CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Ivermectin
Medication: Ivermectin
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient ivermectin for the management of ectoparasitic and endoparasitic infestations including heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). It may also be used to treat hookworms or ear mites in cats.
Key points:
• Heartworm preventative.
•All cats should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment.
•Dosage: once monthly as preventative year round or during mosquito season or as needed to treat parasites other than heartworm.
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
- Ivermectin (I-ver-mec-tin).
Brand name
- Heartgard® (US).
- Heartgard Plus® (ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate) (US).
- Iverhart® , Nuheart® (US).
- Acarexx® (US).
Class of drug
- Macrocyclic lactone.
- Endectocide.
Storage
- Store at <25°C and protect from direct light.
Why has my cat been prescribed ivermectin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed ivermectin as a heartworm preventative – it eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae for a month (30 days) after infection.
Ivermectin may also be prescribed for the management of internal (eg lungworms or hookworms) or external parasites caused by mites (eg cheylietiellosis). It may be combined with other deworming treatments.
How is the medication given?
Ivermectin is given orally as tablets (US|). Both unflavored and chewable tablets are available. It may also be given by injection by your veterinarian (UK – authorized for use in farm animals and horses). Oral liquids and pastes designed for use in livestock and horses are too concentrated for use in cats and may result in death.
Otimectin Vet® gel and Acarexx® Otic Solution are used to treat ear mites in cats.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Depression may be seen in cats when used at higher doses. If your cat exhibits any sign of staggering, tremors, difficulty seeing, or seizures following a dose of ivermectin contact your veterinarian immediately.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
The initial dose of ivermectin must be given within a month (30 days) after the cat’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the cat’s last exposure to mosquitoes. The drug must be given every month during mosquito season, and many veterinarians recommend that it be given year round. If your veterinarian is using ivermectin for other worms or external parasites the therapeutic regimen will be different. If your veterinarian is treating your cat for ear mites, ivermectin will be administered as a single dose either by injection or directly into the ear.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused ivermectin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Do not allow ivermectin to enter the watershed as this drug is very toxic to aquatic life. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save 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 double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your cat is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Ivermectin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to dogs with multiple drug resistance gene (MDR1), eg Collies, Australian Shepherd dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs and related mixed breeds as ivermectin can be fatally toxic in these breeds.
- Do not give to turtles or fish or any other aquatic species.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on ivermectin?
No specific tests are required for cats on ivermectin.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on ivermectin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
US
- Boehringer Ingelheim Heartgard Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel):
- Website: heartgard.com/
- Product leaflet: heartgard.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/2022_09_13_HG_Plus_PI_BI.pdf.pdf
- Boehringer Ingelheim Acarexx® (ivermectin 0.01% topical solution). Website: www.bi-vetmedica.com/species/pet/products/acarexx.html
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.