GIT DRUGS: Appetite Stimulants

Pharma lec 4

appetite stimulants

Drugs/compounds used in animals manifesting inappetence or anorexia.

Benzodiazepines

Diazepam

Oxazepam

Anti-histamines

Cyproheptadine

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamin B complex

Progestins

Megestrol acetate

Bitters

Nux voimca

TCAs

Mirtazapine

GHS

Capromorelin

Diazepam

• Responsive cats begin to eat within a few seconds after

administering IV.

Diazepam

• Used less frequently in horses, dogs, and goats.

Diazepam

• After 2 or 3 treatments, the effect of on appetite is

diminished.

Diazepam

• Repeated oral administrations are associated with

fulminant hepatic necrosis in cats.

Oxazepam

• Used in geriatric, obese, and liver-impaired patients.

Oxazepam

• Safer than diazepam if given orally.

Oxazepam

• A terminal metabolite of diazepam that is more potent

in appetite stimulation in cats with long half-life.

Cyproheptadine

• Can cause central nervous system excitement and

aggressive behavior.

Cyproheptadine

• May worsen seizures and reduce anticonvulsant

effectiveness.

Cyproheptadine

• Used as appetite stimulant experimentally in cats

and as anti-asthmatic in humans.

Cyproheptadine

• 5-HT2 and H1

receptor antagonist.

B4

Adenine

B8

Inositol

B10

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

B11

Old B9 / Salicylic acid

B13

Orotic acid

B14

Adenylthiomethylpentose (ATMP)

B15

Pangamic acid

B16

Dimethylglycine (DMG)

B17

Laetrile

B18

Choline bitartrate

B19

B1 + B6 + B12

B20

L-Carnitine

Thiamine

helps breaks down carbohydrates and fats for energy

Riboflavin

processes amino acids and fats for growth and muscle development.

Niacin

improve proper enzyme functions, appetite, and maintains healthy nervous system.

Pantothenic acid

plays vital role in energy production, and sex hormone synthesis.

Pyridoxine

aids in protein utilization and neurotransmitter synthesis

Biotin

contributes to digestive health, muscle

function, and healthy skin and coat, especially

beneficial for cats.

Folate

boosts red blood cell development in bone

marrow and maintains a healthy heart.

Cobalamin

regulates nerve function, crucial for growth and the formation of red blood cells, and helps protect against and address anemia

Megestrol acetate

• In cats, it can induce profound adrenocortical

suppression which my not be reversible but it is less

toxic to dogs.

Megestrol acetate

• It has noteworthy anti-estrogen and glucocorticoid

activity, with resulting adrenal suppression.

Megestrol acetate

• Stimulates appetite and weight gain in humans

and may do so in anorectic animals.

Nux vomica

• Traditionally used in humans to treat male infertility.

Nux vomica

• Bitters stimulate salivation and are components of

tonics for appetite stimulation in large animals.

Nux vomica

• It contains strychnine and brucine – toxic

compounds found in the seeds of the tree.

Nux vomica

• Derived from Strychnine Tree (Strychnos nux

vomica) native to India and SEA.

Mirtazapine

• Atypical anti-depressant drug as it does not inhibit

reuptake of NE or 5-HT.

Mirtazapine

• Antagonizes the alpha-2-adrenergic autoreceptors

and heteroreceptors on both norepinephrine and

serotonin presynaptic axons.

Mirtazapine

• A potent antagonist of postsynaptic 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and H1 receptors.

Mirtazapine

• Used first-line for both inappetence and nausea,

such as in the treatment of GI, liver or kidney

disease.

Mirtazapine

• Used to alleviate the nausea and appetite loss that

accompany chemotherapy.

Mirtazapine

• Used with caution in dogs and cats with severe liver

or kidney disease.

Capromorelin

• A potent and selective ghrelin receptor agonist.

Capromorelin

• Stimulates appetite and increases body weight in

dogs with inappetence from many causes.

Capromorelin

• Approved for dogs in the US, and its safety data are

robust enough that it has no treatment duration,

age, or weight restrictions.

Capromorelin

• It also safe and effective in cats for managing

weight loss associated with CKD.