FieldDx

Drug reference · Ivermectin

IvermectinDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs, Goats, Horses and Sheep.

What it is used for

Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic. Endoparasites and ectoparasites, generalized demodicosis.

Dose by species

Dose600 mcg/kg PO once dailyDogs
Dose6 mcg/kg PO every 30 daysDogs
Dose10 mg/kg PODogs
Dose200–400 mcg/kg IMDogs
Dose100 mcg/kgDogs
Dose200–400 mcg/kg PO every 7 daysDogs

Doses are shown as published, not averaged across sources. Enter the animal’s body weight in the interactive drug guide to calculate the amount.

How it works

Binds glutamate-gated chloride channels (implied by class).

Do not use in

Do not administer to animals younger than 6 weeks of age. Animals with high numbers of microfilaremia may show adverse reactions to high doses. If dogs are sensitive to ivermectin (see earlier list of breeds), they may be sensitive to other drugs in this class (other avermectins). Ivermectin at approved clinical doses for treatment of endoparasites or heartworm prevention has been safe in pregnant animals.

Main adverse effects

Toxicity may occur at high doses and in breeds in which ivermectin crosses the blood–brain barrier. Sensitive breeds include collies, Australian shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, longhaired whippets, and Shetland sheepdogs. Toxicity is neurotoxic and signs include hypersalivation, depression, ataxia, difficulty with vision, coma, and death.

Monitoring

Monitor for microfilaremia prior to administration in small animals. For other parasitic infections, confirm successful treatment with fecal examinations or skin scrapings. Ivermectin 487

Withdrawal

A withdrawal interval is stated for this drug. It depends on the formulation, route and dose, so read the exact wording in the interactive drug guide before treating a food animal.

Conditions it is used for

Alimentary tract disease Salmonellosis Stephanurus dentatus kidney infestation Parasite Migration in the Equine CNS Parasitic Gastroenteritis in Cattle Mange Demodicosis

Similar drugs

Albendazole Fenbendazole Levamisole Moxidectin/Moxidectin Praziquantel/Praziquantel

Source

Plumb (p. 481).

Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Edition (p. 485)

Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.