Target species
Cats.
Indications for use, specifying the target species
In cats: treatment of mixed infections by immature and adult cestodes and nematodes of the following species :
- Cestodes:
Dipylidium caninum
Taenia spp.
Echinococcus multilocularis
- Nematodes:
Ancylostoma tubaeforme
Toxocara cati
Prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) if concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated.
Contraindications
Milbemax tablets for Small Cats and Kittens: Do not use in cats of less than 6 weeks of age and/or weighing less than 0.5 kg.
Milbemax tablets for Cat: Do not use in cats weighing less than 2 kg.
Special warnings
In order to develop an effective worm control programme local epidemiological information and the risk of exposure of the cat should be taken into account.
It is recommended to treat all the animals living in the same household concomitantly.
When infection with the cestode D. caninum has been confirmed, concomitant treatment against intermediate hosts, such as fleas and lice, should be discussed with a veterinarian to prevent re-infection.
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
As per good veterinary practice, animals should be weighed to ensure accurate dosing.
Ensure cats and kittens weighing between 0.5 kg and ≤2 kg receive the appropriate tablet strength (4 mg MBO/10 mg praziquantel) and the appropriate dose (1/2 or 1 tablet) for the corresponding weight band (1/2 tablet for cats weighing 0.5 to 1 kg ; 1 tablet for cats weighing >1 to 2 kg – 1 tablet).
Echinococcosis represents a hazard for humans. In case of Echinococcosis, specific guidelines on the treatment and follow up and on the safeguard of persons have to be followed. Experts or institutes of parasitology should be consulted.
No studies have been performed with severely debilitated cats or individuals with seriously compromised kidney or liver function. The product is not recommended for such animals or only according to a benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Wash hands after use.
In the event of accidental ingestion of the tablets, particularly by a child, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
In very rare occasions, especially in young cats, systemic signs (such as lethargy), neurological signs (such as ataxia and muscle tremors) and/or gastrointestinal signs (such as emesis and diarrhoea) have been observed after administration of the veterinary medicinal product.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
MILBEMAX can be used in breeding cats including pregnant and lactating queens.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The concurrent use of MILBEMAX with selamectin is well tolerated. No interactions were observed when the recommended dose of the macrocyclic lactone selamectin was administered during treatment with MILBEMAX at the recommended dose.
Although not recommended, the concomitant use of MILBEMAX with a spot on containing moxidectin and imidacloprid at recommended dose rates following a single application was well tolerated in one laboratory study in 10 kittens.
The safety and efficacy of the concurrent use have not been investigated in field studies. In the absence of further studies, caution should be taken in the case of concurrent use of the product with any other macrocyclic lactone. Also, no such studies have been performed with reproducing animals.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Minimum recommended dose rate: 2 mg of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg of praziquantel per kg are given orally as a single dose. The product should be administered with or after some food. Doing so ensures optimum protection against heartworm disease
Depending on the bodyweight of the cat, the practical dosing is as follows:
Milbemax tablets for Small Cats and Kittens:
Weight | Tablets |
0.5 - 1 kg | 0.5 tablet |
>1 - 2 kg | 1 tablet |
Milbemax tablets for Cats:
Weight | Tablets |
2 - 4 kg | ½ tablet |
>4 - 8 kg | 1 tablet |
>8 - 12 kg | 1½ tablets |
MILBEMAX can be inserted into a programme for prevention of heartworm disease if at the same time treatment against tapeworms is indicated. MILBEMAX has a duration of heartworm prevention of one month. For regular prevention of heartworm disease the use of a monosubstance is preferred.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
In case of overdose, in addition to signs observed at the recommended dose (see "Adverse reactions"), drooling was observed. This sign will usually disappear spontaneously within a day.
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable.