General Description: Ivermectin + pyrantel pamoate is a combination of 2 anti-parasitic drugs used monthly in dogs and cats to prevent heartworm infection and for the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms. This product may be given with or without food. Chewable tablets are available in different strengths.
What is this drug?
Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate is a combination of two anti-parasite drugs
Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
For heartworm prevention in dogs
For treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
For use in dogs only
Puppies less than 6 weeks of age
Safe for use in Collies, Australian shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, Shelties and any of these crossbreed dogs if given the regular monthly heartworm preventative dosing level
Safe for use in breeding, pregnant and nursing animals
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to ivermectin or pyrantel pamoate or like products
Directions:
Give this medication with or without food. The medication is meant to be chewed before swallowing. It may be necessary to break the chewable into smaller pieces and hand feed as treats. Ensure that your pet consumes the entire dose.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is often given seasonally.
As a heartworm preventative, this medication is given once a month, beginning within a month after the pet’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The medication kills the parasites acquired during the previous month. The final dose should be given within a month of the last exposure to mosquitoes.
Monthly treatment also provides effective treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms.
Ideally, give the medication on or about the same day each month.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time. If you miss more than 8 weeks in a row, give the drug as soon as you remember, but you should have your pet’s blood tested for heartworms within 6 months (as infection may have occurred).
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
Whether a blood test will need to be performed prior to treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
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.
People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
When the parasites begin to die off, the animal may experience a mild hypersensitivity reaction including diarrhea
Self-limiting reactions may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, staggering, hypersalivation, convulsions within 24 hours of treatment
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product’s therapy
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, when ivermectin and pyrantel are used at the recommended dose, there are no contraindicated drugs. When higher doses are used, interactions may occur with amitraz dips and collars (Mitaban®, Preventic®), spinosad (Comfortis™) or valiumor-related tranquilizers.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet consumes 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, this product 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 ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. If you have any questions or concerns about this product or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.