ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/mirtazapine
US brand names:Remeron, Mirataz(transdermal)
Mirtazapine is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q48h in rabbits, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Antagonizes presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, increasing norepinephrine and serotonin release. Potent appetite stimulant.
Mirataz (transdermal) FDA-approved for feline weight loss. Strong appetite stimulant. Sedation at low doses. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Cats: q48-72h dosing (longer half-life).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1.88 mg per cat | q48h | Strong | Quimby JM, Lunn KF. Mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant and anti-emetic in cats with chronic kidney disease: a masked placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial. Vet J. 2013;197(3):651-655. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.05.048; Fitzpatrick RL, Quimby JM, Benson KK, et al. In vivo and in vitro assessment of mirtazapine pharmacokinetics in cats with liver disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2018;32(6):1951-1957. doi:10.1111/jvim.15237 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.922 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | Transdermal | Mirataz: 1.5-inch (~3.8 cm) ribbon applied to inner pinna daily | q24h (Mirataz) | Strong |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| MIRATAZ- Mirtazapine Ointment [US Product Label for Cats]. Dechra Veterinary Products; 2020. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5ff9fdb7-554f-4f91-8cfc-6d05094384c6 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.922 (2026-08-01). |