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doxylamine making kitten thirsty?

post #1 of 8
1/16/12 at 12:20am
Thread Starter 

My 7-8 month old kitten was put on doxylamine tablets for a flare up of a URI he got when he was really young. I've noticed since we have been giving him the medication a massive increase in the amount of water he drinks. There are no other side effects and the sneezing seems to be clearing up quite well. His water used to last about 3 days, now his bowl is almost always empty after 12-24 hours.

Has anyone heard of this side effect before? Is it anything to worry about? I have pinched his skin and he seems well hydrated.

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post #2 of 8
1/16/12 at 8:32am
I just googled doxylamine and found that it is an antihistamine, used to treat allergies and colds. Some of the side effects are dry mouth and urinary retention, which leads me to believe that your boy feels somewhat dehydrated. I know that I drink more fluids while on medications causing dry mouth.

I've not used this drug before so don't really understand the significance of this side effect. I suggest that you call your vet and let him know what is happening. They might switch medications if they are concerned.
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post #3 of 8
1/16/12 at 9:18am
yeah.gif This medication is an antihistamine - not an antibiotic.... It is used for allergies and it can have a sedating effect as well. I would definitely call the veterinarian and discuss the side effects of this drug and ask some questions. You mentioned that the water bowl usually lasts three days. I would always recommend anyway, changing the water bowl daily - fresh water everyday. I have read that this medication will cause the cat to drink copious amounts of water caused by the dry mouth. For you kitten rub.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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post #4 of 8
1/16/12 at 12:00pm

I was also going to mention that it would be a good idea to give fresh water every day too, rather than let it set out until the bowl is almost empty, but Lauren beat me to the punch!. 

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post #5 of 8
1/16/12 at 8:05pm
Thread Starter 

thanks for that guys!! yeah i do change it every day :) just saying that if i left it, i think it would last around 3 days. he loves to drop biscuits and toys in there so he needs it changed 2 times a day.

 

just called my vet. he said it is interesting and it could be a side effect of the medication although this isn't common. he said as long as he is eating still and seems normal it shouldn't be a problem unless he continues to do it after the medication finishes. he has 4 days left of this medication and thank goodness it has cleared up his URI quite quickly! haven't heard him sneeze all day.

 

am hoping it is just a side effect - in the back of my mind worrying about things like diabetes, CRF etc. paranoid.gif

 

I will update you guys when he finishes his medication! :) Thanks for your advice!

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post #6 of 8
1/16/12 at 8:07pm
Thread Starter 

oops my computer auto corrected the name of the medication. he is on doxycycline, not doxylamine. I'm assuming there is a difference between these two. i at least know that doxycycline is an antibiotic

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post #7 of 8
1/17/12 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevie_rae View Post

oops my computer auto corrected the name of the medication. he is on doxycycline, not doxylamine. I'm assuming there is a difference between these two. i at least know that doxycycline is an antibiotic

OH..... NOW that makes perfect sense. Doxycycline is correct in treating an URI. YAY that he is getting better and NO SNEEZING!!! Your kitty is on the mend. Try not to worry - easy to say - hard to do laughing02.gif I think all will be well. Keep us updated biggrin.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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post #8 of 8
1/17/12 at 9:04pm
Thread Starter 

thank you for the vibes! the drinking is still in excess but I'm hoping its just a slight side effect and will go away when the medication runs out :)

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