The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Bonqat, a pregabalin oral solution for reducing feline anxiety during transportation and veterinary visits.
Pregabalin is used in human medicine to treat neural pain and as an anticonvulsant, and Bonqat is the first FDA-approved application in veterinary medicine.
Bonqat is not a sedative. The action mechanism involves:
- Pregabalin binds to presynaptic neurons at voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing calcium influx into the cell.
- Decreased calcium influx reduces the excessive release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and monoamine.
The drug’s sponsor, Orion Corp., conducted a field study involving client-owned cats that exhibited fear or anxiety related to car transportation and veterinary visits. The cats were taken to and examined by a veterinarian twice over five to 10 days. Initially, the cats were screened for study enrollment. Next, they were administered either Bonqat or a placebo at home and then assessed by their owner during the transportation and physical examination.
More than half the Bonqat-dosed cats had a good or excellent response during transportation and the veterinary visit, compared with only one-third of placebo-dosed cats. In addition, 77% of Bonqat-dosed cats were less fearful and anxious during their second visit compared with the first screening visit, while only 46% of placebo-dosed cats were calmer.
The medication is administered orally as a single dose about 90 minutes before travel or a veterinary visit. A full dose is safe for two consecutive days.
Bonqat is a DEA Schedule Class V drug with the potential for human abuse, so labeling includes information about drug abuse, addiction and diversion. People exposed to the drug might experience dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision, weakness and dry mouth, possibly requiring medical attention.