Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor, Sentinel)

Common Drug Name Milbemycin oxime

Common Brand Names Single Ingredient Products Interceptor Flavor Tabs for Dogs Interceptor Flavor Tabs for Cats Combination Products Sentinel Flavor Tabs: Contain milbemycin oxime and lufenuron No generic products are available.

Storage Store at room temperature.

Uses Dogs: Milbemycin oxime is used as a heartworm preventive, controls hookworms, and removes and controls roundworms and whipworms. It has also been used in dogs with certain types of mite infestations (mange). The lufenuron in Sentinel is used for the prevention and control of flea infestations by stopping flea egg development. Cats: Milbemycin oxime is used as a heartworm preventive, and in the removal of certain types of roundworms and hookworms. Sentinel is not approved for use in cats.

Dose and Administration Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s directions on when to give this medication. If advised to give it seasonally for heartworm prevention, remember to give it during and 1 month beyond the mosquito season, preferably on the same date each month. The tablet kills the parasites acquired during the previous month. (The tablet given May 1st treats exposures to heartworm during the month of April.) If a dose is missed, give the tablet immediately and resume giving a tablet every 30 days (once a month). Contact your veterinarian regarding the need to have your pet heartworm tested in 6-7 months. For Sentinel Flavor Tabs, the medication MUST be given with food to increase absorption of the lufeneron. Be sure the entire dose has been consumed. If it is not entirely consumed, redose once with the full recommended dose as soon as possible. Interceptor Flavor Tabs do not need to be given with a meal. If switching from a once-a-day heartworm preventive (diethylcarbamazine) give milbemycin within 30 days of discontinuing the diethylcarbamazine. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects Side effects are rare at the recommended heartworm prevention dosage. May see depression, lethargy, vomiting, staggering, loss of appetite, diarrhea, seizures, weakness, or excessive salivation. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication or the dying of parasites, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Consult your veterinarian regarding heartworm testing your pet prior to, and during, treatment with this medication. Not for use in Collies or other herding breeds over the recommended heartworm prevention dose unless under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. (Doses larger than those for heartworm prevention are used to treat mange.) If your dog is one of these breeds and is receiving a higher dose, observe your pet for at least 8 hours after giving the medication for weakness, staggering, fever, dilated pupils, trembling, or pressing the head against a wall. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs. Do not use in puppies less than 4 weeks of age or less than 2 pounds, or in kittens less than 6 weeks of age or less than 1.5 pounds. Considered to be safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Consult your veterinarian regarding physical examinations and heartworm testing your pet prior to, and during, treatment with milbemycin oxime. Properly dispose of unused milbemycin, as it may be toxic to fish and other animals. Human Precautions Some intestinal parasites may be zoonotic (able to infect humans). Consult your veterinarian or physician on how to prevent human infection and reinfection of your pet.

Drug, Food and Test Interactions Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving milbemycin. No known drug or food interactions.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose Rare. May see any of the above side effects. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

** This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

If you have questions about this medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation