Ivermectin for cats is used as a medicine against ectoparasites and nematodes. In medicine, based on this active component, the broad-spectrum drug Ivermek is used. The product enhances the formation of butyric acid, which blocks the nerve impulses of parasites, leading to paralysis. Ivermec is a diluted form of ivermectin. For internal parasites it is used as an injection.
Properties, principle of operation
Ivermek for cats
The product is completely safe for people and well tolerated by animals. This is one of the most modern drugs for cats, which gives quick results and has an affordable price.
The medicine has no unpleasant odor and does not cause concern to the cat, which greatly simplifies the treatment procedure.
The active substance included in the drug destroys the main types of cutaneous, intradermal, and internal parasites. The component easily penetrates the bloodstream, spreading evenly throughout the body, affecting parasites in various tissues and organs.
The effect of the composition lasts for 2 weeks. When using the medicine in the form for external use, distribution through the bloodstream does not occur, so the therapeutic effect is expressed only against cutaneous pathogens.
Important! Strict adherence to the dosage is necessary, since the active component is toxic and completely safe only if used in an amount individually selected for a particular cat.
Advantages of the drug
Ivermek is a modern drug that is widely used in veterinary practice. The correct dose of the drug and compliance with the intervals between injections are the key to effective treatment. The main advantages include:
- broad aspect of action;
- quick healing effect;
- avoiding overdose in the gastrointestinal tract by licking the treated area of skin;
- the unique matrix of the drug reduces pain during injection and does not cause abscesses;
- the drug is quickly distributed throughout the animal’s body from the injection site;
- the antioxidant effect of vitamin E prevents side effects;
- accessibility and reasonable cost;
- The treatment procedure can be carried out indoors; no ventilation is required.
Ivermectin is a safe drug for humans. However, you should wear rubber gloves during the procedure. And after it, wash your hands well with soap.
Indications for use
Odorless medicine
Injection solution eliminates all types of external parasites, as well as the following pathologies caused by nematodes:
- toxascariasis;
- intestinal gadfly;
- uncinariasis;
- hookworm.
In the form for external use, Ivermek is effective only against the following lesions:
- otodectosis;
- psoroptosis;
- demodicosis;
- notoedrosis;
- sarcoptic mange.
The drug is not used for prophylactic purposes. It is used exclusively as a medicine for severe damage, when other formulations are not effective enough.
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When to use
The injection solution is used for cats with helminthic infestations caused by roundworms:
- with toxascariasis;
- with toxaridosis;
- with hookworm;
- with uncinariasis.
All dosage forms of Ivermek are used for external parasites. The medication is successfully used to treat the following pathologies:
- notoedrosis;
- demodicosis;
- otodectosis;
- sarcoptic mange;
- psoroptosis.
For cats, the drug is used only for medicinal purposes. For prevention, it is worth choosing a less toxic medicine.
Directions for use, dosage for cats
The method of use of the drug depends on the form in which the drug is prescribed.
Injections are carried out intramuscularly into the hind leg in the thigh area. The bottle is shaken before taking the medicine. An insulin syringe should be used for the injection. In most cases, one injection is enough to achieve a therapeutic effect.
If necessary, repeated administration is carried out after 10 days. The injection dose is calculated based on the cat’s weight in the ratio of 0.1 ml of medication per 5 kg of weight. In parallel, the use of drugs that support the liver for cats is indicated.
Injections are carried out intramuscularly into the hind leg in the thigh area
Gel and spray are prescribed externally to kill ticks, fleas and lice-eaters. The drug is applied to the cat's body, avoiding the muzzle area. Afterwards, it is unacceptable for the pet to lick the composition, for which a collar is placed around the neck. The dose of the drug in the form of a spray or gel is 0.2 ml per 1 kg of weight.
Treatment is carried out several times with intervals of 3-5 days, depending on the instructions of the veterinarian. The whole body cannot be treated at once. Because of this, in case of extensive tick infestation, treatment is carried out first on one side, and after 1-2 days on the other.
This treatment regimen is additionally discussed with a veterinarian. For otitis media, the medication is applied into the ear cavity in a dose specified by a specialist.
Important! The product is not used as prophylaxis.
Description of the veterinary drug
The drug belongs to the category of moderately hazardous substances. Its use will allow you to rid your cat of pest infestations in the shortest possible time. However, you should strictly follow the dosages indicated in the instructions so as not to harm your pet.
The form of release of the drug may be different. The medicine is purchased in the form of injections, solutions, spray or gel. If you prefer a solution, remember that it is used exclusively for injection. At the same time, the doses of injections and sprays will certainly differ, since the concentration of key components is different here.
This veterinary drug is made by fermenting the fungus Streptomyces avermitilis. It contains ivermectin, as well as vitamin E. The solution may be colorless or have a yellowish tint. During use, it is important to adhere not only to the information specified in the instructions, but also to the basic rules of asepsis.
Contraindications and possible side effects
There are contraindications to the use of the product.
According to the instructions, the drug is strictly prohibited from being taken in any form in the following cases:
- the period of gestation and feeding of kittens by the cat (the drug affects the development of the cubs and penetrates into the milk);
- infectious pathologies in the animal and the recovery period after them;
- allergic reaction to the components of the drug;
- less than 3 months old.
If your cat has liver disease, you must inform your veterinarian about this, since you must use Ivermec for cats with extreme caution.
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Side effects of the drug may include the following:
- salivation;
- vomit;
- profuse lacrimation;
- tremor.
Side effects from the use of the drug usually occur if the dosage of the antiparasitic drug is exceeded.
If the cat’s condition is serious, spontaneous urination, fecal loss, and impaired coordination of movements may also develop due to an overdose. Treatment for this condition is not required, but Ivermek cannot be reused.
Analogs
In veterinary medicine, there is a huge variety of drugs for animals against parasites. A direct analogue of Ivermek is its other form of release - spray. The cost of one bottle with a capacity of 30 ml is on average 260 rubles. Ivermek - instructions for use for cats in the form of a spray provides for external use. In this case, the product is more suitable for combating ectoparasites. Gel is used for the same purpose. Analogues of the drug in the fight against helminths are Iversect, Ivomek.
Iversect with a similar active component, supplemented with an antiseptic. Used as an injection. Minimum packaging – 10 ml. Cost 30 rub. Shelf life: 3 years.
Ivomec is intended for injection. Available in glass ampoules with a minimum volume of 1 ml. Stored for 3 years. Buying is problematic.
Composition and release form
Release forms Ivermek
The medicine is produced in the form of an injection solution, spray and gel. The required form of medication will be prescribed by your veterinarian.
The main active component is ivermectin, which stimulates the body's production of butyric acid, which is deadly to parasites.
Additionally, the injection composition includes vitamin E. The remaining substances in the drug are auxiliary.
Side effects
The injection solution has the appearance of a transparent, colorless or light yellow liquid. Glass bottles of various capacities are usually used for packaging. Pharmacies most often sell containers of 20 and 100 ml. For cats, it is worth purchasing small bottles, since the medicine can only be stored for 42 days after opening the package. Purchasing a large bottle for small animals can be a waste of money.
The spray is available as a colorless liquid, although a light yellow tint may be present. To package medicinal liquid intended for external use, bottles with spray heads are used. Thanks to them, the drug is easy to use.
The gel is made on a water basis. Externally it has a light yellow color. Packaged in polymer tubes. They can hold 10,20 or 30 ml. There is no need to observe special storage conditions, but after opening the package, the drug is suitable for use only for 60 days. Since the medicine cannot be used after this period, it is better to put a sticker with the date of opening.
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What is ivermek?
Regarding the form of release of the product, it should be noted that there are several of them:
- Spray. There is a 30 ml package, sufficient for several courses of treatment. On average, the dosage is calculated from the ratio of no more than 0.2 ml per 1 kg of animal weight, one spray contains 0.125 ml of the drug. The areas of skin where Ivermek is intended to be sprayed must be cleaned of skin scabs and crusts. The spray is applied from a distance of 15-20 cm. Then it is lightly rubbed with your fingertips into the skin surface in the muzzle area (eyes, nose, mouth).
The animal must dry (at this time the pet should be monitored to prevent licking and ingestion of ivermek). You cannot bathe your four-legged friend for 2 days; the same amount of time is required to isolate him from children. The course can last at intervals of 3 to 5 days. Its duration is determined by the nature of the disease and the type of parasite.
- Gel. Available in tubes of 2-50 mg. Provides for application in a thin layer on a clean skin surface. The course is designed for up to 10 days, with up to 4 applications per day. The animal is monitored for half an hour. If the expected effect of treatment does not occur within the specified time, you should consult a veterinarian.
- Drops are a very convenient and traditional form of release of the drug for such purposes. A couple of drops are placed in the withers area, then a 2-day interval follows, and the procedure is repeated.
- Injection. For treatment purposes in a veterinary institution, ivermek is produced in the form of an injection solution. For preventive purposes, injections can also be recommended once a year. If injections are prescribed by a specialist, they must be done in the clinic. If necessary, the manipulation is carried out at home, proceeding as follows. The drug is placed in a syringe of a volume suitable for the weight of the animal. Ivermek should be at a pleasant, non-irritating temperature. The hair on the withers should be pulled tight and an injection should be placed in the resulting “pit” area.
Storage period and conditions
The medicine is subject to rapid destruction when interacting with the external environment, so it is used immediately after depressurization. The product is valid for 18 months from the date of manufacture, 40 days from the date of opening the bottle.
Store the medicine away from food and animal feed, in a dark, dry place. Storage temperature range from 0°C to 25°C. After the expiration date, do not use, but dispose of. Empty containers cannot be used for household purposes; they are disposed of.
Parasites bring natural suffering to pets, since animals depend on their owners, be attentive to them. If your pet is behaving in some way: it has become apathetic, has lost its appetite, or is constantly itching - this is a good reason to visit the veterinarian.
What to do if Ivermek exceeds the recommended dosage?
This is indicated by the following dangerous syndromes:
- Paralysis of the limbs, most often the hind limbs;
- Rapid or heavy breathing;
- Pupil dilation;
- Gait disturbance.
Some animals also experience muscle tremors, high salivation, copious and frequent urination and defecation, which often go away on their own.
All these signs are a consequence of intoxication, without eliminating which the owner risks losing the pet. The very first remedy is a diuretic. Veterinarians use it as a detoxification therapy. There are other special drugs to restore all lost functions of the animal’s body, but they are determined by a specialist. We must remember that pregnant, lactating, sick and weakened four-legged pets are not subject to antiparasitic treatment.
Among the advantages of the drug is its low price. One milliliter for injection costs about 45 rubles. While the spray and gel have a higher price - 264 and 400 rubles, respectively. Analogues are also produced - iversect and ivomek.
Analyzing the reviews, both positive and negative were noted. The positive aspects of using Ivermek are its effectiveness, affordable cost, reduction of itching, rapid healing of wounds and accelerated hair growth in the affected areas. The animal becomes calmer and healthier. The drug does not have a sharp, pronounced odor. Negative reviews of the product note side effects and the presence of contraindications. Most often, all the negative aspects of the drug are associated with exceeding the dosage. Therefore, mandatory compliance with all recommendations will only benefit your pet!
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Adverse reactions: why are they dangerous?
When choosing Ivermek and its analogue to treat parasites in a cat, you must strictly follow the prescribed dosage. Since the medication has a toxic effect, serious consequences are possible. Side effects from using an antiparasitic drug are:
Often after such therapy, the fluffy will produce a lot of saliva.
- increased salivation;
- increased tearfulness;
- gagging;
- muscle tremors;
- nausea.
Ivermek effective injections against intestinal and skin parasites
Ivermek for dogs is a complex antiparasitic agent that is effective against nematodes, sarcopticosis, and gets rid of blood-sucking insects and their larvae. The drug is administered intramuscularly, acts quickly and effectively, and with precise dosage and proper dilution is absolutely safe for animals.
Outdoor options
The drug is also available in other forms. A water-based gel is suitable for treating skin parasites; it is packaged in tubes of 30 and 40 ml.
Ivermek is available in the form of a spray and gel, which can be used externally.
The composition includes ivermectin, panthenol and lidocaine. The product is intended to rid dogs of lice and subcutaneous mites; it has an anesthetic, wound-healing and regenerating effect.
The gel is applied directly to the affected areas, cleaned of scabs. To prevent licking, the dog is wearing a muzzle. Apply 2-4 times per course and at intervals of 5-7 days.
Another popular form is spray. It is packaged in glass bottles with a sprayer and a protective cap. The drug is applied externally, the skin is first cleaned of dried crusts, purulent and other secretions. Ivermek spray is especially effective for demodicosis in dogs.
Attention
It is important to prevent licking of the product from the fur, do not pet the animal and keep small children away from it.
Price and storage conditions
The aqueous solution in hermetically sealed bottles is stored for 2 years from the release date indicated on the package. For better preservation, the medicine is placed in a cool, dark place out of reach of children and pets. Storage together with food products and household chemicals is prohibited.
The price depends on the packaging and form of the drug:
- one percent aqueous solution (1 ml) – 43 rubles.
- gel (40 ml) costs from 400 rubles.
- spray (30 ml) – 340 rubles.
