Stop-Itching for cats: instructions for use, action and effectiveness, reviews

Description of the drug Stop Itching

Stop-itch is a veterinary drug used in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic skin diseases. The formula of the drug was developed by a Russian pharmaceutical company (Moscow).

is one of the leading Russian manufacturers of veterinary drugs

Release form of the drug

Stop Itching is available in two dosage forms:

spray (Stop-itch spray);
suspension for oral use (Stop-itch suspension).

Stop-itch suspension is a homogeneous yellowish solution that tends to separate during storage. This form of the drug is available in glass bottles (volume from 10 to 100 ml) or plastic (volume from 10 to 75 ml). Each bottle is sealed with a screw cap and packed in a cardboard box along with a polymer dispenser syringe and annotation. The bottle label and box contain the following information:

name, address and trademark of the manufacturer;
name and volume of the drug;
composition and storage conditions;
series, release date (barcode) and expiration date;
special inscriptions (“For animals”, service station, etc.);
The box also indicates the number of bottles included, as well as the recommendation “Shake before use.”

A dosing syringe is included in each package of the drug.

Stop Itching Spray is a solution for external use, which appears as a yellow-orange liquid with blue or white tints. The drug is packaged in polymer bottles of different volumes (from 15 to 100 ml). The cap is equipped with a spray head. Each unit is packed in a cardboard box along with instructions for use. Each unit of spray contains the same information as on the suspension packaging.

The difference between the packaging boxes of the suspension and spray is the image (a kitten is drawn on the box of the suspension, a kitten and a dog are drawn on the box of the spray). Another modification of Stop Itching is a suspension for dogs, which differs from the “cat” modification only in the volume of the package. Experienced cat owners can purchase “Stop Itching for Dogs” and use it to treat their cat. This is convenient if the pharmacy does not have the required modification. The disadvantage of such a replacement is that the large bottle will not run out immediately, and the remaining medicine will have to be thrown away after the expiration date.

Stop Itching Spray can be used to treat both dogs and cats

Composition of the drug Stop Itching

The composition of 1 milliliter of oral solution includes the following substances:

triamcinolone (glucocorticosteroid of synthetic origin) - 1 mg;
pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B) - 2 mg;
riboflavin (water-soluble vitamin) - 4 mg;
nicotinamide (nicotinic acid) - 10 mg;
methionine (essential amino acid) - 20 mg;
succinic acid - 2 mg and carboxymethylcellulose - 1.5 mg;
Tween-80 - 6 mg (emulsifier);
sodium benzoate (preservative) - 1.5 mg;
potassium sorbate (water-soluble preservative) - 1.5 mg;
cyclamate (sweetener);
aspartame (food additive E951);
saccharin - 1 mg;
xanthan gum (stabilizer) - 2 mg;
glycerin - 50 mg and distilled water - up to 1 ml.

The composition of 1 milliliter of spray includes the following components:

triamcinolone acetonide - 0.5 mg;
chloramphenicol (broad-spectrum antibiotic) - 5 mg;
metronidazole (antimicrobial agent) - 10 mg;
lidocaine hydrochloride - 50 mg;
calendula extract, isopropyl alcohol, solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylformamide), polyethylene glycol.

An unknowing person is usually confused by unknown names (for example, food additives with the letter “E”), although these components are found in ordinary products every day

How to properly store Stop Itching

The manufacturer's instructions say that Stop Itching is recommended to be stored under the following conditions:

in original packaging;
in a place protected from moisture and direct sunlight;
separately from food and animal feed;
isolated from children and animals;
Storage temperature: from 0°C to 25°C.

The shelf life of the drug, regardless of its dosage form, is 2 years from the date of release.

I keep all my cat medications in a separate medicine cabinet. At first it was an old car first aid kit, but over time the medicines no longer fit in it, so I bought a simple container for household needs. Its walls are made of transparent plastic, so I store it in a closet (away from light). Along with the medicine there are also tools for caring for cats, as well as a sketchbook with all the annotations (I don’t throw away the instructions even when the medicine runs out).

Stop Itching, like any veterinary medicine, should be stored away from food and “human” medicines, for example, in a medicine cabinet or a separate container

How to give the medicine?

There are 3 ways to use Stop Itching for cats:

Give the solution with a special syringe, opening the cat’s mouth, and carefully introduce the drug so as not to injure the gums. At the same time, you can stroke her neck to stimulate the swallowing reflex.

Mix the prepared Stop Itching suspension for cats with regular food (food, fish, eggs).

Cleansing and disinfecting damaged skin areas with a spray at a distance of 10 cm from the skin.

The price of Stop Itch for Cats varies depending on the country and region:

Ukraine - from 90 to 130 hryvnia.
Russia – from 190 to 280 rubles.

Indications for use of Stop Itching

Stop itching is indicated for complicated dermatitis and otitis of any etiology;

skin rash;
itching caused by a predisposition at the genetic level or external irritants;
weeping or dry skin diseases associated with inflammation;
skin diseases accompanied by scratching, erosions, ulcers;
hair loss with the formation of bald patches;
infected dermatitis caused by insect bites.

Mechanism of action of the drug

Suspension and spray Stop Itching are combined drugs, so the pharmacological effect is achieved thanks to the complex composition of the drugs.

Triamcinolone is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It blocks foci of inflammation and stimulates the biosynthesis of lipokartins (proteins with anti-edematous activity). In addition, triamcinolone inhibits the production of hyaluronic acid and reduces the permeability of capillary vessels. All this helps reduce the level of penetration of allergens into the cat’s blood. Vitamins, methionine and succinic acid accelerate metabolism and improve the ability to regenerate tissue (this restores the quality of the skin).

In addition to the listed substances, the spray contains calendula extract, which allows you to quickly relieve inflammation, and lidocaine, a powerful anesthetic. Chloramphenicol and metronidazole, which are effective against most bacteria and fungi, play an important role in the treatment of dermatitis.

The effectiveness of the drug is due to its complex composition, where each component performs a therapeutic function, for example, calendula (“marigold”) has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect

Composition and action

Stop-itching is a complex preparation containing polcortolone and vitamins as an active ingredient:

riboflavin (vitamin B2);
pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6);
nicotinamide (vitamin PP).

In addition to them, the composition includes methionine and succinic acid.

The synthetic hormone polcortolone has the ability to prevent the release of prostaglandins, which provoke the inflammatory process. Glucocorticoid has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and desensitizing effects on the animal’s body.

The vitamin complex helps normalize metabolism in the body and nourish tissues, accelerates the healing process, inhibits the inflammatory process and restores damaged skin and hair.

Useful properties of succinic acid:

enhances cell respiration;
improves the absorption of oxygen by cells;
increases immunity.

Features of the use of Stop Itching in cats

The Stop Itch suspension should be given to the cat orally, and the spray should be sprayed onto the affected area of the skin. To safely and effectively treat your cat, you need to do the following:

choose the right dosage;
draw up a correct regimen for using the medication.

Application of the Stop Itching suspension

The suspension should be given to the cat only once a day. It is advisable to do this in the morning, during feeding. You can use a dosing syringe, but some owners prefer to give the medicine with food. The daily dose is calculated based on the weight of the animal. For the first 4 days the suspension is given at a therapeutic dose, and in the next 8 days the dosage should be halved. If after 12 days the desired effect is not achieved, the course of treatment can be extended (at the discretion of the veterinarian).

Some cats are very picky about food; any foreign smells and tastes completely “discourage” their appetite. In such cases, only enforcement will help. The cat needs to be secured, and the tip of the syringe must be carefully placed into the mouth (without damaging the teeth and gums). The drug must be administered quickly but smoothly (so that the cat does not choke on the solution). To prevent the cat from spitting out the medicine, you can stroke it on the neck (in the throat area) - this technique is used to stimulate reflex swallowing.

If you are going to give the suspension using a syringe, then inject the drug from the side (close to the cheek and throat)

Table: selection of a single dosage of suspension

Cat weight	Single dose
From 1 to 3 kg	0.25 ml
From 3 to 5 kg	0.5 ml
From 5 to 10 kg	0.75 ml
From 10 to 20 kg	1 ml

How to use Stop Itching Spray

Unlike the suspension, the Stop Itching spray is dosed not according to the weight of the cat, but according to the size of the affected area (the sore area should be moistened evenly). However, the treatment regimen depends on the disease.

Using a spray for dermatitis

For dermatitis of any etiology, it is recommended to use the spray 2 times a day. You need to treat your cat with the spray for 5–10 days (the treating veterinarian may extend the course of treatment). Before using the medicine, the skin must be cleaned of dirt (if necessary). In order for the spray to be distributed evenly, the bottle with the sprayer must be held vertically and at a distance of 10–15 cm from the surface of the skin. Essentially, the topical solution is a suspension, so shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds before use.

Some people who treated their cats with the spray reported some discomfort. The fact is that spraying is possible only with the bottle in a vertical position, and this requires that the cat sit quietly. If your pet resists and runs away, try immobilizing it. Sometimes putting a small hat or blouse on the cat helps (choose the item so that the affected area remains free). Another technique is a weak clothespin on the withers (if the skin in this area is not damaged).

When spraying, the bottle with the drug must be held strictly vertically and at a distance of 10–15 cm from the surface of the skin

Treatment of otitis media with Stop Itching spray

For otitis media, it is recommended to use the spray up to 3 times a day, the duration of the course is 5–7 days. It is important to spray the medication into the cleaned ear canal, so the cat's ears must first be cleared of scabs and dirt. If the sores in the animal’s ears are wet, then the ear canal must be thoroughly wiped.

Cats are very sensitive to the fact that someone tries to touch their ears. If your veterinarian has prescribed you a spray to treat otitis media, but you are afraid of hurting your pet, you can turn to a more experienced cat owner for help (let him help you apply the solution for 2-3 days). And the first procedure can even be carried out in a veterinary clinic.

Personal safety measures when working with medicine

When working with Stop Itching, the manufacturer recommends following a number of rules:

when using the suspension orally or spraying the spray, do not eat, drink or smoke;
After finishing work, hands should be washed thoroughly with warm water and soap;
if the drug accidentally gets on the skin or eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with running water;
if the cat’s owner is allergic to the components of the medication, then it is better to avoid using the drug;
if a person develops allergy symptoms or if the spray/or suspension gets inside, you should immediately go to the hospital (take the instructions for use, box or bottle with you);
Empty medicine containers cannot be used for household purposes (they must be disposed of according to general rules).

Dosage

The dosage of the drug is calculated depending on the body weight of the animal. The daily dose of the drug for a cat weighing from one to three kilograms is 0.25 mg of the substance. For animals weighing more than three kilograms - 0.5 mg of the drug.

The suspension must be given to the cat orally. To do this, you can use a special syringe that comes with the drug.

Another way is to mix the suspension with food. It is best to give the drug to your cat in the morning. The drug is given to cats once a day. For the first four days, you must follow the dosage described above. Over the next eight days, the dose should be reduced by half.

The use of the spray involves treating the affected areas of the skin. Treatment with Stop Itching in the form of a spray allows for long-term therapy. The total duration of treatment can range from five to fourteen days.

The bottle must be shaken thoroughly before use. The contents should be sprayed at a distance of ten centimeters from the surface of the skin.

Before using the product in spray form, it is better to restrain the cat, since the hiss of the can can frighten even a phlegmatic pet.

For otitis media, it is advisable to use Stop Itching in the form of a spray. Before use, you need to clean your cat's ears using cotton swabs. Then treat the affected areas. It is necessary to ensure that the bottle is at room temperature. Under no circumstances should you splash cold medication into your cat’s sore ears!

Can Stop Itching be used by pregnant cats and kittens?

Neither the suspension nor the Stop Itch spray should be used to treat pregnant cats and kittens weighing less than 1 kg. This drug is also not recommended for nursing females, since the active ingredients can enter the kitten’s body through milk.

Pregnant cats and small kittens should not use Stop Itching

Indications for use of the drug

Doctors recommend this drug in case of detection of the following diseases:

Allergy.
Hair loss.
Skin rash.
Wound.
Insect bite.
Hives.
Eczema.
Otitis.

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It is necessary to identify the symptom as early as possible, since scratching creates wounds through which there is a risk of bacterial infection.

Possible side effects and contraindications

If you follow all the manufacturer's recommendations, there will be no side effects. In some animals, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug may cause the following symptoms:

increased salivation;
depressed state (weakness, lethargy, etc.);
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.).

In such cases, the use of the medicine is stopped. The treating veterinarian may prescribe symptomatic medications. Salivation usually increases when the medication is taken orally (sometimes due to the viscosity of the drug). If only this unpleasant symptom occurs, then there is no need to panic; increased simplification will go away spontaneously.

If you notice signs of side effects in your cat, you should contact your veterinarian.

The following factors are contraindications to the use of Stop Itching:

small animal weight (up to 1 kg);
pregnancy and lactation;
diabetes;
viral diseases;
individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Sometimes complex dermatological problems arise in cats during pregnancy, so the owner often has to make a choice between safety and effectiveness. Pregnant cats are sometimes treated with Stop Itch, but this should only be done under the strict supervision of a veterinarian.

Overdose

A symptom of a drug overdose can be a lethargic state of the animal. The cat becomes lethargic, sleeps a lot, and does not respond to games.

Also, after taking the drug, attacks of vomiting may drag on for some time. Short-term urges are not a cause for concern, however, it is necessary to ensure that the cat always has access to fresh water, since vomiting provokes dehydration.

If symptoms persist for a long time, you must stop using the medication, and if the animal’s condition worsens, contact your veterinarian.

Analogs of the drug Stop-itching

The following drugs are analogues of the drug Stop-itching:

Antiches;
Allergostop;
Terramycin Aerosol Spray;
Exekan.

Photo gallery: Antiches, Allergostop, Terramycin and Execan

Allergostop is one of the most popular anti-allergenic drugs, so it is available in almost any veterinary pharmacy

Antiches is a powder with the smell and taste of food (the most popular flavors are “meat and bone meal” and “milk”)

Execan is one of the most expensive analogues of Stop Itching, but it has a convenient release form

Terramycin is difficult to find in Russian pharmacies, but it is inexpensive

Comparative table: closest analogues of Stop Itching

Name	Developer	Release form	Active ingredients	Contraindications	Side effects	Price
Antiches	NEC Ignatova LLP (Russia)	Powder for preparing suspension	Polcortolone and lipoic acid	Not installed	Not identified	From 90 rubles per box (60 g)
Allergostop	Olkar (Ukraine)	Oral suspension	Methionine and succinic acid	Pregnancy, lactation, age under 1 year, diabetes mellitus, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug	Increased salivation	From 160 rubles per bottle (15 ml)
Terramycin	Zoetis Inc (United States of America)	Spray for external use	Oxytetracycline hydrochloride	Allergy to tetracycline antibiotics, intolerance to drug components	Not identified	From 300 rubles per bottle (150 ml)
Exekan	Ceva Sante Animale (France)	Briquettes for oral administration (in the form of cubes)	Dexamethasone, vitamins and methionine	Infectious diseases, diabetes, pregnancy	In some cases, nausea, vomiting	From 800 rubles per box (16 pcs)

About the drug: composition, release form, action

Under the single trademark “STOP-ZUD”, external use products are produced in the form of sprays and suspensions. The composition of medicines is different, this is due to the method of therapy.

"STOP-ITCH spray" is a therapeutic solution that consists of:

extracted calendula;
chloramphenicol;
lidocaine hydrochloride;
metronidazole;
triamcinolone.

In addition, the composition includes auxiliary compounds that ensure easy spraying and absorption of the solution. The total volume of the can is 30 ml. Equipped with a convenient spray head.

"STOP-ITCH suspension" is available in bottles with a capacity of 10-15 ml. It is used internally, so the medicinal solution contains:

vitamins: B6, B2, PP;
triamcinolone;
methionine;
succinic or dicarboxylic acid;
auxiliary connections.

“STOP-ITCH” products relieve inflammation, allergic reactions, and have immunomodulatory properties. The analgesic and healing effect allows you to increase the speed of skin treatment. Reduces the risk of additional mechanical damage in cats with otitis media.

Reasons for use

The product is used only for the purpose of treating diseases that are accompanied by itchy skin. Indications for the use of the drug are the following conditions:

Allergic dermatitis, manifested by the appearance of skin rashes, itching, swelling.
Atopic dermatitis.
Inflammation of the skin due to damage to the nervous system (neurodermatitis).
Viral, bacterial and fungal skin infections that are accompanied by itching.
Flea dermatitis, which is characterized by scratching and itching.

It should be remembered that the drug does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but is only a method of symptomatic therapy (the action of the drug is aimed at eliminating the symptom).

Therefore, when using “Stop Itching” to treat infectious diseases, it is also necessary to use medications aimed at eliminating the cause (antibacterial agents, antifungals).

Reviews about the veterinary drug

As you know, dermatitis is not a fatal disease. However, very often they cause a huge amount of trouble for pets. To cure your cat and prevent them from getting scratches, scratches and wounds, many people use the drug “Stop-Itching”. According to them, this remedy effectively eliminates all types of dermatitis, including atopic, food and flea dermatitis. It should also be noted that the mentioned medication is very easy to use and almost never contributes to the development of side effects.