General Description: Amitraz dip is a topical solution applied to your dog’s coat to treat mange (usually Demodex). Mix the dip according to directions and be sure to use a fresh mixture with each treatment. Follow your veterinarian’s directions to achieve the best results. Do not rinse off Amitraz dip and allow your pet to air-dry. Read and follow all safety precautions on packaging. Available in 10.6 mL bottles.
What is this drug?
An antiparasitic dip
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Amitraz dip is applied topically
Reasons for prescribing:
Used in dogs to treat generalized demodicosis (Demodex mange), caused by a small mite
It may be used to treat other types of mange
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Safety is unknown for breeding, pregnant and nursing dogs
Dogs less than 4 months of age
Dogs taking MAOI drugs such as Anipryl, Selegiline or using a Preventic® Tick Collar
Dogs with deep bacterial skin infections
Rabbits
Use with caution in diabetic dogs
Dogs known to have had an allergic reaction to the amitraz or like products before
Directions:
Follow your veterinarian’s dosage and directions. If you have difficulty administering the treatment, contact your veterinarian.
Clip medium- and long-haired dogs. Prior to treatment, shampoo, rinse and towel dry your dog. To protect the dog’s eyes, place ophthalmic ointment in each eye. All handlers should wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Mix a fresh mixture of amitraz ensuring a correct dosage. Avoiding the dog’s eyes, completely wet the dog with the amitraz mixture. Do not rinse off or towel dry. Allow the dog to air dry. Do not allow dog to lick treated hair.
Repeat every 14 days for 3-6 treatments. Keep the dog dry between treatments.
Your veterinarian will need to perform periodic skin scrapings to determine how many treatments will be necessary.
Wash hands and arms with soap and water after treating dogs.
Avoid handling dogs immediately after treatment.
Do not stress animals for at least 24 hours.
What if dose is missed?
If a treatment is missed, apply it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next treatment, skip the missed treatment and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two treatments at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your dog need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your dog has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your dog has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your dog has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your dog has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your dog or plan to give your dog, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your dog’s medicines can be given together.
If your dog is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your dog
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Undiluted amitraz is flammable.
Do not inhale vapors.
Flush unused amitraz down the drain. Do not re-use container.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and dogs.
This product is very toxic if taken by mouth. Contact poison control if oral contact is made by humans or animals.
Human diabetics and people taking MAOI’s should use extreme caution when using amitraz.
Potential side effects:
Most common side effect is sedation which may last up to 3 days
Incoordination, slow heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea and low body temperature
Side effects are more common in older, weak or small breed dogs. Dosages may need to be altered.
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from this product’s therapy
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with corticosteroids, fluoxetine, immunosuppressant drugs, meperidine or a Preventic Tick Collar.
If your dog experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if dog receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, amitraz should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about amitraz. If you have any questions or concerns about amitraz or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
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