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Milbemycin Oxime

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Macrocyclic lactone (milbemycin) antiparasitic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites; effective against heartworm larvae, roundworms, and hookworms

At a glance

Class
Macrocyclic lactone (milbemycin) antiparasitic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 2005-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Heartworm prevention / Intestinal nematodes
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Monthly
Max dose
25 mg
Duration: Year-round prevention
Demodex (generalized demodicosis)
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
50 mg
Duration: Until 2 consecutive negative skin scrapings 1 month apart
🐈

Cat

Intestinal parasites
Dose
2–4 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Monthly or as needed
Max dose
16 mg
Duration: Monthly prevention
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

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
2.5mg
Available in India
Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
10mg
Available in India
💊

Tablet (combination with praziquantel) — 1

Strength
12.5mg/125mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • MDR1 mutation (homozygous)
    At high doses (>0.5 mg/kg); safe at heartworm prevention dose
    CollieShetland SheepdogAustralian ShepherdOld English Sheepdog

Use with caution

  • Puppies under 4 weeks or <0.9 kg
    Safety not established

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy (transient)
Serious
Neurotoxicity in MDR1-mutant dogs at high doses (ataxia, tremors, seizures)
Hypersalivation

Monitoring parameters

Heartworm antigen test (annual)Fecal examinationSkin scrapings (demodicosis)
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.

Brands

International

Interceptor
Elanco
Milbemax
Elanco

India

Milpro
Virbac India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Milbemycin Oxime?
Milbemycin Oxime is a macrocyclic lactone (milbemycin) antiparasitic used in pets. Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites; effective against heartworm larvae, roundworms, and hookworms
What is Milbemycin Oxime used for in pets?
Milbemycin Oxime is used in veterinary medicine for: Heartworm prevention / Intestinal nematodes; Demodex (generalized demodicosis); Intestinal parasites.
What is the Milbemycin Oxime dose for dogs?
For dogs, Milbemycin Oxime is typically dosed as follows — Heartworm prevention / Intestinal nematodes: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO Monthly; Demodex (generalized demodicosis): 1–2 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Milbemycin Oxime dose for cats?
For cats, Milbemycin Oxime is typically dosed as follows — Intestinal parasites: 2–4 mg/kg PO Monthly or as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Milbemycin Oxime?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Lethargy (transient). Serious (call your vet immediately): Neurotoxicity in MDR1-mutant dogs at high doses (ataxia, tremors, seizures), Hypersalivation.
Does Milbemycin Oxime need a prescription?
Yes. Milbemycin Oxime is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Milbemycin Oxime not be used?
Do not use Milbemycin Oxime if: MDR1 mutation (homozygous).
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) — 5

Milbemycin Oxime …….2.5mg/12.5mg Praziquantel …………………..25mg/125mg Tablets (Veter
M/s. Elanco India Pvt. Ltd. · Approved 12.09.2017
Treatment of nematode and cestode infection in dogs.
Fixed dose combination of milbemycin oxime and praziquantel tablets milpro cats
M/s Virbac Animal Health India Pvt Ltd · Approved 09.09.2021
Treatment of mixed infectious by immature and adult cestodes tapeworms and adult nematodes roundworms of the folloing sp
Milbemycin oxime and praziquantel tablets milpro
M/s Virbac Animal Health India pvt ltd., · Approved 21.12.2021
Treatment of mixed infections by adult cestodes tapeworms an nematodes roundworms of the following species cestodes dipy
Afoxolaner and milbemycin Oxime Chewable tablets (Brand name Nexgard Spectra)
M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd., · Approved 02.02.2023
for the treatment of flea and tick infestations in dogs when the concurrent prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria
“FDC of Lotilaner and Milbemycin Oxime 56.25mg/2.11 mg, 112.5mg/4.22mg, 225mg/8.
M/s Elanco India Pvt. Ltd. · Approved 02.08.2024
For use in dogs with, or at risk from, mixed infestations/infctions of ticks, fleas, gastrointestinal nematodes, heartwo
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).

Doramectin
Rx
Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nematode and arthropod nerve and muscle cells, causing prolonged opening and irreversible hyperpolarization, resulting in paralysis and death of parasites. Does not cross intact mammalian BBB.
dogcat
Moxidectin
Rx
Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels causing paralysis and death of parasites; longer half-life than ivermectin; lipophilic with sustained tissue concentrations
dogcat
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