Topiramate

Topiramate In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• The exact mechanism of antiepileptic action is not fully understood.
• It is hypothesized to involve the inhibition of voltage-dependent sodium channels.
• It may also enhance GABA activity at GABAA receptors.

Uses of Topiramate

• As an adjunctive therapy in animals refractory to standard anticonvulsant therapies and where other adjunctive therapies have been unsuccessful.
• Its use has also been reported in animals with neuropathic pain although alternative medications should be considered first.
• It has a short half-life (2–4 hours) in dogs but therapeutic activity may persist for longer.

Dose of Topiramate in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Anticonvulsant: 2–20 mg/kg p.o. q8–12h.
• Start at the lower end of the dose range and adjust incrementally.

Cats:

• Anticonvulsant: no clinical data but experimentally a single dose of 30 mg/kg p.o. has been described and anecdotally 12.5–25 mg/cat q12h is suggested.

Feline idiopathic ulcerative dermatitis: a single case report used 5 mg/kg p.o. q12h.

Side Effects of Topiramate in Dogs and Cats

• Nausea, anorexia, sedation and ataxia.

Contraindications of Topiramate in Dogs and Cats

• Avoid rapid withdrawal.
• Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Some Notes:

• Use cautiously with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as topiramate also acts as a mild inhibitor.