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
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.
Find a vet near you →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
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →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
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database