Problem medications for cats

Grey and white cat

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).

The list of problem medications for dogs and cats is kept current and includes only drugs that have undergone peer-reviewed publication. Updates to this list occur as new research is published. For the most up-to-date dosing recommendations, including drugs currently under investigation, please submit questions through MDR1Caddie.

Drug (Active Ingredient)Brand NameRecommendation
AmlodipineNorvasc; IstinContact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
CapromorelinEluraContact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
ChemotherapyContact MDR1Caddie™ for dosing recommendations.
CisaprideNot applicable – compounded formulationContact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
CyclosporinAtopicaContact WhisPurrTMfor dosing recommendations
EmodepsideProfenderContact WhisPurrTMfor dosing recommendations
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.
MethylprednisoloneMedrol; many genericsContact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
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.
RapamycinFelycin-CA1Contact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
SirolimusFelycin-CA1Contact WhisPurrTM for dosing recommendations
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.