Vidalta Product Information
Vidalta Questions
What conditions does Vidalta treat?
A prescription medication licensed for cats to treat hyperthyroidism.
How does Vidalta work?
It contains carbimazole which is the prodrug of thiamazole (methimazole). Although carbimazole has inherent antithyroid activity, it is almost totally converted to thiamazole soon after its oral administration in vivo in humans and cats. Thiamazole results in dose-dependent inhibition of the thyroid peroxidase-catalysed reactions involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, including oxidation of iodide and iodination of tyrosyl residues in thyroglobulin, thereby inhibiting neosynthesis of thyroid hormones. Thiamazole also interferes with the coupling of iodotyrosines to iodothyronines via inhibition of thyroid peroxidase or by binding and altering the structure of thyroglobulin, this reaction being more sensitive to inhibition than the formation of iodotyrosines. The inhibitory action of thiamazole is reversible. Thiamazole does not inhibit the action of thyroid hormones already formed and present in the thyroid glands or bloodstream or interfere with the effectiveness of administered exogenous thyroid hormone (iatrogenic hyperthyroidism). This explains why the length of the latency period until normalisation of serum concentrations of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and thus to clinical improvement, differs between individuals.
How should I administer Vidalta to my pet?
It is given orally with food.
Wash your hands with soap and water after use and when handling litter used by treated animals.
Do not handle this veterinary medicinal product if you are allergic to antithyroid veterinary medicinal products. If allergic symptoms develop, such as a skin rash, swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.
As carbimazole is a suspected human teratogen, women of child-bearing age should wear gloves when handling litter or vomit of treated cats.
Pregnant women should wear gloves when handling the veterinary medicinal product.
Do not break or crush tablets.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the tablet or used litter.
In the case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Carbimazole, as a prodrug of thiamazole (methimazole), may cause vomiting, epigastric distress, headache, fever, arthralgia, pruritus and pancytopenia. Treatment is symptomatic.
What is the correct dosage of Vidalta for my animal's weight and species?
The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.
How long should I continue with Vidalta for?
You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for, likely for life. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Vidalta?
If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.
Where can I buy Vidalta?
You can purchase Vidalta cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk.
Does Vidalta need a prescription?
Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V.
How can I buy Vidalta from Vets4u?
You can buy Vidalta via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.
Manufacturer’s Link to Vidalta
NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Vidalta
How long does Vidalta take to work?
This varies individually between cats. The dose may be adjusted once or more following repeated blood tests to check levels of the drug in the blood stream after, for example ten to 21 days, to obtain a therapeutic level. Once the dose is at the correct level it can take 2-4 weeks to notice changes such as weight gain.
Can you crush Vidalta tablets?
They should not be crushed as they are prolonged release tablets, however they can be given in food. Keep to the same regime every time you give them as the bioavailability varies, it is greater when given with food.
Can Vidalta be used for dogs?
They are licensed for cats.
Can Vidalta cause Ataxia?
This has been reported as an adverse reaction in very rare cases. Very rare is less than 1 animal in 10,000 treated.
Can Vidalta cause skin irritation in cats?
Yes, in rare cases. Rare is more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000.
Can Vidalta cause Utis?
This is not a reported adverse reaction in the data sheet of the drug.
Can Vidalta in cats cause a loss of balance?
Ataxia, wobbliness, has been reported as an adverse reaction in very rare cases. Very rare is less than 1 animal in 10,000 treated.
Can Vidalta stop working?
A higher dose may be required over time. Monitoring should be done once a dose is reaching a therapeutic level every 3 to 6 months to see if the dose needs adjusting.
Can Vidalta tablets be split in half?
They are prolonged release tablets so best not split unless you need, for example, 5mg as part of the total dose (half a 10 mg tablet). Vidalta is best given whole.
Does Vidalta give cats diarrhoea?
This has been reported rarely. Rare is more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 treated.
How many days Vidalta prescribed in UK?
This is for your vet to decide depending on your cat’s general health. The maximum would be a 6 months’ supply but often split onto smaller amounts at a time, so the drug stays in date. As the dose may be adjusted over time it may be better not to task for too many at once.
How to swap Vidalta to Thyronorm?
You can change to the different drug by starting it the day after the last dose of Vidalta. Ask your vet to prescribe a suitable dose of the new medication.
Is it safe to treat cats with Vidalta for years?
Yes, if monitoring shows your cat can tolerate the drug and your cat is doing well on it.
Is Vidalta given twice a day?
Once daily dosing is required
What colour are Vidalta 15mg tablets?
Dark pink with little spots.
What the highest level of Vidalta a cat can have?
A 20mg dose has only been trialled in a small number of cats, so careful monitoring is required if the dose goes this high.
When should a cat be tested after Vidalta pill?
This is a discussion between you and your vet. It can be a soon as 10 days or left for 21 days on the same dose. Then again at 5 and 8 weeks after the start of treatment, then every 3-6 months long term.
Which is best - Felimazole or Vidalta?
They are both licensed for use to treat hyperthyroidism.
Why does Vidalta cause diarrhoea?
The data sheet does not say exactly why this happens. This has been reported rarely. Rare is more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 treated.
Why is Vidalta failing to control my cat's thyroid levels?
It sometimes takes a while to control the level of thyroxine and doses need adjusting. It depends on much abnormal thyroid tissue is present in your cat. A 20mg dose has only been trialled in a small number of cats so careful monitoring is required if the dose goes this high.
Why is Vidalta so expensive?
The cost varies between suppliers. Please contact us at Vets4u UK if you would like to know our price.
Will a cat’s thyroid shrink after taking Vidalta?
The size of the gland may not change. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.