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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
5

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

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

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.

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.

References

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).

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