Ivermectin
Also known as: Heartgard, Ivomec, Equimectrin, Eqvalan, Zimectrin, Equimax, Phoenectin, Tri-Heart Plus, Panacur Plus, Stromectol, Otimectin Vet, Panomec
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Heartworm Prevention:** When used at the prescribed low doses for heartworm prevention, ivermectin is extremely safe for all breeds of dogs and cats. * **Breed Sensitivities:** Certain herding breeds (like Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) can have a genetic mutation that makes them highly sensitive to ivermectin at higher doses. Your veterinarian may recommend a genetic test before using this drug for conditions like mange. * **Signs of Toxicity:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of stumbling, dilated pupils, drooling, tremors, lethargy, or blindness after receiving this medication. * **Handling Precautions:** If using large animal liquid or paste products, wash your hands after use and avoid contact with your eyes. Do not eat or smoke while handling. * **Environmental Safety:** Dispose of unused products carefully. Ivermectin is highly toxic to fish and water-borne organisms; do not dispose of it in lakes, streams, or ponds.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As a preventative for heartworm
- For Aelurostrongylus abstrusus
- Ear mites
- For susceptible parasites
- For general control of endo- and ectoparasites in potbellied pigs
- For prevention of heartworm disease
- To treat heartworm disease using the very slow protocol
- For nasal bot infection
- For susceptible parasites
- For adjunctive treatment of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis)
- Camelids: For susceptible parasites
- Camelids: For GI helminths
- Camelids: For adjunctive treatment of meningeal worm
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Horses: Ventral midline swelling and pruritus (hypersensitivity to dying Onchocerca microfilariae)
- Dogs: Shock-like reaction (when used as microfilaricide), depression, hypothermia, vomiting
- Dogs (MDR1/Toxicity): Ataxia, lethargy, hypersalivation, mydriasis, tremors, seizures, blindness, coma
- Cats: Agitation, vocalization, anorexia, mydriasis, rear limb paresis, tremors, disorientation, blindness
- Cattle: Paralysis/staggering or salivation/bloat (if Hypoderma bovis larvae are killed in vital areas), injection site swelling
- Birds: Lethargy, anorexia, death (especially in finches and budgerigars)
- Neurotoxicity (ataxia, tremors, mydriasis, blindness, coma, death) - especially in MDR1-mutant dogs
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Bradycardia
Cautions & contraindications
- Foals less than 4 months old (manufacturer recommendation)
- Puppies less than 6 weeks old
- Breeds susceptible to ABCB1-1Δ (MDR1) mutation at high doses (unless tested normal)
- Chelonians (turtles, tortoises)
- Indigo snakes
- Skinks
- Lactating dairy animals (no milk withdrawal established)
- Females of breeding age (cattle/swine, per label)
- Dogs with the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation (unless using strictly at low heartworm preventative doses)
- Chelonians (turtles and tortoises) - causes fatal flaccid paralysis
- Kittens under 16 weeks of age (for topical ear gel)
- Use of concentrated livestock formulations in small animals
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines: Effects may be potentiated by ivermectin; concurrent use is not advised.
- Ketamine: Avoid ivermectin in reptiles within 10 days of ketamine administration.
- Spinosad: Increased risk of neurotoxicity; do not use with high extra-label doses of ivermectin.
- Amiodarone: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Carvedilol: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Clarithromycin: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Cyclosporine: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Diltiazem: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Erythromycin: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Itraconazole: P-glycoprotein inhibitor; increases risk of ivermectin CNS toxicity.
- Ketoconazole: Strong P-glycoprotein inhibitor; should never be used with ivermectin in dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ivermectin used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Heartworm Prevention:** When used at the prescribed low doses for heartworm prevention, ivermectin is extremely safe for all breeds of dogs and cats. * **Breed Sensitivities:** Certain herding breeds (like Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs) can have a genetic mutation that makes them highly sensitive to ivermectin at higher doses. Your veterinarian may recommend a genetic test before using this drug for conditions like mange. * **Signs of Toxicity:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of stumbling, dilated pupils, drooling, tremors, lethargy, or blindness after receiving this medication. * **Handling Precautions:** If using large animal liquid or paste products, wash your hands after use and avoid contact with your eyes. Do not eat or smoke while handling. * **Environmental Safety:** Dispose of unused products carefully. Ivermectin is highly toxic to fish and water-borne organisms; do not dispose of it in lakes, streams, or ponds.
Is Ivermectin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app