CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Linda Horspool,
Medication: Moxidectin
Medication: Moxidectin
Your cat has been prescribed moxidectin to treat and/or prevent internal parasite infections in cats.
Key points:
• Parasiticide.
• Do not use in kittens younger than 9 weeks of age (Europe, UK, US) or 6 months (US), depending on product.
• Do not use in cats weighing less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs) or 1.2 kg (2.64 lbs).
• Heartworm prevention should only be started in cats aged 6 months or older that have been tested for heartworm.
• Not recommended for animals intended for breeding or during pregnancy or lactation.
• Dosage (minimum): topical Bravecto® Plus once every 8 weeks (US) or 12 weeks (Europe, UK) or once a month (other products).
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, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Moxidectin (mok-sē-dek'tin).
Brand name
- Advocate® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK).
- Advantage® Multi (in combination with imidacloprid, US).
- Bravecto® Plus (in combination with fluralaner, Europe, UK and US)
- Imoxi™ (US) (in combination with imidacloprid, US)
- Moxiclear® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK)
- Midamox™ (in combination with imidacloprid, US).
- Prinocate® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK).
- Prinovox® (in combination with imidacloprid, Europe & UK).
Class of drug
- Parasiticide.
- Macrocyclic lactone, milbemycin – endectocide (active against endo- parasites and some ectoparasites).
Storage
- Topical product as packaged for sale: some products should not be stored above 25°C (77°F). Check the package insert.
Why has my cat been prescribed moxidectin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed moxidectin for your cat for:
- Treatment of mixed external and internal parasitic infestations
- Prevention of heartworm disease
- Treatment of gastrointestinal roundworm and hookworm
- Treatment of lungworm (aelurostrongylosis, Europe & UK)
- Treatment of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).
How is the medication given?
Moxidectin is administered topically.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Use of the product on cats which have adult heartworms may cause serious adverse effects, including death. If adult heartworm infection is diagnosed, the infection should be treated in accordance with current scientific knowledge.
Salivation may occasionally occur if the animal licks the application site immediately after treatment. Transient local skin reactions including itching, alopecia, flaking skin and redness are common. In very rare local skin reactions can be accompanied by transient behavioral changes such as lethargy, agitation, and inappetence. On rare occasions greasy fur, erythema and vomiting can occur.
Drug interactions
- Do not give your cat other antiparasitic macrocyclic lactones while on moxidectin treatment.
- Use with care if the cat is being treated products that can inhibit p-glycoprotein (eg cyclosporine, ketoconazole, spinosad, verapamil).
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
The treatment schedule should be based on veterinary diagnosis, the local epidemiological situation and/or the epidemiological situation of other areas the cat has visited or is going to visit. In heartworm endemic areas, prevention should be provided every month year round.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused moxidectin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save moxidectin for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your cat is unwell or losing weight, contact your veterinarian for advice.
In cats aged 6 months and older, heartworm disease prevention should only be started after testing for heartworm.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Moxidectin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not administer topical products orally.
- Do not use in kittens younger than 9 weeks of age (Europe, UK, US) or 6 months of age (US -depending on product).
- Do not use in cats weighing less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs) or 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).
- In cats aged 6 months and older, heartworm disease prevention should only be started after testing for heartworm.
- Not recommended for animals intended for breeding or during pregnancy or lactation.
In case of accidental ingestion, or if skin or eye irritation occurs, contact a Poison Control Center or physician for treatment advice and show the package insert to the physician.
- In case of accidental splash of moxidectin topical or injectable on skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
- May be irritating to the eyes. If moxidectin topical or injectable is introduced accidentally in the eyes, they should be rinsed well with water.
- Accidental ingestion of the oral product may potentially result in adverse effects, such as transient excitatory neurological signs.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on moxidectin?
In cats aged 6 months and older, heartworm disease prevention should only be started after testing for heartworm.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on moxidectin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- Elanco (UK) Advocate®. (moxidectin/imidacloprid) Website: www.myelanco.co.uk/brand/advocate
- European Medicines Agency Advocate® for cats. (moxidectin/imidacloprid): www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/advocate-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- European Medicines Agency Bravecto® Plus for cats. (moxidectin/fluralaner): www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bravecto-plus-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- Norbrook (UK) Moxiclear® spot-on solution for cats. (moxidectin/imidacloprid): www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_1387285.PDF
- Krka (UK) Prinocate® spot-on solution for cats. (moxidectin/imidacloprid): www.krka.biz/media/uploads/uk/pharmaceuticals/smpc-prinocate.pdf
- Virbac (UK) Prinovox® Spot-on solution for cats. (moxidectin/imidacloprid): uk.virbac.com/files/live/sites/virbac-uk/files/predefined-files/Documents/7365%20VIR%20Prinovox%20Cat%20pack%20info.pdf
USA
- Elanco (US) Advantage Multi. Website: www.elancodvm.com/our-products/advantage/advantage-multi
- Food and Drugs Administration Advantage Multi: dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4acea077-3f1a-4507-ab8c-2f65d9035c97
- Food and Drugs Administration Bravecto Plus: dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d9d5ebde-7ff7-4864-b393-fbe77d7a112f
- Merck Animal Health Bravecto® Plus for cats (moxidectin/fluralaner). Website: www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/bravecto/plus-for-cats
- Vetoquinol (US) IMOXI™ Topical Solution for Cats (moxidectin/imidacloprid) Website: https://www.vetoquinolusa.com/sites/uscountry/files/imoxi-topical-solution-for-cats-insert.pdf
- Food and Drugs Administration Midamox for Cats: dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=4e3e11f4-e667-46bf-84cc-1a5dafd45a5a&version=1
- Norbrook (US) Midamox™ (moxidectin/imidacloprid): www.norbrook.com/media/3712/midamox-cats-insert-031422.pdf
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
