Effect of sucralfate on the bioavailability of cimetidine

Acute vomiting in cats: rational treatment selection

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE

The control of nausea and vomiting in cats is important in order to prevent the development of food aversion, anorexia (with its associated complications of weight loss and dehydration), and hepatic lipidosis.

CLINICAL CHALLENGES

There are several antiemetic drugs that are clinically effective in cats. Making a rational choice from the available options requires knowledge of the likely cause of the vomiting, and the mechanisms of action and side effects of each drug. For example, a drug such as prochlorperazine, which can cause sedation, may be a useful first-line choice in a hospitalized cat that requires mild sedation to be handled, but would be undesirable in a critically ill cat.

AUDIENCE

For companion animal and feline practitioners, the vomiting cat is a common presentation.

EVIDENCE BASE

The guidance provided in this review draws on the findings of clinical trials in humans, experimental studies in cats, some clinical trials in cats, and clinical experience.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions are often the result of complex biochemical, physical, and kinetic factors and may not often be easily predicted or even recognized. Although this article has attempted to point out the more common mechanisms and results of drug interactions, the few interactions that have been documented in small animals are undoubtedly only the tip of the iceberg. For the safety of patients and for the highest quality of veterinary care, it is essential that the practitioner become thoroughly familiar with the actions and interactions of drugs used in his or her practice and realize the possible consequences of multiple drug therapies before adding another drug to a therapeutic regimen. From a therapeutics standpoint, the temptation to polypharmacy is great, but the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is especially appropriate when discussing drug therapy. The rational decision to use as few drugs as possible in any given situation is the route to safe and successful drug therapy.