Interceptor Offers Prescription Parasite Protection
Interceptor is a Novartis developed drug that has been designed to help prevent heartworms, but it goes further. There are two main varieties of this product, one for dogs and one for cats. Both require a prescription from your veterinarian. The medicine is given to your pet as a flavored tablet that they chew and swallow in order to ingest the medicine. There are size requirements for each dosage so be sure to pay attention to these before you give your pet any flavor tab.
Interceptor for Dogs and Puppies prevents heartworms, removes mature roundworms and whipworms while controlling hookworms.
Interceptor for Cats and Kittens prevents heartworms while removing mature hookworms and roundworms.
Before treating a dog or cat for heartworms, they must first be tested by your veterinarian. This should happen every 6 months so if it has been longer than 6 months since your pet was tested, it should be done again before giving them this medicine.
Interceptor was designed as a full spectrum treatment that is given to your pet each month to help protect them against all of the parasites mentioned above. Since humans can become infected with roundworms and hookworms, it is important to use this type of medication to keep your dog free of these parasites.
This brand has been proven effective for many owners of dogs and cats that had frequent incidents of worms so it is commonly turned to as a solution to help pets be parasite free. Used monthly, parasites are not allowed to settle in and begin reproducing to create an infection. Failure to treat these types of worms can lead to serious medical complications for your pet, so deciding on a strong brand such as Interceptor as a treatment is a sound idea you should discuss with your veterinarian.
More Product Information:
Generic Name
Milbemycin Oxime (mil’-beh-my’-sin ox’-eem)
Brand Name(s)
Interceptor (Novartis)
What is this medication used for
Interceptor is used in the prevention of heartworm disease and in the control of hookworm, roundworm and whipworm.
Availability
Interceptor is available by prescription as chewable Flavor Tabs.
How this medicine should be used
Interceptor is FDA approved for use in dogs and cats. The usual dose of Interceptor for dogs 2-10 pounds is 2.3mg, 11-25 pounds is 5.75mg, 26-50 pounds is 11.5mg and 51-100 pounds is 23mg given once a month year round. The usual dose of Interceptor in cats 1.5-6 pounds is 5.75mg, 6.1-12 pounds is 11.5mg, and 12.1-25 pounds is 23mg given once a month year round. An alternate treatment is to give this medication once a month during the mosquito season and also one month after the season ends. Consult your veterinarian for the dose of Interceptor when used to treat other parasites.
What are the side effects
Side effects of Interceptor are rare although some animals may exhibit depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures and weakness.
What special precautions are there
This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. The pet should be tested for heartworm disease before starting this medication. If the pet has been off heartworm preventative for 6 months or more, retest in 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will cause a positive test result. Because humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals it is important to maintain good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of stools is recommended.
In the event of overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.
How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet from the foil wrap until ready to give the medication. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.
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