Atopica for Cats

Atopica is an oral solution available for cats who are at least 6 months old and weigh at least 3 pounds and suffer from allergic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). Caused by a reaction when an allergen comes in contact with the skin, allergic dermatitis is a common issue among felines.. Symptoms of allergic skin disease include itchiness, red and scaly skin, hair loss, and skin lesions. Atopica is a prescription medication that targets the immune system directly, alleviating uncomfortable symptoms so your cat no longer feels the need to constantly scratch, rub, and lick. 

Key Benefits of Atopica for Cats

• Controls symptoms of feline allergic dermatitis
• Reduces itching, skin lesions, and hair loss 
• Liquid formulation that’s easy to administer and mixable with food
• Mild taste that most cats find acceptable

Available Sizes of Atopica for Cats

• 5 mL (100 mg/mL)
• 17 mL  (100 mg/mL)

Atopica for Cats Dosage Information

Dosage	Duration	Following Initial Treatment Course
3.2 mg/lb/day (7 mg/kg/day) as a single daily dose	At least 4 to 6 weeks (or until clinical signs resolve)	Atopica for cats should be tapered after the initial course. Reduce frequency of dosing to every other day or twice weekly to maintain the desired therapeutic effect.

Before administering Atopica, consult your veterinarian on the recommended dosage for your cat.

Possible Side Effects 

Most cats tolerate Atopica (cyclosporine oral solution) well. The most common side effects appear as digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Over time, these symptoms usually decrease. 

In rare cases, some cats may experience other side effects of Atopica. These include:

• Lethargy
• Behavior disorders, such as hiding or aggression
• Hypersalivation
• Sneezing
• Gingivitis
• Increased hair growth
• Excessive thirst

Because the active ingredient in Atopica, cyclosporine, works by suppressing the immune system, cats may be more susceptible to infection and developing cancer. However, such complications are very rare. If you have concerns about possible side effects of Atopica for cats, contact your veterinarian.

Storage Information

Atopica for cats should only be dispensed in the original container and stored at controlled room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25°C). Once opened, use contents within two months for the 5 mL container and 11 weeks for the 17 mL container.

How Does Atopica Work? 

Atopica (cyclosporine for cats) controls allergic dermatitis by suppressing white blood cells in the immune system and blocking inflammation. Atopica treats the inflammation and itchiness of allergies, but it does not cure them. 

Atopica for cats should be administered once a day for 4 to 6 weeks to evaluate its efficacy. If symptoms improve, the drug can be tapered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

How to Give Atopica To Your Cat

Step 1: Consult with your veterinarian to confirm the proper dosage of Atopica for your cat.

Step 2: Choose your desired method for administering the medication. Atopica oral solution can be mixed with food or administered directly into your cat’s mouth. Once you’ve chosen your preferred method, do not change it without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Step 3: Wearing protective gloves, draw out the correct dosage of Atopica into the dosing syringe.

Step 4: If you are administering directly, place the syringe into your cat’s mouth and deliver the full dose immediately after feeding. If mixed with food, place the entire dosage amount into a small amount of food. Supervise your cat to ensure all of the food is eaten. 

Step 5: If you miss a dose, administer the next one as soon as possible without doubling. You should not give your cat a dose of Atopica more than once a day.

Step 6: Do NOT rinse or clean the dosing syringe in between uses. 

Atopica for Cats Comparison Chart

Compare Atopica with other popular cat allergy medications.

	Atopica (Oral Solution)	Prednisolone	Vetadryl
Medication Type	Non-Steroidal Immune Modulating Agent	Corticosteroid	Antihistamine
Medication Form	Oral Solution	Tablets/Oral solution	Tablets
Requires Prescription	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dosing Frequency	Once daily for 4 to 6 weeks. Taper dosage following initial course.	0.5-1.0 milligram/kilogram up to twice daily	2-4mg/kg by mouth every 8-12 hours
When Does it Start Working?	Improvement in symptoms noticeable after 2 weeks. Maximum effect around after 4 to 6 weeks.	Within 1 to 2 hours	It generally starts working within 1-2 hours of administration.
Most Common Side Effects	Vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite (anorexia)	Increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, weight gain, fever, vomiting, diarrhea	Increased salivation or foaming at the mouth when tablet is not swallowed completely; drowsiness, but may cause excitement in some cats; decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty urinating

FAQs About Atopica for Cats

What is Atopica?

Atopica is an oral solution prescribed to cats who suffer from allergic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). It is used to control some of the unpleasant symptoms of the condition, including redness, itchiness, and skin lesions. The active ingredient in Atopica, cyclosporine, works by suppressing your cat’s immune system to reduce inflammation. While it is helpful in controlling symptoms, Atopica does not cure allergic dermatitis. 

Why do you have to wear gloves with Atopica?

Exposure of Atopica to humans can cause complications, including high blood pressure, upset stomach, diarrhea, and headache. Especially if you have a known sensitivity to cyclosporine or if you are pregnant, you should always wear gloves when administering Atopica. Exercise the same caution if your cat vomits the medication and you need to clean it up. 

How long does Atopica take to work in cats?

If it is effective in treating your cat’s allergic dermatitis, you can expect to see some improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks of administering Atopica. However, the maximum effect requires 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. There are several factors influencing how your cat will respond to treatment, including their health history and severity of symptoms. Communicate with your veterinarian about what to expect over the course of treatment, and what types of negative side effects to look out for. 

Is Atopica safe for cats?

Atopica is generally considered a safe treatment option for cats with allergic dermatitis. Like any other drug, Atopica may produce some side effects. The more common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, but these usually improve over time. More serious side effects have been reported in cats who were given Atopica, but these are rare.

See the full label for safety and prescribing information. 

What does Atopica do for cats?

Atopica is a non-steroidal immune modulating agent. This means that it works by regulating your cat’s immune response to allergens. By controlling your cat’s response, Atopica provides relief of unwanted symptoms associated with these allergens.

Can Atopica be given in shots for cats?

Atopica is specifically formulated as an oral solution for cats, so it should not be administered under the skin.