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WARNING!
NEVER use KAOPECTATE, IMMODIUM, or PEPTOBISMOL for cats! See info below.
Kaopectate has also commonly been used in animals for the treatment of diarrhea, although it does not have FDA approval for use in animals. The old form of Kaopectate contained only kaolin and pectin while later forms contained attapulgite, all of which were very safe in animals due to the lack of systemic absorption. However, Kaopectate has recently developed a new formula that contains the drug bismuth subsalicylate, a drug that can be toxic to cats.
According to Pfizer Animal Health, this new form began shipping in December of 2002. This new drug added to Kaopectate is related to aspirin and a tablespoon of this new regular strength Kaopectate liquid contains the equivalent of 130 mg of aspirin and the extra strength contains the equivalent of 230mg of aspirin. Only a tablespoon of the extra strength Kaopectate would probably cause toxicosis in a 5 lb cat. Cats are very sensitive to the effects of these salicylate formulations as they are unable to metabolize and excrete them efficiently.
As many veterinarians over the years have recommended the use of Kaopectate for diarrhea in cats, many cat owners may not be aware of this change in formulation and may continue to give Kaopectate without consulting their veterinarian. This is an example of why it is so important to always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication, especially a human medication, as many medications work differently in animals than people. Another common example of this is acetaminophen, or Tylenol. This drug is highly toxic to cats and should not be used at any dosage in this species. Again, always consult you vet before administering any medication to an animal.