Cat & Dog - Selamectin

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Selamectin is used for control of internal and external parasites. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe selamectin for treatment of roundworms, heartworm prevention, flea infestation, flea allergy dermatitis, mange in dogs, or ear mites in cats. Your veterinary surgeon may also prescribe it for other ectoparasites (parasites that live on your pet, eg fleas,  rather than inside your pet, eg worms).

How does this medicine work?

Selamectin interferes with parasite nerve transmission at the level of the post-synaptic membrane, resulting in paralysis and death.

How do I give this medication?

• Apply this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• DO NOT apply more medication than directed and DO NOT apply more often than directed.
• Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be applied.
• Wash hands after handling the medication.
• Avoid contact with the animal for at least 30 minutes after treatment or until the hair coat is dry.
• Keep your pet away from fires and other sources of ignition for at least 30 minutes after treatment or until the hair coat is dry.
• Do not reapply for 30 days.
• Do not apply when the hair coat is wet and do not bathe or shampoo your pet until at least 2 hours after applying selamectin.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Apply the dose as soon as possible. Contact your veterinary surgeon if you have missed applying the dose by more than a few days. Do not apply two doses at once.

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, open flame, sparks 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 possible side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Do not use this medication on animals less than 6 weeks of age.
• There are very few side effects when selamectin is given at the usual dose. 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.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.