those who ate dangerous things or have blockages in their stomachs. It’s also risky for cats with bad hearts or livers, female cats who are pregnant or nursing, and puppies under 16 weeks old because it can hurt their bone marrow¹⁰. And don’t give it with certain drugs or with painkillers like opioid or aspirin¹⁰. If you have this medicine at home, keep it in the fridge. If your pet has a bad reaction to the medicine or takes too much, call your vet ASAP¹⁰.

Vestibular disease can make dogs dizzy or lose balance, have a crooked head or eyes, a fast heartbeat, drool, throw up, and have accidents inside¹¹. Other signs include a tilted head, weird eye movements, shaky walking, a weak face on one side, and more¹¹. Dogs with this disease might take longer to stand up, have less feeling in their face, and lose strength over time¹¹. To find out if a dog has vestibular disease, the vet might look in their ears, do blood and urine tests, and take X-rays¹¹. Treatment can include drugs like diazepam and maropitant, plus extra care¹¹. The outcome can vary based on what caused the disease, the treatment’s success, and if there’s a tumor. Some dogs may get better quickly with treatment, while others might need more time or special care¹¹⁸¹⁰.

Conclusion

Meclizine, carrying the brand name NausX®, helps cats deal with motion sickness and balance issues. It stops the brain from sending signals that cause vomiting and nausea. This way, it makes the cats feel better and more comfortable. Using Meclizine the right way can really help in treating these problems¹².

Knowing what Meclizine is, how to use it, and its FDA status is key. This is important if you’re thinking of using it for your cat’s travel sickness or balance problems. With this information, pet parents and vets can choose wisely. They can ensure their cat gets the right treatment safely¹¹³.

If your cat gets sick when traveling or has trouble with balance, Meclizine might be the answer. It can help your cat feel better and enjoy life more. Work with your vet to use Meclizine correctly. This will help your furry friend deal with these issues better¹².

Source Links

1. Why Pets Get Carsick and How to Help Them – Pet Travel Blog – Resource for Transporting Pets
2. Meclizine (NausX®) for Dogs and Cats
3. Meclizine for Dogs: Solutions for Motion Sickness or Vertigo
4. NausX®
5. Dog Car Sickness Remedies: Medicines & Natural Remedies
6. Dramamine for Dogs: Treating Motion Sickness, Dosing & Side Effects
7. Appetite Stimulants for Dogs
8. Dimenhydrinate | VCA Animal Hospitals
9. Pet Medications – Advice from Vets | [site:name]
10. Maropitant Citrate | VCA Animal Hospitals
11. Meclizine For Dogs – THE Solution for Canine Car Sickness
12. 6 Best Dog Anti-Nausea Products
13. Dramamine For Dogs: Everything You Need To Know