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Need tips on how to mask yucky, liquid meds!

post #1 of 5
6/13/10 at 10:15pm
Thread Starter 
One of my foster cats is having an issue with a cough and was prescribed Hydro/Homa syrup for it. I'm having a major problem giving it to her though. It tastes really bad so she will shake her head, drool, spit and gag. I wonder if she really gets any of the meds in her.

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for something that I can mix it with that would mask this strong tasting liquid. Preferably something that also has a strong, pleasant taste so that I don't have to use a lot of it. This kitty is not that interested in any kind of food so I don't think I can get her to eat a whole meal of canned food or something like that.
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post #2 of 5
6/13/10 at 10:19pm
Next time you get a liquid ask your vet if someone locally compounds .... it most likely will be a bit more $$ but you can get salmon flavor

Right now I would call your vet and ask if you can mix this with something like tuna juice ...
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post #3 of 5
6/14/10 at 7:19am
I've used syringes to squirt liquid medicines.
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post #4 of 5
6/14/10 at 10:05am
I'd never heard of this medication, so I had to do a little 'Google' searching to figure out what it is. Apparently, the Homatropine is an anti-cholinergic which serves the purpose of drying up mucous secretions like an antihistamine, while the Hydrocodone is a narcotic, which depresses the cough reflex in the brain.

This was the only formulation I could find (brand name Hycodan):
Each HYCODAN tablet or teaspoonful (5 mL) contains:
Hydrocodone Bitartrate, USP.....................5 mg
Homatropine Methylbromide, USP..................1.5 mg

I assume that your vet has dosed it according to your cat's weight? How much do you give, and how often? Also, how big is your cat?

When Cleo needed Flagyl for Giardia infection, I put the liquid in empty gelcaps. The capsules prevented her from tasting the foul-tasting medication, and allowed me to pill her easily. I am also putting Lola's antibiotic pill into an empty gelcap, so it slides down easily, and she doesn't taste it if it gets stuck in her mouth.

Empty gelcaps come in a wide range of sizes. The sizes most appropriate for cats are #1 (largest - holds 0.5ml), #2 (holds 0.37ml), #3 (holds 0.30ml), and #4 (smallest - holds 0.21ml.) If your cat gets 1 ml, it might be worth your while to fill two #1 gelcaps with the medication. At least that way, you'd know that she was receiving the entire dosage, and not dooling it all away.

Here's where I purchased mine. http://www.vitaglo.com/5171.html

Good luck to you and your kitty!
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post #5 of 5
6/14/10 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks! I don't know why I didn't think about putting it in an empty gelcap. That's a great idea! It's really a good idea for Flagyl/Metronidazole too. I have an IBD cat that has been on it several times and it's hell every time since it tastes so bad. I'll be sure to try to put it in a gel cap next time.

I had never heard about this medication before I got it for another cat last year either. I had some trouble fiding info about it online too. I did find some site where some idiots were discussing getting high off their cat's cough medication (from the hydrocodone).

The kitty is eight pounds and I give her 1/2cc no more often than every 6-8 hours. It does work if you can get it down. Dextromethorphan (sp) also works on cats, and is safe, but it also has a horrible taste.
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