Moxidectin

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

Overview

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

Uses of Moxidectin

1- Treatment and prevention of:

• Flea infestation (Ctenocephalides felis).
• Canine biting lice (Trichodectes canis).
• Ear mite infestation (Otodectes cyanotis).
• Notoedric mange (Notoedres cati).
• Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis).
• Demodicosis (caused by Demodex canis).
• Eucoleus (syn. Capillaria) boehmi.
• Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila).
• Thelazia callipaeda.
• Spirocerca lupi.
• gastrointestinal nematodes.

2- Also used for the prevention of :

• Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis).
• Cutaneous dirofilariosis (Dirofilaria repens).
• Angiostrongylosis.
• Crenosoma vulpis and spirocercosis.

3- Product containing fluralaner:

• Flea and tick control 12 weeks.
• Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) prevention 8 weeks.
• Treatment of Toxacara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme.

Dose of Moxidectin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Parasites (many): 2.5 mg/kg moxidectin. Apply once every month.
• Minimum dose recommendation 0.1 ml/kg.
• Demodicosis (severe): Apply product weekly.

Cats:

• Parasites (many): 1.0 mg/kg moxidectin.
• Apply once every month.
• Minimum dose recommendation 0.1 ml/kg.

Side Effects of Moxidectin in Dogs and Cats

• Transient pruritus and erythema at the site of application may occur.
• Severe effects may be seen if applied to cats with adult heartworm disease.
• Fluralaner/moxidectin: uncommonly dyspnoea after licking the application site,
  hypersalivation, emesis, haematemesis, diarrhoea, lethargy, pyrexia, tachypnoea, mydriasis.

Contraindications of Moxidectin in Dogs and Cats

• Not for use in kittens, <9 weeks old, or dogs <7 weeks old.
• Do not use in dogs with class 4 heartworm disease.
• Moxidectin/fluralaner: not for use in breeding males, kittens <9 weeks of age and cats <1.2 kg.

Some Notes:

• For effective treatment of canine sarcoptic mange the product should be applied on 3 occasions at 2-week intervals.
• Although approved for the treatment of canine demodicosis this product is
  not uniformly efficacious.
• Frequent shampooing may reduce the efficacy of the product.
• Do not use concurrently with other P-glycoprotein substrates or macrocyclic lactones.