Description
Indications
This medication contains two active ingredients, milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. It works to prevent heartworm disease, and to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms in dogs. Milbemycin oxime shifts chloride, a naturally occurring electrolyte, across the cell membrane of certain susceptible worms. By overloading chloride into these worms, it affects the electrical activity within their nervous system, causing muscle paralysis and death. Praziquantel is the second active ingredient, which adds protection against tapeworms.
Uses and Dosage
This medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
Administer the medication orally once a month. It can be given with or without food, and the chewable tablet may be broken up to make it easier to administer.
Ensure that the chewable is chewed and not swallowed whole. If your dog or cat does not consume the entire chew, it is recommended to redose with a new chewable.
Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Even if your pet appears to be better, complete the entire treatment plan to prevent recurrence.
Monthly dosing is generally recommended for the prevention of heartworm disease.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- transient appetite loss
If any of the following signs are observed, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- depression
- lack of energy
- weakness
- stumbling or collapse
- seizures or coma
- dilated pupils
- excessive drooling
Caution
- Your pet should be tested for heartworm before receiving any product containing milbemycin, as a life-threatening reaction can occur if your pet has a high load of immature worms and is given milbemycin.
- Milbemycin oxime + praziquantel is safe for use in most pets. However, it should not be used in dogs without a current negative heartworm test, puppies less than six weeks of age, or puppies or dogs weighing less than 2 lb (900 g).
- Screening may be performed for dog breeds with potential milbemycin sensitivity before administering the drug. DNA testing can determine if a pet has the genetic mutation responsible for adverse reactions to milbemycin.
- The use of this medication in pregnant or nursing animals has not been evaluated.
Form and Strength
Interceptor Spectrum Orange Chewable for Very Small Dog is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Interceptor Spectrum Orange Chewable for Very Small Dog chewable tablet:
- 2.3 / 22.8 mg
FAQ
How quickly does Interceptor Spectrum work?
Interceptor Spectrum starts acting as soon as it is swallowed, absorbed and enters the dog’s circulation.
Is Interceptor Spectrum tasty for your dog?
Interceptor Spectrum tasty chews are flavoured with real cooked chicken. Chicken meat is cooked, ground and dried before being added to the formulation.
Resources
- https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/milbemycin-oxime–praziquantel#:~:text=What%20is%20milbemycin%20oxime%20%2B%20praziquantel,whipworms%2C%20and%20tapeworms%20in%20dogs
- https://www.canadapetcare.com/interceptor-plus-chew-for-dogs-2-8lbs-orange-pack-1098.aspx
- https://www.parasitepreventionprogram.com.au/productsavailable/dog-products/interceptor-spectrum#:~:text=Interceptor%20Spectrum%20provides%20protection%20against,and%20Dipylidium%20caninum)%20in%20dogs
- https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/milbemycinpraziquantel-milbemax-for-dogs-and-cats
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=86b367e3-64e5-4c44-9961-6caea5d12e75
- https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/interceptor
- https://www.drugs.com/vet/interceptor-plus-23-mg-228-mg-can.html