Selarid (selamectin)

What is Selarid® (selamectin)?

Selarid is a topical parasiticide for dogs six weeks of age and older and cats eight weeks of age and older. For dogs, Selarid kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month and is indicated for the prevention and control of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and the treatment and control of ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations. Selarid also is indicated for the treatment and control of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) and for the control of tick infestations due to Dermacentor variabilis. For cats, Selarid kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month and is indicated for the prevention and control of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and the treatment and control of ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations. Selarid is also indicated for the treatment and control of roundworm (Toxocara cati) and intestinal hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) infections in cats. Selarid requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Dogs (6 weeks of age or older) and Cats (8 weeks of age or older)

Benefits:

• Easy topical monthly application
• Kills adult flea eggs and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month
• Treats and controls ear mite infestations
• Prevents heartworm disease
• Treats and controls sarcoptic mange in dogs
• Treats and controls roundworm and intestinal hookworm infections in cats
• Controls tick infestations due to Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick)

How does Selarid® (selamectin) work?

Selamectin, the active ingredient in Selarid, is a macrocyclic lactone compound. These compounds effectively prevent the development of adult heartworms when administered to dogs and cats within one month of exposure to infective (L3 ) Dirofilaria immitis larvae.

Cautions:

Do not massage Selarid into the skin. Do not apply when the coat is wet. Do not apply to broken skin -Selarid contains alcohol. Wash hands after use and wash off any product in contact with the skin immediately with soap and water. Flammable - keep away from heat, sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition. Selarid should not be used on sick, debilitated or underweight animals.

Brand Name:

Selarid (Norbrook)

Generic Name:

Selamectin

What is the most important thing I should know about Selarid® (selamectin)?

Selarid® (selamectin) requires a prescription from your veterinarian. It is for dogs 6 weeks of age or older and cats 8 weeks of age or older. Selarid kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching. You may occasionally see a few fleas on dogs or cats treated with Selarid but more than 98% of adult fleas are killed within 36 hours. Immature stages of the flea called pupae may be present in your pet's environment (yard, flooring, carpet, bedding, etc.). These pupae are not killed by parasiticides (including Selarid) and as such may emerge as adult fleas. These adult fleas may hop onto your pet at any time. They must be exposed to Selarid on your dog or cat before being killed. It can take from 3-5 weeks (or longer depending on environmental conditions) for most fleas to complete their 4-stage life cycle (egg, larvae, pupae, and adult) and reach the adult stage before being seen on your pet. Due to the presence of immature flea stages in infested environments, it can take up to 2 to 3 monthly applications for Selarid to maximally control the infestation of fleas in the environment. Once the flea population is controlled you will be less likely to see fleas.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Selarid® (selamectin) to my pet?

Your veterinarian is best suited to discuss and recommend appropriate medications for your dog or cat. It is important to discuss your pet's health history with your veterinarian so they can decide if Selarid is right for your animal.

How should Selarid® (selamectin) be applied?

Administer topically once a month for protection against fleas and heartworm disease and treatment and control of hookworms, roundworms and ear mites. The recommended minimum dose is 2.7 mg selamectin per pound (6 mg/kg) of body weight.

What are the potential side effects of Selarid® (selamectin)?

Like most medications, Selarid has some side effects. The most common is hair loss at the site of application with or without inflammation (redness, flaking) in cats. Other side effects reported in cats and dogs include vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood, anorexia (decreased appetite), lethargy (sluggishness), salivation, rapid breathing, pruritus (itching), urticaria (welts, hives), erythema (skin redness), ataxia (incoordination), fever and rare instances of death. There have also been rare reports of seizures in dogs. Stiff hair, clumping of hair, hair discoloration, or a slight powdery residue may be observed at the treatment site in some animals. These effects are temporary and do not affect the safety or effectiveness of the product.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Selarid® (selamectin)?

If you forget to apply a monthly dose of Selarid® (selamectin), immediately apply Selarid, resume monthly applications, and notify your veterinarian.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Selarid® (selamectin)?

Contact your veterinarian if you administer more than the prescribed amount of Selarid.

What should I avoid while giving Selarid® (selamectin)to my pet?

You should avoid contact with application site when wet. You may hold or play with your pet any time after the area on which Selarid was applied is dry. Do not apply when the haircoat is wet. Bathing or shampooing your dog 2 or more hours after treatment will not reduce the effectiveness of Selarid against fleas or heartworm. Bathing or shampooing your cat 2 hours after treatment will not reduce the effectiveness of Selarid against fleas. Bathing or shampooing your cat 24 hours after treatment will not reduce the effectiveness of Selarid against heartworm.

What other drugs will affect Selarid® (selamectin)?

In well-controlled clinical studies, selamectin solution was used safely in dogs and cats receiving other veterinary products such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, collars, shampoos and dips. Tell your veterinarian about all medications you have given your dog or cat in the past, and any medications that you are planning to use with Selarid. This should include other medications that you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your dog's or cat's medicines can be given together.

Storage:

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Selarid is flammable - keep away from heat, sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition. Store below 86°F. After application, empty applicators can be placed in your normal household refuse for disposal.