Full drug information and a pet owner handout can be found at Plumb’s.com.
A new treatment option for parasites in dogs is available. Lotilaner/moxidectin/praziquantel/pyrantel has been FDA-approved for prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis; treatment and control of roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms; treatment and prevention of flea infestations; and treatment and control of American dog tick, brown dog tick, black-legged tick, and lone star tick infestations in dogs.
Pharmacology of Lotilaner/Moxidectin/Praziquantel/Pyrantel
Lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel are antiparasitic agents that result in paralysis and death of susceptible parasites. Lotilaner causes prolonged neuronal hyperexcitation by inhibiting insect and acarine gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels in the parasites CNS. Moxidectin binds selectively to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels that occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, and also enhances the release of GABA at presynaptic neurons. Praziquantel is thought to disrupt the tegument of tapeworms and induce sustained muscle contractions by increasing calcium release and influx across the tegument. Pyrantel causes neuronal depolarization via binding at the nematode nicotinic cholinergic receptors, acts as a neuromuscular-blocking agent, and inhibits cholinesterase.
Contraindications of Lotilaner/Moxidectin/Praziquantel/Pyrantel
The US product label states there are no known contraindications; however, this product should be considered contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any of the components.
Adverse Effects of Lotilaner/Moxidectin/Praziquantel/Pyrantel
The product was well tolerated in preapproval studies. The most common adverse effects observed in dogs were diarrhea (11%), vomiting (9.4%), lethargy (6.3%), anorexia (5.8%), and dermatitis (5.2%).1
Additional Information & Administration Instructions
A comprehensive look at how to manage parasites in dogs using lotilaner/moxidectin/praziquantel/pyrantel is offered by the experts at Plumb’s (paid subscription only).