Educational Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Terbinafine cream or spray is occasionally used off label to treat skin fungal infections in dogs, or in a veterinary combination product to treat ear infections. It is ineffective for treating fungal skin infections in cats. When given as directed, side effects are rarely noted, but could include skin irritation.

  • Tetracycline is given by mouth and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and inflammatory skin conditions in many animal species. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tetracycline antibiotics, or in pregnant animals, especially in the first half of pregnancy. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Theophylline is used off label to treat cough caused by bronchoconstriction. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or in hospital as an injection. The most common side effects include stomach upset and excitement. It should be used with caution in pets with abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism, kidney, liver, or heart disease, severely high blood pressure, severely low blood oxygen levels, or in young, old, or pregnant or lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Timolol ophthalmic is a beta-blocker used to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) in cats and dogs with glaucoma. Timolol ophthalmic is also used to prevent glaucoma in the normal eye of an animal with unilateral (one-sided) glaucoma. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine.

  • Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Tobramycin ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop suspension form. Caution when using this medication in pets with kidney disease and/or glaucoma. Do not confuse this medication with combination products containing tobramycin and a steroid.

  • Toceranib phosphate is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat mast cell tumors and other cancers in cats and dogs. Common side effects include diarrhea, decreased or lack of appetite, lameness, or weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are breeding, pregnant, or lactating, are less than 24 months old, weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg), or that are having or have had surgery in the past 2 weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Tramadol is a synthetic opioid given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat pain. Common side effects include sedation, gastrointestinal upset, or agitation. It should not be used in pets that are hypersensitive to opioids, and should be used cautiously in geriatric, sick, or pets with seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Trazodone oral tablets are commonly used off label to treat short-term anxieties or as an adjunctive treatment for behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. Side effects may include sedation, behavior changes, vomiting, and priapism. Patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease or closed angle glaucoma should use this medication with caution.

  • Triamcinolone acetonide is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat Addison’s disease, inflammatory conditions, and immune-mediated diseases. Give as directed. Common side effects include increased drinking, increased urination, and increased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or pets with systemic fungal infections, viral infections, ulcers, tuberculosis, or Cushing’s disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Triamcinolone acetonide otic is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation in the ears of cats and dogs. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. Its use may be off label depending on product formulation and species. Triamcinolone otic comes in liquid drops, ointment, cream, and gel forms.