Mitratapide
Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?
Mitratapide is used to help reduce weight in dogs. Your veterinarian may prescribe mitratapide if your pet is obese or overweight. Mitratapide is used as part of an overall weight reduction programme, which also includes appropriate dietary changes and exercise. It is important that measures are continued after the treatment course is finished to avoid rebound weight gain.
How does this medicine work?
Mitratapide blocks a protein in the intestine that is involved in the absorption of fats in the food ingested. The absorption of fats from the gut is decreased and there is also a slight appetite suppressant effect.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY. Your dog’s weight must be monitored regularly during treatment and the dose administered will be adjusted according to weight loss achieved.
- This medicine can be administered with or without food.
- Follow the treatment schedule given to you by your veterinarian.
- Wash your hands after handling the medication. This medicine may cause eye irritation. If accidental eye exposure occurs, flush eyes immediately with clean water. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet of label to the physician.
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight. The product should be used within 3 months of opening the container. Wash and dry the pipette after each treatment.
Potential side effects
- Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinarianif you think your pet may be pregnant or is lactating.
- Mitratapide must not be used in animals less than 18 months of age, animals with liver disease, and animals with other diseases that may cause increased weight gain such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism.
- Potential side effects of mitratapide include vomiting, diarrhoea or softened faeces. Notify your veterinarian if side effects or excessive weight loss appear and remain troublesome.
- Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Possible drug interactions
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
- Quite often your veterinarianmay prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Aug 1, 2015.