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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Linda Horspool,

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Medication: Moxidectin

Medication: Moxidectin

Your dog has been prescribed moxidectin to treat and/or prevent internal parasite infections in dogs. 

Key points:
• Parasiticide.
• Do not use in puppies younger than 7 weeks of age (topical), 8 weeks of age (oral), 12 weeks of age (Afilaria SR injectable), 6 months of age (Proheart 6 injectable) or 12 months of age (Proheart 12 injectable).  
• Do not use in dogs weighing less than 1.25 kg (2.75 lbs, oral) or 1.4 kg (3 lbs, topical). 
• Heartworm prevention should only be started in dogs that have tested negative for heartworm disease.  
• Not recommended for animals intended for breeding or during pregnancy or lactation.  
• Dosage (minimum):
       • Topical: once a month. 
       • Oral: once a month, with or without food. 
       • Injectable: once every 6 months (Afilaria®, ProHeart® 6); once every 12 months (ProHeart® 12).

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Moxidectin (mok-sē-dek'tin).
Brand name
  • Advocate® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK). 
  • Advantage® Multi (in combination with imidacloprid, US). 
  • Afilaria® (moxidectin, Europe). 
  • Coraxis™ (moxidectin, US). 
  • Imoxi™ (US) (in combination with imidacloprid, US). 
  • Moxiclear® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK).
  • Midamox™ (in combination with imidacloprid, US). 
  • Prinocate® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK). 
  • Prinovox® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK). 
  • Proheart® 6® (moxidectin, US). 
  • Proheart® 12® (moxidectin, US). 
  • Simparica® Trio (in combination with pyrantel and sarolaner, Europe, UK & US). 
Class of drug
  • Parasiticide.
  • Macrocyclic lactone, milbemycin – endectocide (active against endo- parasites and some ectoparasites). 
Storage
  • Topical product as packaged for sale: do not store above 30°C (86°F).
  • Injectable product (Afilaria®) keep the vials in the outer carton in order to protect from light. After reconstitution: 3 months at 2- 8°C. 

Why has my dog been prescribed moxidectin?

Your veterinarian has prescribed moxidectin for your dog for: 

  • Treatment of mixed external and internal parasitic infestations (oral, topical) 
  • Prevention of heartworm disease (oral, topical, injectable) 
  • Prevention of subcutaneous filarial disease (oral, topical, injectable, Europe) 
  • Treatment of gastrointestinal roundworm, hookworm and whipworm (oral, topical, injectable) 
  • Prevention of lungworm (angiostrongylosis, oral, topical, Europe & UK). 

How is the medication given?

Moxidectin can be administered in three ways: topical, injectable, oral. 

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

The most common side-effects are mild and transient vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy / listlessness, and anorexia or reduced appetite. Ataxia, muscle tremor or seizures may occur.  

In heartworm positive dogs with microfilaremia there is a risk of severe respiratory signs (coughing, increased respiratory rate and breathing difficulty) that may require prompt veterinary treatment. Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence and lethargy are also common in such dogs.  

Topical 

Use of the product may result in transient local skin sensitivity reactions including itching, hair loss, greasy fur and redness at application site. In very rare cases this can include transient behavioral changes such as lethargy, agitation, and inappetence. Salivation may occasionally occur if the animal licks the application site immediately after treatment.  

Injectable 

Transient pain or itching may occur at the injection site. A mild local reaction (inflammation) may be observed for a few weeks after injection. 

Allergic reactions, including urticaria / hives, swelling of the face or head, itching, can occur and can be severe and need immediate veterinary attention.  

Interactions 

Some breeds of dogs (eg collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds) are more sensitive to moxidectin than others. If used at prescribed doses for heartworm prevention, topical, oral and injectable moxidectin are considered safe for MDR1 affected dogs.  

Caution is needed in these dogs when using moxidectin concurrently with agents like clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and spironolactone.  

Do not give your dog other antiparasitic macrocyclic lactones while on moxidectin treatment.  

No drug interactions have been observed between moxidectin and routinely used veterinary medicinal products.  

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

The treatment schedule should be based on veterinary diagnosis, the local epidemiological situation and/or the epidemiological situation of other areas the dog has visited or is going to visit. In heartworm endemic areas, prevention should be provided year round. 

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused moxidectin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save moxidectin for future use or give to other pets. 

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose.  

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your dog is unwell or losing weight, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

Heartworm disease prevention should only be started in dogs that have tested negative for heartworm disease. 

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Moxidectin should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for: 

  • Do not give to other pets in the household. 
  • Do not administer topical products orally. 
  • Do not use in puppies younger than 7 weeks of age (topical), 8 weeks of age (oral), 12 weeks of age (Afilaria SR injectable), 6 months of age (Proheart 6 injectable) or 12 months of age (Proheart 12 injectable). 
  • Do not use in dogs weighing less than 1.25 kg (2.75 lbs, oral) or 1.4 kg (3 lbs, topical). 
  • Heartworm prevention should only be started in dogs that have tested negative for heartworm disease.
  • Not recommended for animals intended for breeding or during pregnancy or lactation. 

In case of accidental ingestion, or if skin or eye irritation occurs, contact a Poison Control Center or physician for treatment advice and show the package insert to the physician.  

  • In case of accidental splash of moxidectin topical or injectable on skin, wash immediately with soap and water.  
  • May be irritating to the eyes. If moxidectin topical or injectable is introduced accidentally in the eyes, they should be rinsed well with water. 
  • Accidental ingestion of the oral product may potentially result in adverse effects, such as transient excitatory neurological signs.  

Will my dog need to be monitored while on moxidectin?

Heartworm prevention should only be started in dogs that have tested negative for heartworm disease. No specific tests are required while your dog is taking moxidectin. 

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on moxidectin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

​USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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