What is Interceptor Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel)?

Interceptor Plus is a monthly, broad spectrum parasiticide used to prevent heartworm disease, as well as treat and control common intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Interceptor Plus offers long-lasting protection in the convenience of a tasty, easy-to-administer chewable. The chewable tablets are chicken flavored, which is an added benefit for dogs suffering from beef allergies. Most dogs love the taste, and you can rest assured that your best friend will be protected against heartworms for a full month. Interceptor Plus requires a prescription from your veterinarian. It is available as a 1-pack (which provides one month of heartworm protection), as a 6-pack (which provides six months of heartworm protection), or as a 12-pack (which provides 12 months of protection).

NOTE: To protect your dog from flea and ticks, try Credelio.

For:

Dogs and Puppies over 6 weeks of age and weighing more than 2 pounds

Benefits:

• Each tablet provides a full month of protection against heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms
• Tasty, chicken-flavored chewable is easy to administer
• Chewables can be given directly to your dog or broken up and mixed with food
• Available in four weight categories: 2-8 lbs, 8.1-25 lbs, 25.1-50 lbs, and 50.1-100 lbs
• Package includes calendar reminder stickers to help make sure you never miss a dose

How does Interceptor Plus work?

Interceptor Plus contains the active ingredient milbemycin oxime to prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis as well as treat and control roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It also contains praziquantel, which treats tapeworm infection.

Cautions:

For use in dogs and puppies over 6 weeks of age and weighing more than 2 pounds only. Do not use in cats or in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Treatment with fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. The safety of Interceptor Plus has not been evaluated in dogs used for breeding or in lactating females.

Brand Name

Interceptor Plus

Generic Name

Milbemycin Oxime (mil-beh-my-sin ox-eem), praziquantel (pr'z-kwn'tl)

Manufacturer:

Elanco

What is the most important thing I should know about Interceptor Plus?

Interceptor Plus is used for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and for the treatment and control of adult roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) and adult tapeworm (Taenia pisiformis, Dipylidium canium, Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus) infections in dogs and puppies over 6 weeks in age and weighing over 2 lbs. Prior to administration of Interceptor Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel), dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections.

How should Interceptor Plus be given?

Interceptor Plus should be administered orally, once every month, at the minimum dosage of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) milbemycin oxime, and 2.28 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) praziquantel. For heartworm prevention, give once monthly for at least 6 months after exposure. Dogs weighing 2-8 lbs should be given one Interceptor Plus chewable tablet (Orange Box) monthly. Dogs weighing 8.1-25 lbs should be given one Interceptor Plus chewable tablet (Green Box) monthly. Dogs weighing 25.1-50 lbs should be given one Interceptor Plus chewable tablet (Yellow Box) monthly. Dogs weighing 50.1-100 lbs should be given one Interceptor Plus chewable tablet (Blue Box) monthly.

What are the potential side effects of Interceptor Plus?

The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, depression/lethargy, ataxia, weight loss, convulsions, weakness, and salivation.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of Interceptor Plus?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose my pet on Interceptor Plus?

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

What other drugs will affect Interceptor Plus?

Do not give Interceptor to your pet if your pet is already taking an alternate heartworm medication.