Key takeaways:
Mometamax (gentamicin / clotrimazole / mometasone) is sometimes used to treat ear infections in cats caused by bacteria and yeast. Mometamax is a dog medication that is prescribed “off-label” for cats.
This topical medication is applied to the ear canal once daily. You’ll likely need to do this for 7 days to treat your cat’s ear infection.
Common side effects of Mometamax in cats include an allergic reaction to the medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, and hives around the ears.
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If your cat has been shaking their head and scratching their ears, an ear infection may be to blame. But before prescribing a treatment, your veterinarian must perform an exam and do testing to determine the cause of your cat’s symptoms.
If your cat is diagnosed with an ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria, your veterinarian may prescribe them Mometamax (gentamicin / clotrimazole / mometasone). Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and uses of Mometamax, as well as the medication’s potential side effects.
Mometamax for cats at a glance
Common names | Mometamax (gentamicin / clotrimazole / mometasone) |
What it treats | Bacterial and yeast ear infections |
How it comes (forms) | Topical medication |
Common side effects | Allergic reaction (redness, itching, and hives near the ears) |
Average cost | About $50 for a 7-day supply |
What is Mometamax for cats and how does it work?
Mometamax is a topical ear medication. This medication contains three separate ingredients:
Gentamicin: This antibiotic treats bacteria associated with ear infections.
Clotrimazole: This antifungal medication treats yeast in the ear canal.
Mometasone: This is a steroid, like prednisone. It treats swelling and inflammation.
What is Mometamax used for in cats?
Mometamax treats ear infections in cats caused by yeast and bacteria. Veterinarians often reach for Mometamax if they suspect an infection is caused by Pseudomonas, because this bacteria is often resistant to other antibiotics. Mometamax is not effective against ear mites; an ear mite infection requires different medication.
For now, Mometamax is only FDA approved to treat dogs. Therefore, Mometamax is prescribed “off label” for cats. Veterinarians routinely use medications off-label to treat pets, since there are not FDA approved treatments for every condition. Momematax is regarded by most veterinarians as a safe and effective treatment for feline ear infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas.
How is Mometamax given to cats, and what is the typical dosage?
Mometamax is given to cats once daily for 7 days. At the end of the treatment cycle, your veterinarian may want to recheck your cat’s ears to be sure the infection has resolved.
Depending on your cat’s infection (and their personality), your veterinarian may want you to clean your cat’s ears before you apply Mometamax. If so, follow your veterinarian’s instructions for cleaning your cat’s ears, and use the cleaner they prescribe. Only clean your cat’s ears if your veterinarian has instructed you to do so.
To apply Mometamax, follow these steps:
Lift your cat’s pinna (ear flap).
Hold the tip of the Mometamax bottle to the external opening of your cat’s ear.
Squeeze the bottle and apply 3-4 drops of Mometamax into the ear canal.
Massage the base of the ear, distributing the medication throughout the ear canal.
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Reward your cat with some affection or a special treat after applying ear medication. Creating a positive association with ear treatment will make giving your cat repeated doses easier on you and them.
What are the common side effects of Mometamax in cats?
Cats may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in Mometamax. An allergic reaction may cause redness, itching, and hives around the ears.
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, stop giving your cat Mometamax and contact your veterinarian.
What are the most serious risks of Mometamax for cats?
The most serious side effect associated with Mometamax is deafness. Deafness related to Mometamax may be temporary or permanent.
Cats with a ruptured eardrum are at a higher risk of deafness from Mometamax and other gentamicin-containing ear medications. Always have your cat examined by your veterinarian before beginning a course of Mometamax. In other words, do not use an old tube of Mometamax for a new infection
Your veterinarian can check that your cat’s eardrum is intact by looking inside their ear with an otoscope. This allows your vet to decide whether Mometamax is a safe treatment option for your cat.
Does Mometamax interact with any other cat medications?
As mentioned, Mometamax contains the steroid mometasone. Very little of this steroid is absorbed into your cat’s body. But caution should be used when combining Mometamax with other steroid medications.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of Mometamax?
If your cat misses a dose of Mometamax, give them the medication as soon as possible. Though, if it’s almost time for their next dose, wait and give them the medication at the regularly scheduled time.
The bottom line
Mometamax is an effective and convenient once-daily treatment for ear infections in cats. It is often used to treat bacterial infections caused by Pseudomonas, which can be resistant to other antibiotics. Mometamax is used off-label in cats, but the risk of side effects is low when used as directed.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions when giving Mometamax to your cat. And notify your veterinarian if any side effects occur. Also, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian as directed.
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References
Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Ear mites: Tiny critters that can pose a major threat.
Merck Animal Health. (n.d.). Mometamax.
Moriello, K. A. (2018). Otitis externa in cats. Merck Veterinary Manual.
The VIN Dermatology Consultants. (2023). Otitis externa treatment in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
