Atopica® for Cats Oral Solution 100 mg/mL (17 mL Bottle)

What Atopica® Is and How It Works

Atopica® for Cats is a cyclosporine oral solution (USP Modified) 100 mg/mL. It helps control feline allergic dermatitis, including miliary dermatitis, self-induced alopecia, and eosinophilic plaques. The solution comes in a 17 mL bottle with a weight-marked dosing syringe. Use is approved in cats at least 6 months old and at least 1.4 kg.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Cyclosporine is an immunomodulator. It inhibits T-cell activation and reduces inflammatory cytokines that drive itch and skin lesions. It is not a steroid. Many cats need daily dosing at first, then less frequent maintenance once signs are controlled. Atopica for Cats offers a palatable liquid that helps precise, weight-based dosing.

Because it modulates immune responses, cyclosporine may increase susceptibility to infections. Veterinarians often check for underlying issues, discuss vaccination timing, and review diet and lifestyle. Treatment plans aim for the lowest effective dose and dosing frequency over time.

Dosage and Usage

• Starting dose: 7 mg/kg once daily for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Use the provided dosing syringe. Select the weight marking that matches the cat’s current weight.
• Draw the measured volume from the bottle. Confirm no air bubbles before dosing.
• Administer on an empty stomach. Give at least 2 hours before or after feeding.
• If gastrointestinal upset occurs, future doses may be given with a small amount of food, but keep the timing consistent.
• When signs are controlled, reduce to every other day for 2 weeks. Then reduce to twice weekly as maintenance if control persists.
• If signs recur, return to the most recent effective frequency, such as every other day or daily.
• Missed dose: give the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Do not double dose.
• Do not use with other immunosuppressants unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Do not change the dose or frequency without veterinary guidance.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze. If the liquid thickens or forms a gel at low temperatures, allow it to return to room temperature until clear.
• Use within 2 months after first opening the bottle.
• Keep the bottle upright, tightly closed, and in the original carton. Protect from light.
• Rinse the dosing syringe with warm water after use. Air-dry completely before the next dose.
• For travel, pack the bottle and an extra syringe in a carry-on. Avoid heat, freezing, and direct sun.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals.

Benefits and Savings

Atopica for Cats reduces itching, licking, and overgrooming that damage skin. As inflammation settles, lesions can heal and flares become less frequent. The oral liquid supports accurate dosing across a range of cat body weights. Many cats can step down to a maintenance schedule once stable.

Treatment is steroid-sparing. That can help avoid steroid-related effects during long-term use. The 17 mL bottle and dosing syringe simplify daily routines and titration. Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices.

Side Effects and Safety

• Vomiting, diarrhea, or soft stool
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Hypersalivation
• Lethargy
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Hair coat changes
• Skin or ear infections
• Urinary tract infections

Serious but less common risks include opportunistic infections and systemic toxoplasmosis. Keep cats indoors and avoid raw meat diets to reduce exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. Use caution with cats that have diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, or a history of neoplasia. Do not use in pregnant or lactating queens. Drug interactions can occur with CYP3A inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, erythromycin) and inducers (for example, phenobarbital). Seek veterinary care for persistent vomiting, severe lethargy, or signs of infection.

Onset Time

Visible changes can begin within 2 to 4 weeks as itch decreases and overgrooming eases. Skin healing and lesion resolution often take 4 to 8 weeks. Many cats transition to every other day, then twice weekly, after stable control. Response varies by severity, triggers, and concurrent skin care.

Compare With Alternatives

Cyclosporine oral solution (generic) may be available for cats. Formulations and palatability can vary. Atopica for Cats is approved with a weight-calibrated dosing syringe and a standardized 100 mg/mL strength.

Prednisolone tablets are steroids that often act faster. They can help during severe flares or while cyclosporine takes effect. Long-term steroid use carries metabolic and dermatologic risks, so many clinicians aim to taper or replace steroids when possible.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy can benefit cats with confirmed environmental allergies. It is tailored to test results and can reduce long-term medication needs. Onset is slow, often several months.

Combination Therapy

• Strict flea control to remove flea-bite triggers of pruritus.
• Omega-3 fatty acids to support the skin barrier.
• Antimicrobial shampoos, wipes, or ear care for secondary infections.
• Short courses of antibiotics or antifungals when indicated.
• Diet trials to identify or exclude food-responsive disease.
• Adjust background therapies that increase hypoglycemia risk only if relevant to the cat’s regimen, under veterinary supervision.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include cats with allergic dermatitis who are at least 6 months old and at least 1.4 kg. It suits households aiming to avoid or reduce long-term steroid use. A precise dosing syringe helps when dosing by weight is needed.

Do not use in cats with a history of malignant disease or uncontrolled infections. Safety has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Use caution in cats with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease. Evaluate outdoor exposure and diet due to toxoplasmosis risk.

Cost-saving tips include planning multi-month orders when the maintenance dose is stable. Set gentle reminders to prevent running out. Store the bottle correctly to avoid waste. The 17 mL size supports flexible dosing and fewer refills for many cats. Value-focused pricing reflects licensed, vetted partner pharmacies and authentic brand medications.

Authoritative Sources

Elanco product information for Atopica for Cats

FDA page: Atopica for Cats (cyclosporine oral solution)

Order Atopica® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment decisions.