Moxidectin
Also known as: Cydectin, ProHeart, Advantage Multi, Quest, ComboCare, Advocate, Bravecto Plus, Endectrid, Moxiclear, Prinovox
* **Heartworm Testing**: Your pet must be tested for heartworms before starting this medication. Giving this drug to a heartworm-positive pet can cause severe reactions. * **Application**: If using the topical spot-on, apply it directly to the skin (part the hair) at the base of the neck/shoulder blades where the pet cannot lick it off. Keep treated pets separated from each other and children for a few hours until the application site is dry. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of lethargy, vomiting, stumbling (ataxia), or excessive drooling. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any neurological signs. * **ProHeart 6**: If your dog receives the 6-month injection, ensure you read the Client Information Sheet provided by your veterinarian and monitor for any signs of allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, severe lethargy) in the days following the injection.
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 disease, adult fleas, ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms (Advantage Multi)
- Feline Aelurostrongylosis (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus)
- Flea, mite, nematode treatment and heartworm prevention
- Flea/tick control and heartworm/nematode prevention (Bravecto Plus)
- Internal parasites
- Gastrointestinal helminthes in Camelids (NWC)
- Gastrointestinal parasites (Oral Gel)
- Mucosal stages of small strongyles
- Internal and external parasites (Pour-On)
- Internal and external parasites (Injectable)
- Internal parasites
- Prevention of heartworm disease, adult fleas, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms (Advantage Multi)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dogs: Lethargy, vomiting, ataxia, anorexia, diarrhea, nervousness, weakness, polydipsia, pruritus
- Dogs (Injectable): Rare but serious reports of anaphylaxis, liver disease, autoimmune hemolytic disease, convulsions
- Cats: Recumbency (rare)
- Horses: Minimal at labeled doses; CNS depression and coma reported in foals at high doses
- Cattle: Minimal to nonexistent at labeled doses
- Transient pruritus at application site
- Erythema at application site
- Hypersalivation (if licked)
- Emesis and haematemesis
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Pyrexia
- Tachypnoea
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the drug
- Dogs not tested for heartworm infection prior to use
- Sick, debilitated, or underweight dogs (specifically for the 6-month injectable)
- Female dairy cattle of breeding age
- Horses intended for food purposes
- Foals younger than 4 months of age
- Kittens < 9 weeks of age
- Dogs < 7 weeks of age
- Dogs with Class 4 heartworm disease
- Cats < 1.2 kg (for fluralaner combination)
- Breeding males (for fluralaner combination)
- > **Heartworm Testing**: Always test dogs for existing heartworm infections before initiating moxidectin therapy. Adult heartworms and microfilariae should be removed prior to therapy. * **ABCB1 (MDR1) Mutants**: Safe at standard labeled preventative doses. However, off-label high doses (e.g., for demodicosis or scabies) can cause severe neurotoxicity in herding breeds with this mutation. * **Body Condition**: Animals with very low body fat (neonates, cachexia) may experience significantly higher serum levels due to the drug's extreme lipophilicity, making them more prone to adverse reactions. * **Vaccinations**: Caution is advised when administering the 6-month sustained-release injection concurrently with vaccinations, as anaphylaxis has been reported.
Drug interactions
- Benzodiazepines: Effects may be potentiated by moxidectin; concurrent use is generally not advised.
- P-glycoprotein Inhibitors (Amiodarone, Carvedilol, Clarithromycin, Cyclosporine, Diltiazem, Erythromycin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Quinidine, Spironolactone, Tamoxifen, Verapamil): May inhibit the efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier, potentially increasing the risk of moxidectin neurotoxicity, especially in dogs with the ABCB1-1∆ mutation.
- P-glycoprotein substrates: Increased risk of neurological toxicity due to competitive inhibition at the blood-brain barrier
- Other macrocyclic lactones: Additive toxicity and increased risk of adverse neurological effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Moxidectin used for in pets?
* **Heartworm Testing**: Your pet must be tested for heartworms before starting this medication. Giving this drug to a heartworm-positive pet can cause severe reactions. * **Application**: If using the topical spot-on, apply it directly to the skin (part the hair) at the base of the neck/shoulder blades where the pet cannot lick it off. Keep treated pets separated from each other and children for a few hours until the application site is dry. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of lethargy, vomiting, stumbling (ataxia), or excessive drooling. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any neurological signs. * **ProHeart 6**: If your dog receives the 6-month injection, ensure you read the Client Information Sheet provided by your veterinarian and monitor for any signs of allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives, severe lethargy) in the days following the injection.
Is Moxidectin 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