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Educational Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Azithromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off-label to treat a variety of infections. Give as directed. Common side effects include stomach upset. Do not use in pets that are sensitive to macrolide antibiotics. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Azodyl® is a nutritional supplement that may decrease azotemia, a condition in which there is too much nitrogen (in the form of urea, creatinine, and other waste products) in the blood. Azotemia occurs in both dogs and cats that have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In theory, Azodyl® works by adding nitrogen-consuming bacteria into the intestines. Azodyl® should be considered an adjunct (secondary) treatment for CKD.

  • Benazepril HCl is a second-generation angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This medication may be used to treat high blood pressure, as a vasodilator in the treatment of heart failure and as adjunctive treatment of chronic kidney failure. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder. Over time, the heart and arteries will become damaged and not function correctly. This can lead to damage or malfunctioning of the brain, heart, and kidneys.

  • Benzoic acid + malic acid + salicylic acid (brand name Derma-Clens®) is an acidic cleansing agent used on burns, wounds, and other skin conditions in cats and dogs. Benzoic acid + malic acid + salicylic acid comes in a topical cream.

  • Benzoyl peroxide topical products (2%, 5%) are used in cats and dogs to treat bacterial infections of the skin. They are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in the form of shampoos, gels, and cream rinses.

  • Betamethasone + gentamicin topical, also known as gentamicin/betamethasone topical (brand names GenOne Otic, Betagen, Vet Beta-gen, Gentacalm), is a combination antibiotic and steroid used to treat superficial skin infections and ear infections. It is labeled for use in cats and dogs to treat infections of the anal glands, ears, and skin. This medication comes in liquid drop solution, spray, and ointment forms. Avoid use in pets with ruptured ear drums.

  • Betaxolol ophthalmic is a topical eye medication prescribed off-label in veterinary medicine to treat glaucoma in dogs, cats, and horses. It comes as a liquid eye drop to be administered on the surface of the eye.

  • Bethanechol chloride is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to increase urinary or intestinal movement/activity. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or have urinary obstruction, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal obstructions, intestinal inflammation, or recent intestinal, stomach, or bladder surgery. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Bexagliflozin (brand name Bexacat®, Brenzavvy®) is an oral glycemic control medication used in cats with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Bexagliflozin comes in tablet form.

  • Bilberry is an over the counter supplement given by mouth, and is used off label to treat conditions of the eyes, heart and blood vessels, diabetes, and tumors. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects, but information is limited. There are no known contraindications. Certain medications should be used with caution in combination with bilberry. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.