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Selamectin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved

Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin)

Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

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

At a glance

Class

Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 30°C, do not freeze

CDSCO (India)

Vet-approved

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, sarcoptic mange, ear mites

Dose

6–12 mg/kg

Route

Topical (spot-on)

Frequency

Monthly

Max dose

360 mg

Duration: Year-round

🐈

Cat

Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms

Dose

6–12 mg/kg

Route

Topical (spot-on)

Frequency

Monthly

Max dose

90 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

💊

Spot-on pipette — 5

Strength

15mg (puppies/kittens)

Available in India

Strength

30mg (cats <5kg)

Available in India

Strength

60mg (dogs 5-10kg)

Available in India

Strength

120mg (dogs 10-20kg)

Available in India

Strength

240mg (dogs 20-40kg)

Available in India

Storage

Store below 30°C, do not freeze

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Puppies/kittens <6 weeks of age
Safety not established in very young animals

Use with caution

Sick, debilitated, or underweight animals
Safety data limited in debilitated patients
MDR1 mutant breeds
Generally considered safe in MDR1 breeds at labelled doses but monitor

Adverse effects

Common

Transient hair loss at application site

Mild GI upset if ingested

Serious

Neurological signs in sensitive individuals (very rare at labelled doses)

Salivation if licked

Monitoring parameters

Flea countsHeartworm antigen test annuallySkin at application site

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Ivermectin

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.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Revolution

Zoetis

Stronghold

Zoetis

India

Chanhold

Elanco

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Selamectin?

Selamectin is a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic (avermectin) used in pets. Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle, causing paralysis; also has some activity on GABA-gated chloride channels

›What is Selamectin used for in pets?

Selamectin is used in veterinary medicine for: Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, sarcoptic mange, ear mites; Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms.

›What is the Selamectin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Selamectin is typically dosed as follows — Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, sarcoptic mange, ear mites: 6–12 mg/kg Topical (spot-on) Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Selamectin dose for cats?

For cats, Selamectin is typically dosed as follows — Flea prevention, heartworm prevention, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms: 6–12 mg/kg Topical (spot-on) Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Selamectin?

Common: Transient hair loss at application site, Mild GI upset if ingested. Serious (call your vet immediately): Neurological signs in sensitive individuals (very rare at labelled doses), Salivation if licked.

›Does Selamectin need a prescription?

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

›When should Selamectin not be used?

Do not use Selamectin if: Puppies/kittens <6 weeks of age.

Educational reference only

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).

Ivermectin

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

dogcat