Trivalent organic arsenical that is selectively toxic to adult Dirofilaria immitis (heartworms). Arsenical compounds disrupt parasite energy metabolism and cause oxidative damage. The only FDA-approved adulticide treatment for canine heartworm disease.
At a glance
Class
Organoarsenical Adulticide
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted solution use within 24h
Dosing
AHS-recommended 3-injection protocol: Day 1: first injection; Day 30: second inj
Frequency
3-injection protocol over 2 months
Melarsomine is NOT safe for cats
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
Exercise restriction compliance (critical)Respiratory signs (PTE — cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis)Injection site for abscessAntigen test at 6 and 12 months post-treatment (should convert negative)Chest radiographs if respiratory complications
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 Melarsomine?
Melarsomine is a organoarsenical adulticide used in pets. Trivalent organic arsenical that is selectively toxic to adult Dirofilaria immitis (heartworms). Arsenical compounds disrupt parasite energy metabolism and cause oxidative damage. The only FDA-approved adulticide treatment for canine heartworm disease.
›What is Melarsomine used for in pets?
Melarsomine is used in veterinary medicine for: AHS-recommended 3-injection protocol: Day 1: first injection; Day 30: second inj; Melarsomine is NOT safe for cats.
›What is the Melarsomine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Melarsomine is typically dosed as follows — AHS-recommended 3-injection protocol: Day 1: first injection; Day 30: second inj: undefined undefined PO 3-injection protocol over 2 months. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Melarsomine dose for cats?
For cats, Melarsomine is typically dosed as follows — Melarsomine is NOT safe for cats: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Melarsomine need a prescription?
Yes. Melarsomine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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
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