Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and octopamine receptor agonist in arthropods; causes hyperexcitability, paralysis, and detachment of ticks and mites from the host
At a glance
Class
Formamidine acaricide/insecticide
Storage
Below 30°C, protect from light, keep away from children
Dosing
Generalized demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, tick control
Duration: Until 2 consecutive negative skin scrapings, 1 month apart
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Use in cats
Cats are highly sensitive to amitraz toxicity
Diabetic animals
Inhibits insulin release, causes transient hyperglycemia
Adverse effects
Common
Transient sedation
Pruritus post-dip
Hypothermia
Serious
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Hyperglycemia
Severe CNS depression
Heart rateBody temperatureBlood glucose (diabetic patients)Skin scrapings for mites
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Amitraz?
Amitraz is a formamidine acaricide/insecticide used in pets. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and octopamine receptor agonist in arthropods; causes hyperexcitability, paralysis, and detachment of ticks and mites from the host
›What is Amitraz used for in pets?
Amitraz is used in veterinary medicine for: Generalized demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, tick control.
›What is the Amitraz dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amitraz is typically dosed as follows — Generalized demodicosis, sarcoptic mange, tick control: 250–500 ppm dip topical dip Every 14 days. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Amitraz?
Common: Transient sedation, Pruritus post-dip, Hypothermia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bradycardia, Hypotension, Hyperglycemia, Severe CNS depression.
›Does Amitraz need a prescription?
Yes. Amitraz is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Amitraz not be used?
Do not use Amitraz if: Use in cats; Diabetic animals.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
Amitraz emulsifiable concentrate
M/s Hoechst India Ltd · Approved 06.08.1996
for veterinary use
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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