Dog - Amitraz

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Amitraz is used to treat mange in dogs. Mange mites live in the upper layers of the skin. Your veterinary surgeon will need to scrape a small area of your pet's skin to make a diagnosis of mange and also to monitor treatment.

How does this medicine work?

Amitraz acts at octopamine receptor sites resulting in increased parasite nervous system activity.

How do I give this medication?

• Apply this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• DO NOT use this medicine to treat mange in CHIHUAHUA dogs.
• Your pet may need to be clipped before treatment. Shampoo your pet before treatment if the animal is dirty.
• Shake the bottle before use. This medication is applied as a wash. Wear waterproof gloves and apron when handling the wash. Follow the instructions for dilution carefully and stir the solution. Make up sufficient solution for one treatment each time.
• Apply the wash to your pet with a soft brush or sponge. Apply outside or in a well-ventilated room.
• DO NOT rinse your dog. Allow the animal to dry naturally in a warm draught free place or take the dog for a short walk to allow the solution to start to dry. Try to stop your dog licking the solution (your veterinary surgeon may supply you with an Elizabethan collar). Avoid handling your pet until the solution is dry.
• Do not re-use any left over solution.
• Your veterinary surgeon will advise you how frequently to apply the wash. If your pet's immune system is depressed (immunosuppressed), you may need to continue treatment for a long period.
• DO NOT apply more medicine than directed and DO NOT apply more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any treatments.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package, leaflet or label to the physician.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat, direct sunlight, and open flame or other sources of ignition. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• Amitraz may cause drowsiness, but this effect should disappear after a while. If this symptom persists, contact your veterinary surgeon.
• Do not use this medication if your pet is heat stressed.
• Other symptoms include slower heart beat and slow shallow breathing. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The following drugs can potentially cause problems in animals treated for mange with amitraz: corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.