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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
4

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
PO
Frequency
Monthly
Max dose
0.5 mg
Duration: Year-round in endemic areas
Generalised demodicosis
Dose
0.3–0.6 mg/kg
Route
PO
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
SC
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
SC
Frequency
Every 2 weeks x 2 doses
Max dose
2 mg
Duration: 4 weeks
Heartworm prevention
Dose
0.024 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Monthly
Max dose
0.2 mg
Duration: Year-round

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

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.

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.

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

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. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

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

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