Iverthart Plus for Dogs

Iverhart Plus is a brand name for a medication used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It is a combination product that contains two active ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel.

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that is commonly used to treat various types of internal and external parasites in animals. It works by interfering with the nervous system of the parasites, causing paralysis and death. In the case of heartworm disease, ivermectin is effective in preventing the development of heartworm larvae into adult worms.

Pyrantel, on the other hand, is an anthelmintic medication that primarily targets intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms. It works by causing muscle paralysis in the parasites, leading to their expulsion from the dog's body through normal bowel movements.

When combined, ivermectin and pyrantel in Iverhart Plus provide broad-spectrum protection against heartworm disease and common intestinal worms in dogs. It is typically administered monthly as a chewable tablet and is available in different strengths to accommodate different dog sizes.

It's important to note that Iverhart Plus is a prescription medication, and you should consult with a veterinarian before using it for your dog. They can provide the appropriate dosage based on your dog's weight and health status, as well as guide you on the proper administration and frequency of the medication. Additionally, regular testing for heartworm infection is recommended, even when preventive medications like Iverhart Plus are used, to ensure early detection and treatment if necessary.

Key Benefits:

• Heartworm prevention: Iverhart Plus is highly effective in preventing heartworm disease in dogs. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems in dogs. By administering Iverhart Plus regularly, you can protect your dog from heartworm infection.
• Broad-spectrum protection: In addition to preventing heartworm disease, Iverhart Plus also provides protection against common intestinal worms, such as roundworms and hookworms. These parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues and other health problems in dogs. By using Iverhart Plus, you can help keep your dog free from these internal parasites.
• Convenience of administration: Iverhart Plus comes in a chewable tablet form, which makes it easy to administer to dogs. Most dogs find the tablet palatable and willingly consume it as a treat. This convenience simplifies the process of giving preventive medication to your dog, ensuring that they receive the necessary protection without hassle.
• Trusted and reliable: Iverhart Plus is a well-known and widely used brand in the veterinary field. It has been on the market for several years and has a proven track record of effectiveness in preventing heartworm disease and controlling intestinal parasites. Its reliability and trusted reputation make it a popular choice among veterinarians and dog owners.
• Cost-effective: Compared to treating heartworm disease or managing the complications associated with it, using Iverhart Plus for prevention is generally more cost-effective in the long run. By investing in regular preventive treatment, you can avoid the expenses and potential risks of treating an infected dog.

Indications:

• Heartworm prevention: Iverhart Plus is primarily used to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. It kills the immature heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) that are transmitted through mosquito bites before they can develop into adult worms in the dog's bloodstream and heart. Regular administration of Iverhart Plus helps to ensure that your dog remains protected against heartworm infection.
• Intestinal parasite control: Iverhart Plus also provides control and treatment for various intestinal parasites in dogs. It is effective against roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala). These parasites can be transmitted to dogs through contaminated soil or through ingestion of infected animals. Iverhart Plus helps eliminate these intestinal parasites from your dog's system.

It's important to note that Iverhart Plus is specifically designed for use in dogs and should not be used in other animal species. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian and administer the medication as directed to ensure its efficacy and safety for your dog. Regular testing for heartworm infection is still recommended, even when using preventive medications like Iverhart Plus, to detect any potential infection early and take appropriate measures.

How it works:

Iverhart Plus works through the combined action of its active ingredients, ivermectin and pyrantel, to prevent heartworm disease and control intestinal parasites in dogs.

1. Ivermectin: Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as macrocyclic lactones. It works by targeting the nervous system of parasites, including heartworm larvae (microfilariae) and certain other parasites.

When administered to dogs, ivermectin is absorbed into the bloodstream. It circulates throughout the body and is lethal to the immature heartworm larvae that may be present in the dog's system. It kills the microfilariae before they can develop into adult worms. Ivermectin also has a preventive effect by inhibiting the larvae from migrating further and developing into the next stage of their life cycle.

2. Pyrantel: Pyrantel is an anthelmintic medication that specifically targets intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. It works by paralyzing the parasites' muscles, causing them to lose their grip on the intestinal wall. As a result, the parasites are expelled from the dog's body through regular bowel movements.

Pyrantel primarily acts on the nervous system of these parasites, leading to their paralysis and subsequent elimination from the gastrointestinal tract. It helps control and treat intestinal worm infestations, preventing their multiplication and reducing the associated health risks in dogs.

When combined in Iverhart Plus, the synergistic action of ivermectin and pyrantel provides comprehensive protection against heartworm disease and common intestinal parasites in dogs. It is important to administer Iverhart Plus according to the recommended dosage and schedule provided by your veterinarian to ensure its effectiveness and the well-being of your dog.

View Iverhart Plus Drug Facts Sheet.

Iverhart Plus® (ivermectin/pyrantel) Flavored Chewables should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The recommended dosing schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:

Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables are recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older.

For dogs over 100 lbs use the appropriate combination of these flavored chewables.

Administration:

Remove only one flavored chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Because most dogs find Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food or placed in the back of the dog's mouth for forced swallowing.

Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.

Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog's first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog's last exposure to mosquitoes.

When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease preventive program, the first dose of Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables must be given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication.

If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the flavored chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen minimizes the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.

Monthly treatment with Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables also provides effective treatment and control of ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites.

Efficacy:

Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables, given orally using the recommended dose and regimen, are effective against the tissue larval stage of D. immitis for a month (30 days) after infection and, as a result, prevent the development of the adult stage. Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables are also effective against canine ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense).

Acceptability:

In a trial in client-owned dogs, Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables were shown to be a palatable oral dosage form consumed at first offering by the majority of dogs.

Precautions:

All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables, which are not effective against adult D. immitis. Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables.

While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables at the recommended dose level, Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables are not effective for microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivity-type reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae.

Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans.

Storage:

Store at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).

Adverse Reactions:

In clinical trials with ivermectin/pyrantel, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1% of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of ivermectin: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.

Safety:

Studies with ivermectin indicate that certain dogs of the Collie breed are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels (more than 16 times the target use level of 6 mcg/kg) than dogs of other breeds. At elevated doses, sensitive dogs showed adverse reactions which included mydriasis, depression, ataxia, tremors, drooling, paresis, recumbency, excitability, stupor, coma and death. Ivermectin demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of ivermectin products in dogs, including Collies, when used as recommended.

Ivermectin/pyrantel has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks. In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid preparations have been administered with ivermectin/pyrantel in a heartworm disease preventive program.

In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in intestinal transit time.