Amlodipine/MethimAZOLE Oral Suspension (Anhydrous)
Amlodipine/MethimAZOLE is a compounded formulation containing Amlodipine, MethimAZOLE, prepared by Mixlab for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
How to Give Anhydrous Oral Suspension
Oral Suspension (Anhydrous) is a liquid medication that does not contain water in its base. This might be an oil-based or other special base to help stabilize the medicine. It will look like a regular liquid medication, but often needs a good shake because the drug can settle. Here's how to give it:
- Shake well each time to mix the medication (5-10 seconds).
- Measure the dose using the syringe/dropper provided or one recommended by your vet. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required
- Hold your pet steady: a towel or helper can assist with squirmy pets.
- Administer the dose slowly into the side of the mouth. Allow small pauses if needed for swallowing.
- Raise the head slightly to help the medication go down and clean any spills with a little water or tissue.
- Praise your pet and offer a treat or water (unless advised against feeding right after).
- Clean the syringe with water immediately after use. Store the bottle as directed, out of sunlight.
- Consistency is key: Shake each time, measure accurately, and contact your vet if any issues arise.
This compounded formulation combines amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, with methimazole, an antithyroid agent — two different drug classes. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a combination like this for a multi-targeted approach. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.
This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
Commonly observed effects of amlodipine/methimazole administration include lethargy, a decrease in appetite and localized digestive changes such as vomiting or loose stools. Because methimazole can influence the blood profile, your veterinarian will monitor for shifts in white blood cell counts and liver enzymes through periodic blood work. Some cats may experience hypotension (low blood pressure) due to the amlodipine component, which can manifest as significant weakness. Owners should watch for signs of persistent scratching (particularly around the face), yellowing of the skin or eyes and extreme lethargy, contacting their veterinarian promptly if these occur.
This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in patients with known severe liver disease, kidney impairment or pre-existing low blood pressure. It is also carefully evaluated in pregnant or lactating animals, as systemic absorption of these active ingredients can influence fetal development. Before starting a protocol, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your pet is receiving, as significant interactions can occur with certain heart medications or other antihypertensive agents. Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the necessary duration of use and the most commonly considered monitoring schedule to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your pet's individual health status.
Yes. Amlodipine/methimazole is a combination prescription medication and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your home.
Yes. Because this specific combination of an antithyroid agent and a blood pressure medication is not available as a single commercial product, Mixlab compounds it into specialized strengths and dosage forms—such as flavored oral liquids or transdermal gels—to suit your cat's specific needs. The decision to use a compounded formulation rests with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss this combination for the relevant cats with a hormonal condition that also have high blood pressure, as the two conditions often occur together. While methimazole manages the overproduction of thyroid hormone, amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels to manage the pressure, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to the patient's cardiovascular and endocrine health.
Commonly observed responses include mild lethargy or a decrease in appetite. However, you should report any signs of intense facial itching, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or extreme weakness to your veterinarian immediately, as these may indicate a need to adjust the management plan or perform further diagnostic testing.
