Heartworm Disease Is 100% Preventable With Heartgard For Cats! Only Heartgard For Cats Comes In A Palatable Meaty Chewable Formulation. Heartgard For Cats Also Removes And Controls Hookworms In Kittens As Young As 6 Weeks Of Age - From The Very First Dose. 6 Monthly Doses. Generic Name Ivermectin (eye-ver-mek'-tin) Brand Name(s) Heartgard (Merial) What is this medication used for Ivermectin is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Ivermectin is also used for the control of hookworm in cats. Availability Ivermectin is available by prescription as tablets,flavored chewable tablets and injectable. How this medicine should be used Ivermectin is given once a month year round for the prevention of heartworm disease. The usual dose of ivermectin in dogs up to 25 pounds is 68mcg,for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg and for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given a combination of tablets. The usual dose of ivermectin in cats 5 pounds or less is 55mcg and for cats 6-15 pounds is 165mcg. The chewable tablets should be chewed. They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally swallow treats whole,the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an alternate to year round dosing,this medication can be given during the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends. What are the side effects The side effects of ivermectin are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors,dilated pupils,and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include agitation,loss of appetite,staggering,dilated pupils,tremors,blindness and disorientation. What special precautions are there This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off ivermectin for 6 months or less,start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria,that take 6 months to mature,will result in a positive test result. Because humans can contract hookworm from animals,it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection,daily cleanup of stools is recommended. In the event of an overdose Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting,diarrhea,and incoordination in dogs. The symptoms of overdose in cats may include disorientation,tremors,incoordination,and blindness. How should I store this medication Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets. |
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