Imidacloprid + Moxidectin (Advantage Multi™) for Dogs and Cats

Overview of Advantage Multi™ for Canines and Felines

• Imidacloprid and Moxidectin is a combination of drugs commonly known as Advantage Multi™. This is a common over-the-counter medication used to prevent fleas and heartworms in dogs as well as ear mites in cats.
• Parasitic infections are common and include external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites) and internal parasites (intestinal worms, lungworms, heartworms).
• Advantage Multi™ is a combination of two drugs, imidacloprid and moxidectin, that act to treat or prevent a variety of parasites.
• Imidacloprid is an insecticidal agent that acts on the central nervous system of insects causing impairment and subsequent death.
• Moxidectin is also a parasite control drug. It affects the nervous system of parasites, leading to their death, but is considered non-toxic to mammals. It is primarily used to prevent heartworm infection.
• This drug combination is produced by Bayer and is labeled to treat fleas, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms (in dogs) and ear mites (in cats).
• It is supplied as a topical solution that collects in the oils of the skin and in hair follicles. It is not absorbed into the body and does not circulate through the blood stream.
• Moxidectin has been shown to be safe in collie breeds and collie mixed breeds. Moxidectin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
• The effects of imidacloprid last about 30 days and remain effective after bathing or swimming, though shampooing should be avoided within 48 hours of application. Fleas are rapidly killed by imidacloprid: Between 98 and 100 percent of fleas die within 12 hours of treatment. Reinfesting fleas are killed within 2 hours. Imidacloprid is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names or Other Names of Imidacloprid and Moxidectin

• This drug is registered for use in animals only.
• Human formulations: None
• Veterinary formulations: Advantage Multi® (Bayer).

Uses of Imidacloprid and Moxidectin for Dogs and Cats

• This drug combination is produced by Bayer is labeled to prevent fleas, heartworms, gastrointestinal parasites (in dogs) and ear mites (in cats).

Precautions and Side Effects

• While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, imidacloprid + moxidectin may cause side effects in some animals.
• Imidacloprid and moxidectin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
• This product is not recommended for use in underweight, pregnant, nursing, debilitated, or geriatric animals.
• Imidacloprid and moxidectin is not recommended for use in kittens less than 9 weeks of age or less than 2 pounds. It is also not recommended for use in puppies less than 7 weeks of age or dogs less than 3 pounds body weight.
• Imidacloprid and moxidectin may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving might interact with imidacloprid and moxidectin.
• Imidacloprid is a topical agent and temporary irritation at the site of application is possible.
• Spotted areas may appear wet or oily for up to 24 hours.
• Overdose is rare and no adverse effects have been reported at even up to 5 times the recommended dose.
• This drug should only be used in dogs after a negative heartworm test. Administration to heartworm positive dogs can lead to a potentially severe shock-like reaction.
• Adverse effects are uncommon and include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and stumbling.
• Due to its bitter taste, this drug may cause temporary profuse drooling if ingested.

How Imidacloprid and Moxidectin is Supplied

• Advantage Multi® is supplied for topical application in dogs and cats. It is supplied in the form of applicator tubes with 0.4 ml, 1.0 ml, 2.5 ml and 4.0 ml for dogs and 0.4 ml or 0.8 ml for cats.

Dosing Information of Imidacloprid & Moxidectin for Dogs and Cats

• Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
• The dose of imidacloprid is based on the weight of the dog. Tubes/pipettes are available in sizes of 0.4 ml (for dogs 3-9 pounds), 1 ml (for dogs 9.1 – 20 pounds), 2.5 ml (for dogs 20.1 to 55 pounds), and 4 ml (for dogs over 55.1 to 88 pounds). Dogs over 88 pounds should be treated with the appropriate combination of tubes. One tube of appropriate size should normally be applied topically every 30 days.
• For cats, tubes/pipettes are available in sizes of 0.23 ml ( for cats and kittens from 2 –5 pounds) 0.4 ml (for cats 5.1 – 9 pounds) and 0.8 ml (for cats 9.1 18 pounds). Cats over 18 pounds should be treated with the appropriate combination of tubes. The medication is normally applied once monthly.
• The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Even if your pet appears to feel better, the entire treatment program should be completed to prevent resurgence of the infestation.

Anti-Parasitic Drugs (External)

Dermatology & Integumentary diseases
Gastroenterology & Digestive diseases