Veterinary Drug Handbook (VDH) is the reference veterinarians turn to when they want an independent source of information on the drugs that are used in veterinary medicine today.

MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES (MCT OIL)

Chemistry - MCT Oil is a lipid fraction of coconut oil consisting principally of the triglycerides
C8 (approx. 67%) and C10 (approx. 23%) saturated fatty acids. Each 15 ml contains 115 kcal(7.67 kcal/ml).

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer, store at roomtemperature in glass bottles.

Pharmacology - MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES (MCT OIL)

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are more readily hydrolyzed than conventional food fat. They also require less bile acids for digestion, are not dependent for chylomicronformation or lymphatic transport and are transported by the portal vein. Medium chain triglyceridesare not a source for essential fatty acids.

Uses, Indications

MCT is used to offset the caloric reduction when long-chain triglyceridesfound in dietary fat are restricted, usually in chronic infiltrative diseases of the small intestine orwhen there is fat malabsorption of any cause.

Pharmacokinetics - MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES (MCT OIL)

No specific information located, see pharmacology above.

Contraindications, Precautions, Reproductive Safety

MCT oil should be used with caution inpatients with significant hepatic disease (e.g., portacaval shunts, cirrhosis, etc.). Because mediumchain triglycerides are rapidly absorbed via the portal vein and their hepatic clearance is impaired, significantly high systemic blood and CSF levels of medium chain fatty acids can occur, therebyprecipitating or exacerbating hepatic coma.
Although, no reproductive safety data was located, MCT oil would not likely cause problems.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Adverse effects seen with MCT oil in small animals include, unpalatability, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. These may be transient and minimized by startingdoses at the low end of the spectrum and then gradually increasing the dose. Fat soluble vitaminsupplementation (Vitamins A, D, E, & K) by using a commercial feline or canine vitamin-mineralsupplement has been recommended.

Overdosage, Acute Toxicity

Overdosage would likely exacerbate the GI adverse effects notedabove. Treat severe diarrhea supportively if necessary.

Drug Interactions

None listed, but MCT oil could theoretically affect absorption of drugs thatare dependent on fat (e.g., griseofulvin, fat soluble vitamins, etc.).
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