Xylitol (poisonous to cats) being substituted for sugar in gabapentin

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Kflowers

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Some pharmaceutical companies are now substituting Xylitol for sugar in gabapentin. be sure to check your specific prescription before you give it to your pet. It is also dangerous for cats.

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Many vets prescribe gabapentin to treat chronic pain and seizures. But is this human medication really safe for dogs?
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LTS3

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:yeah:

Gabapentin is a Human medicine so that is why some pharmaceuticals are using xyiltiol as a sweetener. The medicine is used off label for veterinary use.

I found this on the Wedgewood Pharmacy web site:

The human oral-solution of Gabapentin contains xylitol, which should be avoided in veterinary patients.

Gabapentin for Chronic Pain in Pets

A professional monograph about Gabapentin for Veterinary Use by Barbara Forney, VMD
www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com

Both links in KFlower's post also mention liquid gabapentin possibly containing xylitol. If your pet uses liquid gabapentin, call the vet and ask about the specific formulation of the medicine and whether it contains xylitol or not. The vet may not know off hand but can get that info. If the medicine was compounded at a pharmacy, call and ask.

I don't think gabapentin pills / capsules / tablets are flavored in any way but it's a good idea to check with the vet anyways.
 
Ravensong

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Kflowers said:
Some pharmaceutical companies are now substituting Xylitol for sugar in gabapentin. be sure to check your specific prescription before you give it to your pet. It is also dangerous for cats.

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Can you post a veterinary citation about xylitol being dangerous for cats? I have only found the opposite on all the sites I've visited. Thank you!
 
LTS3

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Xylitol is known to be toxic to dogs. See:

www.avma.org

Eliminate xylitol from canine prescriptions

Veterinarians, pharmacists and pet owners all have a role Though xylitol is a natural sweetener found in a wide variety of products intended for human use, veterinarians know it can be dangerous – and potentially fatal – to dogs if ingested. While veterinarians have been warning dog owners...
www.avma.org www.avma.org
www.avma.org

Cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs rise

The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has managed a
www.avma.org www.avma.org
www.avma.org

Sweetener xylitol can be toxic to dogs

Xylitol—a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing gums, candies can cause serious—possibly life-threatening problems for dogs.
www.avma.org www.avma.org
Abstract Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Some food toxic for pets

According to world statistics, dogs and cats are the species that owners most frequently seek assistance with potential poisonings, accounting 95–98% of all reported animal cases. Exposures occur more commonly in the summer and in December that ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Xylitol appears to not have a similar toxic effect on cats but a drastic drop in blood glucose levels can occur and that can still be deadly it not immediately treated.

www.merckvetmanual.com

Xylitol - Toxicology - Merck Veterinary Manual

Learn about the veterinary topic of Xylitol. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the Merck Vet Manual.
www.merckvetmanual.com www.merckvetmanual.com
www.aspca.org

Xylitol: The Sweetener That Is Not So Sweet for Pets

You may already know which foods to avoid feeding your pet, but what about hidden ingredients you might not think of? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has everything you need to know about one extremely common, toxic ingredient: xylitol. Read more for tips on keeping your pets safe!
www.aspca.org www.aspca.org
bowmanvet.com

Pets and Dangers of Xylitol

The veterinarians at Bowman Veterinary Hospital want to give you an idea of what Xylitol is, where it's used and how to keep your pets safe!
bowmanvet.com bowmanvet.com

It would be best to avoid giving xylitol to cats to be on the safe side.
 
Ravensong

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LTS3 said:
Xylitol is known to be toxic to dogs. See:

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Abstract Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
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Xylitol appears to not have a similar toxic effect on cats but a drastic drop in blood glucose levels can occur and that can still be deadly it not immediately treated.

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It would be best to avoid giving xylitol to cats to be on the safe side.
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Thank you! That's pretty much what I found, as well.
 
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