Preventing heartworm disease is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership, safeguarding your beloved dogs and cats from a potentially fatal illness. Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus are monthly medications designed to provide comprehensive protection against heartworms and other common internal parasites. This article delves into how these medications work, their administration, potential side effects, and important considerations for ensuring your pet’s well-being.
What Are Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus?
Interceptor® is a monthly prescription medication containing milbemycin oxime as its active ingredient. It is formulated for the prevention of heartworm disease in both dogs and cats. In dogs, Interceptor® also offers treatment and control for hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It is suitable for dogs and puppies weighing over 2 pounds and aged 4 weeks and older. For cats, Interceptor® also addresses roundworms and hookworms, and is indicated for cats and kittens weighing more than 1.5 pounds and older than 6 weeks.
Interceptor® Plus builds upon this protection by incorporating a second active ingredient, praziquantel. This advanced formula not only prevents heartworm disease but also treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs and puppies weighing over 2 pounds and aged 6 weeks and older.
How These Medications Work
The primary active ingredient in both Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus is milbemycin oxime. This compound functions by increasing chloride permeability across cell membranes in susceptible parasites, such as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. This disruption of the electrical activity in the worms’ nervous systems leads to paralysis and eventual death.
Interceptor® Plus contains an additional active ingredient, praziquantel, which specifically targets tapeworms. While the exact mechanism of praziquantel is not fully understood, it is believed to disrupt the parasites’ muscle integrity, causing paralysis. This dual-action formula in Interceptor® Plus provides a broader spectrum of protection against intestinal parasites.
Administration and Dosage Guidelines
Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus are administered orally once a month. The chewable tablets can be given with or without food and may be broken into smaller pieces for easier administration, especially for smaller pets. It is important to ensure that the entire chewable is consumed. If your pet does not consume the full dose, it is recommended to administer a new chewable to ensure complete efficacy.
What to Do If a Dose is Missed
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. While the medication is designed for monthly administration, maintaining a schedule as close to every 30 days as possible is crucial. If your veterinarian has prescribed a different dosing schedule, consult them for specific instructions if a dose is missed. Never administer extra or double doses to compensate for a missed one.
Potential Side Effects and Monitoring
While generally well-tolerated, some pets may experience side effects. These are uncommon but can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, lack of coordination, drooling, weakness, and in rare cases, convulsions. These side effects are typically mild and transient.
It is essential that all pets be tested for existing heartworm infections before starting Interceptor® or Interceptor® Plus. Dogs with active heartworm infections require specific treatment to eliminate adult heartworms before beginning preventive medication. This is because Interceptor® can kill microfilariae (heartworm larvae), and in heartworm-positive dogs, an allergic reaction to the dying microfilariae can occur. The safety of Interceptor® in heartworm-positive cats has not been established.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional monitoring or routine testing based on your pet’s individual health needs.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:
- Severe side effects.
- Worsening of your pet’s condition or lack of improvement.
- Signs of an overdose.
- Any additional questions or concerns regarding the medication.
Information on Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose with Interceptor® or Interceptor® Plus commonly include vomiting, incoordination, lethargy, drooling, and tremors. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate veterinary attention. Contacting an animal poison control center can also provide crucial guidance.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Storage and FAQs
Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus should be stored at room temperature, between 59-77°F (15-25°C). Keep the medication in its original blister pack to protect it from moisture and light until it’s time for administration. Ensure the medication is kept out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Interceptor® and Interceptor® Plus for dogs?
Interceptor® Plus contains praziquantel, an additional active ingredient that provides enhanced efficacy against intestinal parasites, specifically tapeworms, in addition to the protections offered by Interceptor®.
Can Interceptor® Plus and Bravecto® be given concurrently?
Yes, Interceptor® Plus (for internal parasites) and Bravecto® (for external parasites like fleas and ticks) can generally be used together safely in dogs. However, always consult with your veterinarian to establish the most appropriate and comprehensive parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
How long does Interceptor® Plus remain active in a dog’s system?
Interceptor® Plus is administered monthly. After oral administration, it typically remains active in a dog’s system for 1-2 days.
This content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals. It does not replace professional veterinary advice. The information is sourced from public data and manufacturer information. No compensation has been received from the manufacturer for creating this article.
