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My cat is coughing. Can I use Velosef capsules instead of the syrup?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old

Veterinary medicines aren't available in my country, so vets prescribe human meds to pets. My cat (who has been coughing - dry cough, 2 to 3 times a day, 10 to 15 seconds at a time) has been prescribed Velosef Syrup. My question is: does it make a difference if I give her the syrup or the equivalent mg of the Velosef capsule instead? Is there a difference in the ingredients of syrups and capsules/tablets? Thanks.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry that Jolly is not feeling well. There is no difference in the active ingredient, an antibiotic, between Velosef syrup vs capsules/tablets. Slight differences in the way the compound is dissolved may be present, but the activity is the same. Most veterinarians prescribe medications based on the animal's weight, so the total dose (total milligrams) needs to be the same no matter the form of the medication. I recommend asking your vet what the total amount of medication is per dose, and ensuring that the same amount is present in either the capsules, tablets, or syrup. I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have!

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