Ivermectin (Tri-Heart Plus, Heartgard, Heartgard Plus)

Common Drug Name Ivermectin

Common Brand Names: Single Ingredient Products Heartgard Chewables for Dogs Heartgard Chewables for Cats Compounded ivermectin products Combination Products Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs contains ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate Tri-Heart Plus (for dogs) contains ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, protected from light.

Uses: Dogs: Ivermectin is used as a heartworm preventive. Products with pyrantel pamoate are also used for the treatment and control of roundworms and hookworms. Cats: Ivermectin is used as a heartworm preventive and for the removal and control of hookworms. Ferrets: Ivermectin is used as a heartworm preventive. Do NOT use in turtles.

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, 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. Heartgard Chewable tablets should be chewed. If you think your pet will swallow them whole, break them into pieces before giving them. Tri-Heart Plus chewable tablets will be equally effective whether chewed or swallowed whole. If switching from diethylcarbamazine (a once-a-day heartworm preventive) give ivermectin 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. 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. Not for use in Collies or other herding breeds over the recommended heartworm prevention dose unless under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. If your dog is one of these breeds, observe your pet for at least 8 hours after giving the medication for weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, or pressing the head against a wall. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs. Do not use in puppies or kittens less than 6 weeks of age. Considered to be safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Consult with your veterinarian regarding necessary physical examinations and heartworm testing necessary prior to and during treatment with heartworm medications. Some intestinal parasites may be zoonotic (able to infect humans). Ask your veterinarian or physician how to prevent human infection and reinfection of your pet. Properly dispose of unused ivermectin, as it may be toxic to fish and other animals.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions: Although there are no known drug or food interactions with this medication, consult with your veterinarian before using ivermectin with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose: Dogs: May see staggering, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or dilated pupils. Cats: May see agitation, vocalization, loss of appetite, dilation of pupils, staggering, tremors, blindness, head-pressing, wallclimbing, and disorientation. Most animals recover in 2-4 weeks with supportive care. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs, 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