Medication: Selamectin

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient selamectin to prevent heartworm disease, control flea infestations, prevent and control ear mites, control tick infestations, and for treatment and control of hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) and roundworms (Toxocara cati).

Key points:
• Endo- and ectoparasiticide.
• Do not use in cats <8 weeks of age.
• Do not apply when the hair coat is wet.
• Safe to use during pregnancy or lactation in female cats.
• Dosage: monthly or as recommended by your veterinarian.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name

• Selamectin (sel-a-MEK-tin).

Brand name

• Stronghold® (Europe & UK).
• Selames® (UK).
• Selapro® (UK).
• Selarid® (UK).
• Revolution® (US).
• Revolution Plus® (US) (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) – cats only.

Class of drug

• Avermectin parasiticide.

Storage

• Store in the unopened foil package in a dry place.
• Do not store above 30°C.
• Highly flammable: keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, or other sources of ignition.

Your veterinarian has prescribed selamectin to prevent heartworm disease, control flea infestations, control tick infestations, and for treatment and control of hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) and roundworms (Toxocara cati). Selamectin kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month.

• Treatment and prevention of flea infestation caused by Ctenocephalides spp.
• As part of strategy for treatment of flea allergy dermatitis.
• Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
• Treatment of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).
• Also effective against biting lice infestations (Felicola subrostratus) in cats.
• Treatment and control of hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) and roundworms (Toxocara cati).

Selamectin is administered topically (spot-on) and is available in three separate dose strengths for cats of different weights. It is applied every month. However, your veterinarian may recommend a second administration applied 14 days after the first dose if your cat has a heavy tick infestation. It may take up to 5 days to kill the majority of ticks on your cat. Selamectin is only effective against the American dog tick so if your cat has other ticks, your veterinarian may recommend additional tick control products.

How to apply:

• Do not apply to broken skin or when the haircoat is wet (bathing or shampooing the cat 2 or more hours after treatment will not reduce effectiveness).
• Firmly press the cap down to puncture the seal on the tube. Avoid contact between the product and fingers.
• Remove the cap and check to ensure that the tip of the tube is open.
• Part the hair at the base of the animal’s neck, in front of the shoulder blades, to expose a small area of skin.
• Apply the tip of the tube directly to the skin without massaging.
• Squeeze the tube firmly to empty the contents in one spot.
• Keeping the tube squeezed, drag it away from the liquid and lift to remove. Check the tube to ensure that it is empty.

After application:

• Do not massage into the skin.
• Avoid direct contact with treated animals until the application area is dry.
• Keep treated animals away from fires, flames, sparks and other sources of ignition for at least 30 minutes after treatment, or until the hair coat is dry.
• Do not allow treated animals to bathe or swim until 2 hours after treatment.

Side-effects are rare. However, irritation and hair loss around the application site have been reported. Cats who groom the application site may hypersalivate and vomit.

Selamectin can be used safely with other medications including vaccines, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, collars, shampoos, and dips. However, always let your veterinarian know if your cat is taking any other medications (including supplements and those without prescription) as they may want to check that all the medicines can be given together.

Selamectin kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month so should be administered at every month for flea infestations.

For the prevention of heartworm disease, selamectin can be administered year-round, or at least within 1 month of the animal’s first exposure to mosquitoes and monthly until the end of the mosquito season. The last dose should be given within 1 month of the last exposure to mosquitoes.

For the treatment of intestinal worms, lice and ear mites, a single application only is required.

Empty tubes/pipettes of selamectin can be placed in your household refuse. Any unused selamectin should be disposed safely - don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save selamectin for future use or give to other pets.

If you forget to apply a dose, give the dose as soon as possible and resume the monthly applications from that day. Don’t give two doses at the same time – contact your veterinarian if you apply more than the recommended amount.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Selamectin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

• Do not give to other pets in the household
• Should not be used in cats less than 8 weeks of age
• Wash off any product in contact with the skin immediately with soap and water
• Wash hands after use
• Do not smoke, eat, or drink while handling this product.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

There is no specific monitoring required but your veterinarian may monitor your pet to check if the treatment is effective.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on selamectin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

• European Medicines Agency Stronghold®. www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/stronghold-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) Selames (Selamectin). www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/QRD_Documents/QRD-Auth_1489265.PDF
• Norbrook Selarid (selamectin). www.norbrook.com/media/2951/selarid-product-package-insert.pdf 

USA

• Zoetis Revolution. Website: www.zoetispetcare.com/products/revolution/
• Zoetis REVOLUTION® (selamectin). Website: www.zoetisus.com/_locale-assets/mcm-portal-assets/products/pdf/revolution-prescribing-information.pdf
• Aurora Pharmaceutical, Inc. Revolt® (selamectin). aurorapharmaceutical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Revolt-Product-Insert-10.12.2021.pdf

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.