Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF, Mycophenolic acid)

Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF,
Mycophenolic acid) In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• This compound functions by inhibiting the enzymatic activity responsible for regulating the rate of guanine monophosphate synthesis in the de novo pathway of purine synthesis.
• The previously mentioned route plays a crucial role in the proliferation of B and T cells.
• This activity has similarities to azathioprine.

Uses of Mycophenolate mofetil

Management of immune-mediated disease including:

• immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.
• immune-mediated polyarthritis.
• immune-mediated skin disease.
• immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and myasthenia gravis.

Dose of Mycophenolate mofetil in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Immune-mediated disease: 8–12 mg/kg (typically 10 mg/kg) p.o., i.v. (Give slowly over at least 2 hours) q12h (MMF), the dose can be reduced or given q24h if adverse effects are observed.
• Pemphigus: 7–13 mg/kg p.o. q8h (MMF).

Cats:

• Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia: 10 mg/kg p.o. q12h based on limited experience.
• Other immunosuppressants may be preferable.

Side Effects of Mycophenolate mofetil in Dogs and Cats

• Patients may experience bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and higher infection rates (e.g., pyoderma, Malassezia).
• The usage of this substance may raise the risk of lymphoma in humans.
• Headaches, hypertension, peripheral oedema, disorientation, coughing, and tremours have been recorded in humans.

Contraindications of Mycophenolate mofetil in Dogs and Cats

• Bone marrow suppression, pre-existing infections.

Some Notes:

• Competes with other drugs that undergo active renal tubular secretion resulting in increased concentration of either drug.
• Concomitant administration of antacids (such as omeprazole) may decrease absorption.