Milbemycin

Milbemycin In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Interacts with GABA and glutamate-gated channels, leading to flaccid paralysis of parasites.

Uses of Milbemycin

• Can be used in pregnant and lactating females.
• Treatment of adult nematode infestation; roundworms (Toxocara canis, T. cati), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, A. tubaeforme), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) and cestodes (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., Mesocestoides spp.).
• It is also used for the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in countries where this parasite is endemic.
• Can also be used to treat nasal mite infestations by weekly administration for 3 weeks.
• For treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum infections, milbemycin oxime should be given 4 times at weekly intervals.
• Reduction of the level of infection of Crenosoma vulpis.
• For the treatment of Thelazia callipaeda, milbemycin oxime should be given in 2 treatments, 7 days apart.
• Some efficacy against adult fleas.

Dose of Milbemycin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Nematodes: 0.5 mg milbemycin/kg p.o. q30d.
• For Angiostrongylus vasorum, administer the same dose 4 times at weekly intervals.

Cats:

• Nematodes: 2 mg milbemycin/kg p.o. q30d.

Side Effects of Milbemycin in Dogs and Cats

• No information is available.
• The safety of milbemycin in dogs with an MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation has not been
  demonstrated and these dogs may be at increased risk of adverse effects.

Contraindications of Milbemycin in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use in animals suspected of having heartworm disease.
• Not for use in dogs <2 weeks old or cats <6 weeks old or in any animal <0.5 kg.