general description
Ivermek is available in pharmacies in the following dosage forms:
- injection solution;
- gel;
- spray.
The solution is used for injections, and the aerosol and gel are used for external treatment. And although the dosage forms are used in different ways, the active substance in them is the same. The antiparasitic effect is due to the presence of ivermectin in the composition.
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.
special instructions
When using the drug, you should strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor. If for some reason it was not possible to carry out the next processing in a timely manner, this must be done as quickly as possible.
The shelf life of Ivermek is 18 months from the date of manufacture. An open bottle can be stored for 40 days in a dark place at a temperature of 0−25 °C, separate from feed and food products. After the shelf life has expired, the remaining medication is disposed of. Empty packaging should not be used for household purposes.
If there is a high individual sensitivity to the components of the drug, the person’s treatment should be combined with taking antihistamines. This will reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions. Tablets should not be combined with alcohol, as the effect of the latter increases. When used in veterinary medicine, milk from dairy animals can be consumed 28 days after the last injection. Ivermek for dogs can be used internally or topically.
When using the drug, you must adhere to the following rules:
- people with allergies should not contact the drug or need to use personal protective equipment;
- after completing the procedure, you should wash your hands with soap;
- It is forbidden to eat food during processing;
- If a reaction to the medicine occurs, you must go to the hospital.
How should the medicine be stored?
Ivermek (the dose for cats is indicated earlier) can be stored for 18 months from the date of release. After opening, the medicine must be used for 1 month. Store the drug in a dark and dry place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. It is not advisable to place the product next to food.
pharmachologic effect
Ivermec contains ivermectin, which has an antiparasitic effect. It applies to almost all types of ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, etc.), as well as roundworms that parasitize the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. The effectiveness of ivermectin is due to the fact that the substance affects the nervous and muscular systems, so the parasites have no chance of survival.
When using an injection solution, the active substance penetrates the bloodstream, and with it through all organs and tissues of the animal. The therapeutic effect lasts 10-14 days. The injection solution also contains tocopherol or vitamin E. It improves the absorption of the main component and accelerates its distribution throughout organs and tissues.
Important! The active component is considered a very toxic and dangerous substance. In Ivermek its concentration is low, so the drug is classified as safe for animals. To prevent it from harming the animal, the dosage must be strictly observed.
When using a spray or gel, the active component does not penetrate into the blood, but remains on the surface of the skin, so they are used only to combat external parasites. These dosage forms also contain panthenol or panthethonic acid production. These substances improve tissue regeneration. They not only accelerate the healing of the skin, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
The gel and aerosol also contain lidocaine. This is a local anesthetic. It suppresses pain well and also has an antipruritic effect. When using Ivermek for external treatment, not only parasites are destroyed, but also unpleasant symptoms are eliminated. The spray additionally contains chlorhexidine, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Thanks to this substance, the risk of developing complications in the form of inflammatory and purulent processes is reduced.
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.
How to use
The use of the drug directly depends on its dosage form. Before use, you should consult a doctor to avoid possible side effects and complications.
Injections
Injections of the antiparasitic agent should be done intramuscularly, preferably into the thigh of the hind paw. For injections, insulin syringes with a thin needle should be used. When using the injection solution, it is necessary to follow the rules of asepsis. Be sure to use sterile syringes and treat the injection site with medical alcohol. Usually one injection is enough to completely get rid of parasites, but if the infection is severe, a second injection may be necessary after 10 days.
The dosage of the drug is calculated as follows: for every 10 kg of weight you need 0.2 ml of solution. It is important not to exceed the dose. Since it is quite difficult to calculate the exact dose for small animals, the solution is diluted with water for injection.
Since ivermectin is highly toxic, it can have a negative effect on the liver. To prevent possible negative consequences, hepatoprotectors or herbal-based liver medications are additionally prescribed.
Spray and gel
Treatment of an animal in the presence of ticks, fleas and other ectoparasites is carried out in the following sequence:
- Clean the affected areas from scabs and crusts. For these purposes, a special cleansing lotion can be used.
- Next, apply a thin layer of the medicine. The aerosol should be sprayed at a distance of 10-15 cm from the skin. Do not spray the spray in the eye and mouth area. The medicine should be applied to the fingers wearing a rubber glove, and then rubbed into the affected areas.
- Along the edges you need to capture 1-2 cm of healthy skin.
- A cervical collar must be put on the animal so that it cannot lick the medicinal composition. Ingestion of the drug is strictly prohibited. If there is no collar, then you should hold your pet until the medicine dries (is absorbed).
The instructions for use indicate that the dosage of Ivermek spray and gel is 0.2 ml per 1 kg of weight. Usually the procedure is repeated several times with an interval of 3-5 days. If the mite damage is extensive, then the treatment is carried out in two stages: one day the drug is applied to one side, and only the next day - to the other side. Using this treatment regimen, it will be possible to avoid an overdose of the drug.
For otodectosis, a spray or gel is applied to the ear canals on both sides. They are first cleaned of scabs. If the disease is complicated by otitis media, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents are additionally used.
Precautions when working with the drug
The annotation for the drug contains the following rules:
- During treatment of the cat, drinking, smoking and eating are prohibited;
- you need to wear protective gloves when applying the gel or spray;
- when using the spray, you can use a medical mask;
- people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with the drug;
- in case of accidental contact of the drug with the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, they must be rinsed with plenty of water;
- in case of an allergy or if the medicine enters the body, you should immediately contact a medical facility (take the instructions for use with you);
- Upon completion of work, hands should be washed with warm water and soap.
I am not allergic to ivermectin, but I am generally prone to allergic reactions. For example, I am hypersensitive to products containing alcohol. So I can safely use Ivermec spray, but the gel is strictly contraindicated for me. And although this medicine smells practically nothing, when using it I use gloves and a medical mask.
When working with Ivermek, it is recommended to use rubber gloves.
The use of a toxic product requires compliance with the veterinarian's recommendations. When applying or administering the medicine, personal protective equipment must be used. To prevent the product from getting on your hands, they are covered with gloves and a mask is put on your face. If the medicine gets on the skin or mucous membrane, wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water.
Working with the drug
Contraindications and side effects
According to the instructions, Ivermek is not used for weakened and sick cats. Its use is also contraindicated in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- when feeding offspring;
- for infectious diseases;
- in case of intolerance to components.
It is strictly forbidden to use antiparasitic medicine on kittens under 12 weeks of age. If you have liver diseases, consult a doctor.
If the dose is not exceeded, Ivermek is well tolerated by animals. In case of overdose, the following symptoms may occur:
- increased saliva production;
- tearfulness;
- vomit;
- muscle tremors.
Spontaneous urination and bowel movements may also occur when using the solution. There is no need to take special measures, but further use of the drug is canceled.
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!
Owner reviews
Marina, volunteer:
“Most people pass cats on the street that are covered in scabs and the animals are meowing and asking for help. I am part of a group of volunteers in our city. To treat scabies in cats and dogs, we have been using Ivermec solution for a long time. An excellent tool. It is inexpensive, but in just 2 injections it helps rid the animal of parasites. The fur grows back quickly."
Alla, owner of the Scottish cat:
“We were prescribed Ivermec for demodicosis. The cat turned out to be intolerant to the drug. After 2 hours, severe vomiting began and continued until the evening. The money spent had to be thrown in the trash, and the veterinarian selected another medicine for treatment.”
