Interceptor vs. Iverhart Max Comparison

Interceptor

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Iverhart Max

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Revolution Plus for Cats

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Prevents Heartworm Disease

Roundworms

Hookworms

Whipworms

Tapeworms

Fleas

Other Parasites

Kills 3 species of ticks commonly found in cats, and treats and controls ear mites.

Safe for Breeding, Pregnant or Nursing Pets

Yes, at normal dose levels

The safe use of this drug has not been evaluated in pregnant or lactating bitches.

N/A

Age/Weight Requirements

4 weeks of age and weighing over 2 lbs

8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 6 lbs

8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs

Rx Prescription Required

Dosage

Monthly

Usage

Video

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Veterinarian Review (Michael Dym, VMD)

Interceptor is a very trustworthy and reliable monthly heartworm preventative whose main ingredient milbemycin eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae, as well as killing and controlling intestinal parasites such as adult hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. By using this preventative year round, animal guardians have an excellent weapon against most common internal parasites. Interceptor is easy to administer, and comes in a chewable tablet, although I have found taste a problem with occasional pets. I also love the fact that interceptor has only one main ingredient, which does seem to cut down on rare reactions in pets. The only major drawback to this product is the need to combine it with other products for more comprehensive flea, tick and external parasite control.

As I also mention under my product review for Iverhart plus, it is truly wonderful for me to see a reliable more economic generic available for animal guardians that is certainly comparable to the more expensive brand name monthly heartworm preventatives. With this Virbac product, not only are clients getting the reliable heartworm prevention record of ivermectin, but also the additional preventative benefits and control of other internal parasites of the digestive tract, including roundworms, hookworms, and in this case tapeworms as well. It is exciting to see the inclusion of praziquantel in this combination product to broaden the spectrum of coverage of Iverhart plus against tapeworms. Tapeworms are among the most common frustrating parasites seen in dogs and cats, especially when there is any risk of flea exposure. Iverhart Max stands alone in having this added benefit of tapeworm control. Even for only this additional benefit, as well as the ones I mention under Iverhart plus , I highly recommend this reliable generic product and alternative to the other more expensive monthly heartworm pills that dont offer this protection against tapeworms. The only negative issue I have seen is the occasional pet who develops digestive upset from one of the ingredients, in which case I would change to a different monthly alternative. The only other possible limitation with this product is that it does not protect or prevent against whipworms, which in certain areas of the United States can be an intestinal parasite that can sometimes cause acute or chronic inflammation of the colon and diarrhea. But in my experience, whipworms are not as common as I used to see in my earlier days of veterinary practice. Thus my overall rating of this product is a 5. Its effectiveness a 4 and its taste a 4 as well.

A significant limitation of the original revolution product for cats is that it did not cover any species of ticks, which is especially important in those cats who go outside and/or live with dogs where there is increased chance of tick borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis in dogs, not to mention the risk of tick born disease exposure in people whose cats bring ticks in to the home. With this new formulation clients get protection against 3 species of ticks. The American Heartworm Society has published that one in 4 cats diagnosed with heartworm disease are indoor only cats, so that especially in Southern, warmer clients, heartworm disease prevention may become as important in cats as dogs. And it takes only a few heartworms to cause significant disease in cats, who seem much more sensitive on exposure to this parasite than even dogs are. This versatile product not only kills fleas before they eggs, but gives additional 6 in 1 protection again ticks, round worms, hookworms, as well as ear mites. THe product is quite quick drying, easy to apply, and not messy or greasy like many other topical formulations. The only down side as to efficacy is in those cases where there is a severe flea infestation affecting multiple animals in a household, where I have found some of the other products a bit more effective in those cases in both dogs and cats, however the vast majority of flea infestations are easily taken care of with this product. Because of the addition of the Sarolamer ingredient for tick control, I would not use this product if there is any history of neurological disease or seizures in the cat. The only other rare side effect I have seen is lethargy and because of its easy to use formulation, only very rare contact sensitivity. With all this being said, I give this product an overall rating of a 4 out of 5 with an ease of application of 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.