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Ivermectin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved

Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites

At a glance

Class

Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved — 1990-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Heartworm prevention

Dose

0.006–0.012 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Monthly

Max dose

0.5 mg

Duration: Year-round in endemic areas

Generalised demodicosis

Dose

0.3–0.6 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

24 mg

Duration: Until 2 negative skin scrapings 4 weeks apart

Sarcoptic mange

Dose

0.2–0.4 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Every 2 weeks x 3 doses

Max dose

16 mg

Duration: 6 weeks

🐈

Cat

Ear mites (Otodectes)

Dose

0.2–0.3 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Every 2 weeks x 2 doses

Max dose

2 mg

Duration: 4 weeks

Heartworm prevention

Dose

0.024 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

Monthly

Max dose

0.2 mg

Duration: Year-round

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 →

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 1

Strength

10mg/mL

Available in India

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

0.068mg (68mcg)

💊

Oral paste — 1

Strength

1.87%

Available in India

💊

Pour-on — 1

Strength

5mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation — homozygous (MDR1 -/-)
CRITICAL: Dogs homozygous for MDR1 mutation lack functional P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier. Ivermectin at >0.12mg/kg causes severe neurotoxicity — tremors, ataxia, blindness, coma, death. Heartworm preventive doses (0.006mg/kg) ARE safe. Test before high-dose use. Heterozygous dogs (+/-) require caution.
CollieRough CollieSmooth CollieShetland SheepdogAustralian ShepherdBorder CollieOld English SheepdogEnglish ShepherdLonghaired WhippetSilken WindhoundMcNab ShepherdMiniature Australian Shepherd
Untested herding breeds at high doses
If MDR1 status unknown, do NOT use at demodicosis doses — use alternative (milbemycin, fluralaner)
CollieAustralian ShepherdBorder Collie

Use with caution

Concurrent P-glycoprotein inhibitors
May increase ivermectin brain penetration even in non-MDR1 dogs
Microfilaremic heartworm-positive dogs
Rapid microfilaria kill can cause anaphylaxis — pre-treat or use slow-kill protocol

Adverse effects

Common

Transient salivation (injectable)

Mild GI upset

Serious

Neurotoxicity (mydriasis, ataxia, tremors, blindness, coma, death — especially MDR1 breeds)

Anaphylaxis in heartworm-positive animals

Monitoring parameters

Neurological signs (especially first 8 hours after dosing)Heartworm antigen test before preventionMDR1 genotype in at-risk breeds

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 2

Selamectin

major

Both are macrocyclic lactones acting on GABA/glutamate-gated chloride channels; additive toxicity risk, especially in MDR1 breeds

Management: Do not use concurrently. Allow adequate washout based on half-lives.

Loperamide

major

Both are P-glycoprotein substrates; MDR1-mutant dogs cannot efflux either drug, causing fatal CNS toxicity

Management: Avoid loperamide in MDR1-mutant breeds (Collies, Shelties, Aussies). Test MDR1 status before use.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Ivomec

Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Hitek

Virbac

Neomec

Intas

Endectin

Zydus AH

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin) used in pets. Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites

›What is Ivermectin used for in pets?

Ivermectin is used in veterinary medicine for: Heartworm prevention; Generalised demodicosis; Sarcoptic mange; Ear mites (Otodectes).

›What is the Ivermectin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Ivermectin is typically dosed as follows — Heartworm prevention: 0.006–0.012 mg/kg PO Monthly; Generalised demodicosis: 0.3–0.6 mg/kg PO SID; Sarcoptic mange: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg SC Every 2 weeks x 3 doses. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Ivermectin dose for cats?

For cats, Ivermectin is typically dosed as follows — Ear mites (Otodectes): 0.2–0.3 mg/kg SC Every 2 weeks x 2 doses; Heartworm prevention: 0.024 mg/kg PO Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Ivermectin?

Common: Transient salivation (injectable), Mild GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): Neurotoxicity (mydriasis, ataxia, tremors, blindness, coma, death — especially MDR1 breeds), Anaphylaxis in heartworm-positive animals.

›Does Ivermectin need a prescription?

Yes. Ivermectin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Ivermectin not be used?

Do not use Ivermectin if: MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation — homozygous (MDR1 -/-); Untested herding breeds at high doses.

Educational reference only

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 4

Ivermectin concentrate solution/injection

M/s Dyner Pharma · Approved 1985-October

Anthelmintic indicated for the control of various helminthic infestations such as round worm lung worm of sheep cattle h

Ivermectin 6mg tablets

M/s Shalak Ontop Pharma · Approved 01.06.2004

Each ml of injection contains: Ivermectin IP 10 mg+ Clorsulon USP 100 mg Injecti

M/s. Crescent Lab · Approved 07.08.2014

For control and treatment of Liver fluke and Endoparasites like gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes, eye worms, ski

Each uncoated tablet Contains: Ivermectin IP 2 mg + Praziquantel IP 50 mg Tablet

M/s. VIBRO PHARMA · Approved 17.11.2014

Broad spectrum anthelmintic for the treatment and control of internal parasites( nematodes and cestodes) in dogs

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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic).

Selamectin

Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle, causing paralysis; also has some activity on GABA-gated chloride channels

dogcat