Milbemycin Oxime
Also known as: Interceptor, Sentinel, Milbemite
- **Compliance is key**: Give this medication exactly as prescribed, usually once a month on the same day. - **Watch them eat it**: Ensure your pet completely consumes the tablet. If they spit it out, they will not be protected. - **Testing required**: Your pet must have a negative heartworm test before starting this medication. - **Side effects**: Very rare at standard monthly doses. If your pet is being treated for mange at higher daily doses, watch for and immediately report any stumbling, tremors, excessive drooling, or extreme lethargy.
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
- Prevention of heartworm; treat adult hookworm and adult roundworms
- Heartworm prophylaxis, control of adult hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
- Microfilaricide chemotherapy (in adulticide-pretreated dogs)
- Treatment of generalized demodicosis
- Treatment of cheyletiellosis
- Treatment of scabies
- Chronic rhinitis caused by Pneumonyssus caninum
- Nematodes
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Transient shock-like syndrome (in microfilaremic animals)
- Ataxia
- Trembling
- Mydriasis
- Hypersalivation
- Lethargy
- Pyrexia
- Seizures
- Coma
Cautions & contraindications
- Puppies less than 4 weeks of age or less than 2 lbs
- Kittens less than 6 weeks of age or less than 1.5 lbs
- Because some dogs with a high number of circulating microfilaria will develop a transient, shock-like syndrome after receiving milbemycin, testing for preexisting heartworm infections is recommended before use. If using at doses greater than labeled in breeds susceptible to the ABCB1 genetic mutation, genetic testing is recommended before initiating therapy. Safety in breeding, pregnant, and lactating queens and breeding toms has not been established.
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines: Effects may be potentiated by milbemycin; concurrent use is not advised in humans and warrants caution in animals.
- P-glycoprotein inhibitors (Amiodarone, Ketoconazole, Cyclosporine, Diltiazem, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Quinidine, Spironolactone, Tamoxifen, Verapamil): May inhibit the efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier, increasing the risk of milbemycin neurotoxicity, particularly in dogs at risk for the ABCB1-1 (MDR1) mutation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Milbemycin Oxime used for in pets?
- **Compliance is key**: Give this medication exactly as prescribed, usually once a month on the same day. - **Watch them eat it**: Ensure your pet completely consumes the tablet. If they spit it out, they will not be protected. - **Testing required**: Your pet must have a negative heartworm test before starting this medication. - **Side effects**: Very rare at standard monthly doses. If your pet is being treated for mange at higher daily doses, watch for and immediately report any stumbling, tremors, excessive drooling, or extreme lethargy.
Is Milbemycin Oxime 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.
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