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Selamectin: Heartworm, Flea, Mite, Mange & Intestinal Worm Protection

Published on November 1, 2024
Updated on November 5, 2025
Reviewed by Petco's Veterinarian Team
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Selamectin is a parasiticide that is used in the prevention of heartworm disease, external parasites and intestinal parasites in dogs, cats, ferrets and small mammals.

Summary

Used For:

Prevents heartworm disease, kills fleas and ear mites. Manages sarcoptic mange in dogs, ticks, intestinal parasites such as hookworm and roundworms.

Brands:

Revolution

Species:

Dogs and cats

Other names:

Paradyne, Stronghold

Drug type:

Anti-parasitic

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Appears to be safe to use in pregnant or lactating animals, but only use in pregnant animals when maternal benefits outweigh the potential risks to offspring.

Side effects:

Rare, but may include dermal irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting, decreased appetite and lethargy especially if oral ingestion occurs

FDA Approved:

Yes

General description

Selamectin prevents heartworm disease and kills fleas and ear mites in both dogs and cats. It is indicated for sarcoptic mange and the prevention of American dog tick infestation in dogs. It also controls roundworms and hookworms in cats. It has been used in the successful off-label treatment of notoedric mange, nasal mites in dogs, cheyletiellosis and cordylobiolosis (cutaneous myiasis).

Uses

Prevention of heartworm disease, kills fleas in the dog and cat, and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms in cats. It is also used for the treatment of sarcoptic mange, ticks, cheyletiellosis, notoedric mange, ear mites, nasal mites and cordylobiolosis.

How it works

Selamectin is an avermectin antiparasitic agent that works by disrupting the central nervous system activity of invertebrates by increasing the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) at post synaptic neurons, causing paralysis and death of the parasite. It is absorbed through the skin and secreted back out through the sebaceous glands of the skin over time (over 4 weeks),and secreted into the intestinal tract of cats to kill intestinal parasites as well.

Dosage

Dogs: Selamectin comes in 6 different sizes for dogs and is dosed according to weight. The recommended minimum topical dose for heartworm prevention is 2.7 mg selamectin per pound (6 milligrams per kilogram) of body weight once a month.. Dogs weighing more than 130 # (59.1kg) should receive the appropriate combination of tubes.

Cats: Selamectin comes in 3 different sizes for cats and is dosed according to weight. The recommended minimum dose for heartworm prevention is 2.7 mg selamectin per pound (6 milligrams per kilogram) of body weight once a month by topical administration. Cats weighing greater than 22 # (10 kg) should receive the appropriate combination of tubes.

Ferrets and small mammals (extra-label): Selamectin is dosed according to weight at 6 - 18 milligrams per kilogram once a month by topical administration.

Note: Doses may vary with extra-label uses, use as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Forms

Selamectin topical liquid in single-dose applicators come in 6 different sizes for dogs.

Selamectin topical liquid in single-dose applicators for cats comes in 3 different sizes.

Storage information & handling

Store at room temperature in the original container, out of reach of children and animals.

What results can I expect?

Prevention and control of heartworms, fleas, intestinal parasites, sarcoptic mange, cheyletiellosis, ear mites and/or ticks for which the medication was prescribed.

Missed Dosage

It is best to apply the medication on the same day every month without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible and then resume applying every 30 days.
If you miss multiple doses, heartworm testing in dogs is usually recommended before resuming the product. Consult with your veterinarian.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Acute overdose is uncommon. Most problems are seen following oral dosing of topical products and may cause hypersalivation and vomiting.

Side effects

Rare, but may include:

  • Temporary dermal irritation at application site
  • Hypersalivation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Pruritus
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle tremors
  • Ataxia
  • Seizures

Contraindications

Do not use in:

  • Pets with a known previous sensitivity
  • Puppies less than 6 weeks old
  • Kittens less than 8 weeks old

Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight animals.

Use with caution and do not exceed recommended doses especially in dogs positive for the MDR1 mutation((ABCB1-1delta,) such as collies, shelties, Australian shepherds and long-haired whippets.

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using with any other medications, especially if your pet had an unusual reaction to the initial application.

Caution is advised if using other drugs that can inhibit p-glycoprotein.

Dogs at risk for MDR1-allele mutation (Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, Long-haired Whippets, etc.) should not receive selamectin with:

  • Amiodarone
  • Carvedilol
  • Clarithromycin
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diltiazem
  • Erythromycin
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Quinidine
  • Spironolactone
  • Tamoxifen
  • Verapamil

Precaution

Prior to administration of selamectin or multiple missed doses, dogs should be tested for heartworm disease.

Do not administer this product orally.

Ensure the pet can’t lick the product from the application site.

Wash hands after handling and do not touch application site until dry.

Wait two hours or more after applying to bathe the animal or allow the animal to go swimming.

Do not expose to flame as the product is flammable.

Sources

Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook

Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.

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