Target species
Dogs
Indications for use, specifying the target species
In dogs: treatment of mixed infections by adult cestodes and nematodes of the following species susceptible to praziquantel and milbemycin oxime:
- Cestodes:
Dipylidium caninum
Taenia spp.
Echinococcus spp.
Mesocestoides spp.
- Nematodes:
Ancylostoma caninum
Toxocara canis
Toxascaris leonina
Trichuris vulpis
Crenosoma vulpis (Reduction of the level of infection)
Angiostrongylus vasorum (Reduction of the level of infection by immature adult (L5) and adult parasite stages; see specific treatment and prevention disease schedules under section Amounts to be administered and administration route)
Thelazia callipaeda (see specific treatment schedule under section 4.9 “Amounts to be administered and administration route”)
The product can also be used in the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) if concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated.
Contraindications
Milbemax tablets for dogs: Do not use in dogs weighing less than 5 kg.
Milbemax for small dogs and puppies: Do not use in puppies of less than 2 weeks of age and/or weighing less than 0.5 kg.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients
See also section Special precautions for use
Special warnings for each target species
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.
Studies with milbemycin oxime indicate that the margin of safety in certain dogs of Collie or related breeds is less than in other breeds. In these dogs, the recommended dose should be strictly observed.
The tolerance of MILBEMAX in young puppies from these breeds has not been investigated.
Clinical signs in Collies are similar to those seen in the general dog population when overdosed (see section Overdose).
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
As per good veterinary practice, animals should be weighed to ensure accurate dosing
Treatment of dogs with a high number of circulating microfilariae can sometimes lead to the appearance of hypersensitivity reactions, such as pale mucous membranes, vomiting, trembling, laboured breathing or excessive salivation. These reactions are associated with the release of proteins from dead or dying microfilariae and are not a direct toxic effect of the product. The use in dogs suffering from microfilaremia is thus not recommended.
In heartworm risk-areas, or in the case it is known that a dog has been travelling to and from heartworm risk regions, before using MILBEMAX, a veterinary consultation is advised to exclude the presence of any concurrent infestation of Dirofilaria immitis. In the case of a positive diagnosis, adulticidal therapy is indicated before administering MILBEMAX.
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 dogs 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.
In dogs less than 4 weeks old, tape worm infection is unusual. Treatment of animals less than 4 weeks old with a combination product may therefore not be necessary.
Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Wash hands after use.
In case 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, hypersensitivity reactions, systemic signs (such as lethargy), neurological signs (such as muscle tremors and ataxia) and/or gastrointestinal signs (such as emesis, diarrhea, anorexia and drooling) have been observed in dogs 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
The product may be used in breeding dogs including pregnant and lactating bitches.
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. In the absence of further studies, caution should be taken in the case of concurrent use of MILBEMAX and other macrocyclic lactones. Also, no such studies have been performed with reproducing animals.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Minimum recommended dose rate: 0.5 mg of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg of praziquantel per kg are given once orally.
The product should be administered with or after some food.
Depending on the bodyweight of the dog, the practical dosing is as follows:
Milbemax tablets for small dogs and puppies:
Weight | Tablets |
0.5-1 kg | 1/2 tablet |
>1-5 kg | 1 tablet |
>5-10 kg | 2 tablets |
Milbemax tablets for dogs:
Weight | Tablets |
5 – 25 kg | 1 tablet |
>25 – 50 kg | 2 tablets |
>50 – 75 kg | 3 tablets |
In cases when heartworm disease prevention is used and at the same time treatment against tapeworm is required, MILBEMAX can replace the monovalent product for the prevention of heartworm disease.
For treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum infections , milbemycin oxime should be given four times at weekly intervals. It is recommended, where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated, to treat once with MILBEMAX and continue with the monovalent product containing milbemycin oxime alone, for the remaining three weekly treatments.
In endemic areas administration of the product every four weeks will prevent angiostrongylosis by reducing immature adult (L5) and adult parasite burden, where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated.
For the treatment of Thelazia callipaeda, milbemycin oxime should be given in 2 treatments, seven days apart. Where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated, MILBEMAX can replace the monovalent product containing milbemycin oxime alone.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
No other signs than those observed at the recommended dose have been observed (see section Adverse Reactions).
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable.