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
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
Dosing
Heartworm prevention / Intestinal nematodes
Duration: Year-round prevention
Demodex (generalized demodicosis)
Duration: Until 2 consecutive negative skin scrapings 1 month apart
Intestinal parasites
Frequency
Monthly or as needed
Duration: Monthly prevention
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
Adverse effects
Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy (transient)
Serious
Neurotoxicity in MDR1-mutant dogs at high doses (ataxia, tremors, seizures)
Hypersalivation
Heartworm antigen test (annual)Fecal examinationSkin scrapings (demodicosis)
Interactions
No documented interactions.
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).
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
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.
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