Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram are being voluntarily recalled by Nostrum Laboratories (Nostrum Labs), according to the FDA. The move comes after Nostrum Labs filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024, shutting down all operations and laying off all operational staff in its United States facilities. Due to this shutdown, the company no longer has an active Quality department that can oversee product safety and compliance for Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram.

In veterinary medicine, sulfacrate is used off-label for treating ulcers and erosions in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine of dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, birds, and horses. The short-acting drug helps ulcers heal by creating a coating over them that protects them from stomach acids. The most common adverse effect associated with sulfacrate use is constipation. Vomiting has also been reported, particularly in cats.

The Nostrum Labs recall only applies to all Sucralfate Tablets USP lots within their expiration date that were manufactured by Nostrum Labs after June 2023. The product was distributed to wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, medical facilities, and repackagers. No other products by Nostrum Labs are affected by the recall.

According to a company announcement, Nostrum Labs cannot guarantee that its sucralfate tablets will continue to meet all of the product’s intended specifications for the rest of its shelf life. As a result, the use of any leftover product or distribution of it should stop immediately.

“The discontinuation of Nostrum Labs’ quality program means that the Company is unable to assure that this product meets the identity, strength, quality, and purity characteristics that it is purported or represented to possess,” Nostrum Labs wrote in the announcement.

 “While specific risks to patients from use of an adulterated product cannot always be identified or assessed, it is also not possible to rule out patient risks resulting from the use of such a product.”

According to the company, there have been no reports of adverse events to date related to the recall. Nostrum Labs is informing via email and US mail all parties who may have received the product from them, including distributors and anyone the company shipped the tablets to directly. In addition, they are asking these parties to immediately notify their subsidiaries, individual receiving sites or warehouses, customers, retailers, and consumers.

“All lots of this product should be destroyed,” Nostrum Labs stated in its announcement.

The company is not accepting any returns of the recalled tablets. Clients with questions about the recall can contact the company at recallcoordinator@nostrumlabsrecall.com. Veterinarians and other healthcare providers should be notified if patients taking the medication have experienced any issues that may be related to the drug.

Any adverse effects or quality problems related to the use of the recalled tablets can be reported to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program through mail, fax, or online (www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm).

Individuals who prefer to report by mail or fax can download the necessary form at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or request one by calling 1-800-332-1088. Once completed, the form can be mailed to the pre-addressed location or faxed to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. issues voluntary nationwide recall of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 Gram within expiry. US Food and Drug Administration. July 11, 2025. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nostrum-laboratories-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-sucralfate-tablets-usp-1-gram-within#recall-announcement

Gollakner R. Sucralfate. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sucralfate

Articles

Nostrum Laboratories cannot guarantee the safety of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram manufactured after June 2023.

Off-label ulcer treatment is voluntarily recalled

In this video interview with dvm360, Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology; Immunology), shares what could happen if anthelmintic resistance continues to spread and unchecked in companion animals 

dvm360 interview with Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology; Immunology)

During this interview with dvm360 at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Washington, DC, Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology; Immunology)

emphasized that the continued spread of resistance could severely limit treatment options for veterinary patients, causing suffering for both animals and their owners. Throughout the interview, she shared that this resistance can have an impact on One Health because hookworms can cause skin infections in humans. 

Below is a transcript of the interview, edited lightly for clarity 

Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology; Immunology):

My name is Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai. I'm a veterinarian by training. I am a specialist in veterinary parasitology and board certified in veterinary parasitology and Immunology. I'm an assistant professor at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Yeah, so if resistance continues to spread even further, we will lose our ability to treat our patients, and so then our patients will suffer, and so will the owners. And then, with things like hookworms. It becomes a one health issue, mainly because hookworms can cause human infections, especially in the skin. It causes a condition called cutaneous Laurel migrants. And so we, if we do not have these antiometrics work overtime, we will see more human cases, just more distress all around so.

Videos

How serious of a threat is resistance to clients and patients?

Potential consequences of anthelmintic resistance 

“How long does [a] tick have to feed to transmit an infection?” Susan E. Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM, Krull-Ewing Professor of Parasitology at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, posed to her audience during a lecture at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Washington, DC, this July.

“The true answer is: It depends,” Little answered.

The answer to how long a tick must feed to transmit a pathogen depends on several factors. These factors may include tick species, pathogen type, tick life stage, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and the type of host.

As Little would go on to explain, no studies have investigated the minimum time it takes for North American ticks to transmit pathogens to dogs. To date, the available data are extrapolated from studies on mice, guinea pigs, and dogs in other parts of the world.

Moreover, many of these studies have been conducted using immature ticks, or nymphs, instead of adult ticks.

“Larvae feed in about 3 to 5 days...nymphs feed in about 5 to 7 days...adults feed for 7 to 14 days or longer, so their physiology is different. How quickly they get into that rapid feeding process that will lead to transmission varies for the different stages,” Little said.

Species that may primarily infect dogs during their adult stage, such as 

 can also influence the timing and efficiency of pathogen transmission.

When it comes to environmental factors, Little noted that most tick species in North America live in wildlife and nature and consequently spill over into dogs and people. The brown dog tick, however, is unique for living in homes and kennels, primarily infesting dogs.

Another factor that may contribute to differences in the transmission of pathogens is how the tick finds a host, according to Little. “We often think of ticks as passively questing. They crawl up vegetation, wave that first pair of legs, wait for something to walk by and brush against the vegetation, and then [the] tick transfers over to the hair, coat, or the clothing of the host, right?” Little said. Although this is true for ticks in

genera, Little explained, it is not the case for brown dog ticks and ticks in the 

 are drawn to the pheromones and carbon dioxide the hosts give off, their shadow, and movement. Similarly, brown dog ticks pick up on environmental cues that signal a dog is nearby and run after these canines.

Some species, like the American dog tick and 

 (deer tick), can move approximately 12 to 18 inches toward a host through static electricity. “Ticks have a static charge on them, so even if you don't brush the vegetation, even if you're very careful to stay in the center of the trail, the tick will still move across a little air space there to get to the host. They're not flying, but they're being drawn by that static charge,” Little said.

Once the tick reaches the host, it will move toward its preferred feeding site. According to Little, in dogs, most 

 usually attach themselves along the back of a dorsal surface, and 

“This matters because when you're examining a dog for ticks, we can't just look in the ears and down the back and be done,” Little said, explaining that lone star ticks can bury themselves in inguinal or axillary areas. She noted that the brown dog tick is notorious for hiding between a dog’s toes.

Once attached, ticks secrete saliva containing vasodilators, platelet inhibitors, anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory compounds that not only help the tick feed but also modify the host's immune response, making it more susceptible to pathogen transmission.

“One of the [other] issues for understanding how quickly the pathogen is transmitted is what we consider transmission, right?” Little said.

She explained that the definition of transmission can vary depending on polymerase chain reaction positivity, antibody seroconversion, and development of clinical disease.

 species, transmission speed has generally been found to be faster, with some studies showing it can be as early as 4 to 12 hours, as the pathogens are already in the tick’s salivary glands.

 Clinical symptoms, however, may take longer to show up.

 species take longer to transmit disease, with studies showing transmission time being generally between 24 and 48 hours or more.

 spirochetes are found in the tick’s midgut and need to move to the salivary glands and change their outer surface protein expression to be able to infect the host.

 is also long, with these pathogens being transmitted approximately after 48 to 72 hours or more due to a delay in the formation of infective stages.

Little S. Perfect timing: protecting dogs from tick-borne infections. Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; July 18-22, 2025; Washington, DC.

From saliva to hunting strategies, ticks use a range of tactics that affect how quickly they can spread disease.

What affects the transmission of tick-borne pathogens?

The FDA has approved the first generic form of methimazole tablets for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. According to the FDA, the product—Methimazole Coated Tablets, developed by Felix Pharmaceuticals—received full FDA evaluation to ensure the tablets are the bioequivalent to the brand-name product Felimazole Coated Tablets by Dechra, which received FDA approval in May 2009 following a review of the product’s safety, effectiveness, and adequacy of the manufacturing process.

Methimazole Coated Tablets come in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses and are orally administered. The medication is dosed at 2.5 mg to start. Any adjustments to the dose should be made in 2.5 mg increments. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 20 mg, divided into doses of no more than 10 mg for each single administration.

Only a licensed veterinarian can prescribe Methimazole Coated Tablets. “[P]rofessional veterinary expertise is needed to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats and to determine whether Methimazole Coated Tablets are an appropriate treatment,” the FDA wrote in a news release.

“Continued veterinary monitoring is also needed to ensure that the dose continues to be appropriate to control the cat’s hyperthyroidism, as this disease can progress over time.”

After administering Methimazole Coated Tablets, veterinarians should wash their hands with soap and water to prevent exposure to the drug.

The FDA approval of Methimazole Coated Tablets follows an earlier approval of generic methimazole in a liquid oral solution for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats (Felanorm; Norbrook Laboratories), which was cleared by the FDA 

. Both Felanorm and Felimazole contain the same active ingredient.

Felanorm comes in 30 mL or 100 mL bottles with 1 mL and 5 mL dosing syringes and should also be administered in 2.5 mg increments every 12 hours.

 Like Methimazole Coated Tablets, the maximum total dosage of Felanorm is 20 mg per day divided, not to exceed 10 mg as a single administration.

A prevalent disease in cats, hyperthyroidism mainly affects cats who are middle-aged and older.

 Common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, increased appetite, polydipsia, and polyuria. Other signs include vomiting; diarrhea; hyperactivity; and an unkempt, matted, or greasy coat.

Diagnosis consists of a physical examination, which includes palpating the patient’s neck area to feel for an enlarged thyroid gland. Heart rate and blood pressure can also be taken. If thyroid disease is suspected, a blood chemistry panel should be ordered, as well as an analysis of thyroid hormone levels.

According to Cornell University, although the majority of feline patients with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, a small percentage of affected cats have T4 levels within the normal range.

 If hyperthyroidism is suspected but T4 levels are within the normal range, additional tests should be considered.

Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. Overall patient health status, owner compliance with medicating the patient, and financial circumstances will influence the chosen treatment approach.

FDA approves first generic Methimazole Coated Tablets for treating hyperthyroidism in cats. News release. US Food and Drug Administration. July 22, 2025. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-generic-methimazole-coated-tablets-treating-hyperthyroidism-cats?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Freedom of Information Summary: ANADA 200-814. FDA. June 27, 2025. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/17172

Coppock K. Generic treatment receives FDA approval for cats with hyperthyroidism. 

. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/generic-treatment-receives-fda-approval-for-cats-with-hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in cats. Cornell Feline Health Center. Accessed July 22, 2025. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperthyroidism-cats#:~:text=Suggested%20Articles,and%20increased%20thirst%20and%20urination.

This latest approval builds on an earlier liquid formulation of generic methimazole for feline hyperthyroidism, which received FDA clearance earlier this month

FDA approves first generic methimazole tablet for feline hyperthyroidism

With today’s digital era facilitating the spread of misinformation, it is important for veterinary professionals to rely on evidence-based treatments. In a lecture at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Washington, DC, Andrew Simpson, DVM, MS, DACVD, specialist at VCA Animal Hospitals, addressed a range of fads circulating in veterinary dermatology, one of which is the use of coconut oil for managing canine atopic dermatitis,

 a trend that has persisted for at least a decade.

“I feel like out of all [the topics we will cover,] this may have been the first one to arrive on the scene years ago where everybody was putting coconut oil, either adding it to the food or slathering it on their beloved furry pets,” said Simpson.

In human medicine, coconut oil has been shown to offer benefits for treating xerosis (ie., dry skin) and atopic dermatitis.

 However, in veterinary medicine, there is limited literature on the benefits of coconut oil, whether used topically or orally.

“What we're truly missing... [is] there [are] really no known placebo, controlled, randomized, double-blinded studies out there evaluating the clinical efficacy...or even potential adverse events of these [supplements],” noted Simpson.

test assessing potential toxicity or oxidative stress from canine epidermal keratinocytes (the primary cell types in the epidermis) exposure to organic virgin coconut oil found that the coconut oil “induced an increased disruption of plasma membrane integrity,” compared to the control group.

“So, [the study’s results] did raise concern for the toxicity potential at the level of these building blocks, or keratinocytes within the skin, although there [were] no indications of oxidative stress measured by nitride production,” said Simpson of the study, which was conducted at the University of Florida.

studies have shown potential antimicrobial benefits from using coconut oil, Simpson explained, but there are no studies that assess the clinical response in dogs naturally affected by bacterial or yeast infections.

Moreover, studies have found that omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs in addition to “influencing” superficial skin lipids and improving coat quality. However, coconut oil has very small quantities of this omega-6 fatty acids, rendering it a poor choice for managing skin conditions or improving coat health.

During his lecture, Simpson reminded attendees that although the use of supplements like coconut oil may circulate social media, veterinary professionals must remain cautious and look for scientific backing.

“Probably 50% of my clients are coming in having heard something online, or it showed up in a reel, or... on TikTok or on other social media platforms,” said Simpson. “And... I wonder how much the general practitioners are also hearing, ‘Well, what about this supplement?’ or ‘What about this test?’ or ‘I found this online,’ or ‘I was in this Facebook group and everyone kept mentioning this particular product or diagnostic, and what are your thoughts on it?’

“But we have to step back and say, ‘Well, where's the science behind it? Where's the evidence behind it?’,” he stressed.

Simpson A. Debunking derm fads. Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; Washington, DC; July 18-22, 2025.

Nadora D, Burney W, Chaudhuri RK, et al.
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of topical coconut and sunflower seed oil-derived isosorbide. 

Boyd M, Morris JM, Santoro D. Plasma membrane integrity and oxidative stress index outcomes of canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) exposed to virgin coconut oil (VCO). 

 2019;30(6):553-e166. doi:10.1111/vde.12808

One study showed potential toxicity from coconut oil exposure, according to a session at the 2025 AVMA Convention.

Debunking the coconut oil fad in veterinary dermatology 

In a lecture at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Washington, DC, Andrew Simpson, DVM, MS, DACVD, a specialist at VCA Animal Hospitals, set out to debunk various dermatology fads circulating in the veterinary world.

 One of the topics Simpson covered was the use of probiotics for treating canine atopic dermatitis and other dermatologic symptoms.

In veterinary medicine, studies on the dermatological effects of probiotics are few. However, as Simpson explained during the session, studies in human medicine show probiotics can be beneficial in treating atopic dermatitis in children. Researchers hypothesize that probiotics work in this capacity by modulating the immune system response, shifting it away from a T helper 2 (Th2)-dominated profile, which is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, toward a T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated response.

Still, results across studies remain inconsistent, suggesting that probiotic effectiveness depends on the species and/or strain of 

In a study by the University of Florida, pregnant dogs with high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a factor for atopic dermatitis predisposition, were given 

strain in the third week of gestation. The puppies continued receiving this probiotic until they were 6 months old.

was partially effective in preventing the development of atopic dermatitis in these dogs, with clinical results being mixed, and some puppies still developing atopic dermatitis.

 According to Simpson, skin barrier function benefits were also still evident 3 years later. However, no decrease in clinical signs was observed.

In a different 2015 study comparing cetirizine with 

 K71, a similar reduction in clinical signs of mild canine atopic dermatitis was observed at 38.1% vs 45.8% throughout 12 weeks of treatment. Fewer clinical signs for pruritus were also observed (38.1% vs 26.8%).

 K71 showed positive dermatological effects, Simpson expressed reservations about the study’s design. “It's interesting [that the researchers] chose antihistamines, since...antihistamines, in general, tend to have a lower yield of efficacy,” he said.

 “I think it would be better to maybe compare [

 K71] to steroids or Cytopoint or Apoquel or something with a higher success rate.”

“We'd be interested to see, what is it like in severe cases? You know, some of these mild cases, those might sort of fluctuate very subtly throughout the week or throughout the month,” he continued.

 probio-65 for 2 months in participants with severe canine atopic dermatitis found that the probiotic significantly reduced the disease severity index in the patients. Specifically, lesional and itch scores were lower compared to placebo groups.

In a separate 2019 study, researchers investigated the effects of 

 (FortiFlora; Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets) on dogs already on oclacitinib (Apoquel; Zoetis), to see if the addition of the probiotic helped reduce the dose of the medication or the need for it.

The study’s results found that the addition of 

to the dogs’ diet was not associated with oclacitinib dose reduction compared to the placebo. Overall, no difference was noted in participants being supplemented with 

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and atopic dermatitis

More recently, a study published this year found that probiotics can improve canine atopic dermatitis by improving gut microbial dysbiosis.

The study looked at changes in the gut microbiota using polymerase chain reaction after administering 

at a concentration of 50 million colony-forming units per gram over 16 weeks.

Comparisons of fecal microbiota at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks highlighted the association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and canine atopic dermatitis. Most notably, the study’s results found that daily administration of the probiotics for 16 weeks significantly reduced the severity of clinical symptoms.

Still, research evidence on the dermatological benefits of probiotics is limited and varies. A retrospective study published in July 2025 that reviewed 5 trials—3 oral and 2 topical—found that probiotics did not have a significant effect on atopic dermatitis.

“We definitely need more prospective studies, things that are controlled, comparing it to what we know are acceptable or effective products,” said Simpson. “And then there could be some differences between genera, or differences between species, or maybe differences with, ‘Are we using a single organism or using multiple organisms? Are we using a certain concentration, certain parts of their development? [Are these] mild cases? [Are they] severe cases?’”

“I...think we need to fine-tune and understand, really, what is that connection between gut health and skin health? I think it's there. We just really haven't defined it as much as we would need to,” he concluded.

Simpson A. Debunking derm fads. Presented at: American Veterinary Medical Association Convention; July 18-22, 2025; Washington, DC.

Ohshima-Terada Y, Higuchi Y, Kumagai T, Hagihara A, Nagata M. Complementary effect of oral administration of 

 2015;26(5):350-353.e74-e75. doi:10.1111/vde.12224

Kim H, Rather IA, Kim H, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a probiotic strain 

 probio-65 for the prevention of canine atopic dermatitis. 

 2015;25(11):1966-1969. doi:10.4014/jmb.1506.06065

Yamazaki C, Rosenkrantz W, Griffin C. Pilot evaluation of 

 SF68 as adjunctive therapy for oclacitinib-responsive adult atopic dermatitis in dogs. 

 2019;60(8):499-506. doi:10.1111/jsap.13042

Song H, Mun SH, Han DW, et al. Probiotics ameliorate atopic dermatitis by modulating the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in dogs. 

 2025;25(1):228. doi:10.1186/s12866-025-03924-6

An evidence-based lecture at the 2025 AVMA Convention broke down study findings on various strain-specific probiotics in veterinary medicine.