Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets
Imidacloprid, Moxidectin
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: spot-on solution. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Imidacloprid, Moxidectin.1
In short: questions and answers
- Does Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets need a prescription?
- Prescription only. As stated in the registration decision.1
- Which animals is Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets for?
- Cats, Ferrets.1
- What is the active substance in Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets?
- Imidacloprid, Moxidectin. ATCvet code: QP54AB52.13
- What is the withdrawal period of Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets according to the leaflet?
- No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
- Dispensing
- Prescription only1
POM-V: Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian. Supplied only on a prescription written by a veterinary surgeon who has assessed the animal.12
Supplied only on a veterinarian's prescription. As stated in the registration decision.
- Active substance
- Imidacloprid, Moxidectin
- ATCvet code
- QP54AB523
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto
Withdrawal period
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Summary of product characteristics
Composition
Each 0.4 ml pipette contains:
Active substances:
Imidacloprid 40 mg
Moxidectin 4 mg
Excipients:
Butylhydroxytoluene 0.4 mg
Benzyl Alcohol 329 mg
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
Pharmaceutical form
Spot-on solution.
Clear, colourless to yellow to brown solution.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents, macrocyclic lactones, milbemycins, moxidectin, combinations.
ATC vet code: QP54AB52.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Imidacloprid, 1-(6-Chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitro-imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine is an ectoparasiticide belonging to the chloronicotinyl group of compounds. Chemically, it is more accurately described as a chloronicotinyl nitroguanidine. Imidacloprid is effective against larval flea stages and adult fleas. Flea larvae in the pet’s surroundings are killed after contact with a pet treated with the product. Imidacloprid has a high affinity for the nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors in the post-synaptic region of the central nervous system (CNS) of the flea. The ensuing inhibition of cholinergic transmission in insects results in paralysis and death. Due to the weak nature of the interaction with mammalian nicotinergic receptors and the postulated poor penetration through the blood-brain barrier in mammals, it has virtually no effect
on the mammalian CNS. Imidacloprid has minimal pharmacological activity in mammals.
Moxidectin, 23-(O-methyloxime)-F28249 alpha is a second-generation macrocyclic lactone of the milbemycin family. It is a parasiticide which is active against many internal and external parasites. Moxidectin is active against larval stages (L1, L3, L4) of Dirofilaria immitis. It is also active against gastrointestinal nematodes. Moxidectin interacts with GABA and glutamate-gated chloride channels. This leads to opening of the chloride channels on the postsynaptic junction, the inflow of chloride ions and induction of an irreversible resting state. The result is flaccid paralysis of affected parasites, followed by their death and/or expulsion.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars
After topical administration of the product, imidacloprid is rapidly distributed over the animal’s skin within one day of application. It can be found on the body surface throughout the treatment interval. Moxidectin is absorbed through the skin, reaching maximum plasma concentrations approximately 1 to 2 days after treatment in cats. Following absorption from the skin, moxidectin is distributed systemically and is slowly eliminated from the plasma as manifested by detectable moxidectin concentrations in plasma throughout the treatment interval of one month.
The mean T ½ in cats ranges between 18.7 and 25.7 days.
Studies evaluating the pharmacokinetic behaviour of moxidectin after multiple applications have indicated that steady state serum levels are achieved following approximately 4 consecutive monthly treatments in cats.
Environmental properties
See section 6.6.
Target species
Small cats (≤ 4 kg) and ferrets.
Indications
For cats suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections.
Treatment and prevention of flea infestation (Ctenocephalides felis).
Treatment of ear mite infestation (Otodectes cynotis).
Treatment of notoedric mange (Notoedres cati).
Treatment of the lungworm Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) (adults). Prevention of lungworm disease (L3/L4 larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). Treatment of the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (adults).
Treatment of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda (adults).
Prevention of heartworm disease (L3 and L4 larvae of Dirofilaria immitis). Treatment of infections with gastrointestinal nematodes (L4 larvae, immature adults and adults of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme).
The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Ferrets suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections.
Treatment and prevention of flea infestation (Ctenocephalides felis).
Prevention of heartworm disease (L3 and L4 larvae of Dirofilaria immitis).
Dosage
For external use only (spot-on use).
Dosage schedule for cats:
The recommended minimum doses are 10 mg/kg bodyweight imidacloprid and 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight moxidectin, equivalent to 0.1 ml/kg bodyweight of the veterinary medicinal product.
The treatment schedule should be based on individual veterinary diagnosis and on the local epidemiological situation.
Administer in accordance with the following table:
| Cats [kg] | Pipette size to be used | Volume [ml] | Imidacloprid [mg/kg b.w.] | Moxidectin [mg/kg b.w.] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤4 | imidacloprid/moxidectin 40 mg/4 mg spot-on solution for small cats and ferrets | 0.4 | minimum of 10 | minimum of 1 |
Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides felis):
One treatment prevents future flea infestation for 4 weeks. Existing pupae in the environment may emerge for 6 weeks or longer after treatment is initiated, depending upon climatic conditions. Therefore, it may be necessary to combine treatment with this veterinary medicinal product with environmental treatments aimed at breaking the flea life cycle in the surroundings. This can result in a more rapid reduction in the household flea population. The product should be administered at monthly intervals when used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis.
Treatment of ear mite infestation (Otodectes cynotis):
A single dose of the product should be administered. A further veterinary examination 30 days after treatment is recommended as some animals may require a second treatment. Do not apply directly to the ear canal.
Treatment of notoedric mange (Notoedres cati):
A single dose of the product should be administered.
Treatment of the lungworm Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) (adults):
A single dose of the product should be administered.
Prevention of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus:
The product should be administered monthly.
Treatment of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus:
The product should be administered monthly for three consecutive months.
Treatment of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda (adults):
A single dose of the product should be administered.
Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis):
Cats in areas endemic for heartworm, or those which have travelled to endemic areas, may be infected with adult heartworms. Therefore prior to treatment with the product, the advice provided in section 4.5 should be considered.
For prevention of heartworm disease, the product must be applied at regular monthly intervals during the time of the year when mosquitoes (the intermediate hosts which carry and transmit heartworm larvae) are present. The product may be administered throughout the year or at least 1 month before the first expected exposure to mosquitoes. Treatment should continue at regular monthly intervals until 1 month after the last exposure to mosquitoes. To establish a treatment routine, it is recommended that the same day or date be used each month. When replacing another heartworm preventative product in a heartworm prevention programme, the first treatment with the product must be given within 1 month of the last dose of the former medication.
In non-endemic areas there should be no risk of cats having heartworm. Therefore they can be treated without special precautions.
Roundworm and hookworm treatment (Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme):
In areas endemic for heartworm, monthly treatment may significantly reduce the risk of re-infection caused by the respective roundworms and hookworms. In areas non- endemic for heartworm, the product can be used as part of a seasonal prevention programme against fleas and gastrointestinal nematodes.
Dosage schedule for ferrets:
One pipette of the product for use in small cats and ferrets (0.4 ml) should be administered per animal.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
The treatment schedule should be based on the local epidemiological situation.
Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides felis):
One treatment prevents future flea infestation for 3 weeks. Under heavy flea pressure it may be necessary to repeat administration after 2 weeks.
Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis):
Ferrets in areas endemic for heartworm, or those which have travelled to endemic areas, may be infected with adult heartworms. Therefore prior to treatment with the product, the advice provided in section 4.5 should be considered.
For prevention of heartworm disease, the product must be applied at regular monthly intervals during the time of the year when mosquitoes (the intermediate hosts which carry and transmit heartworm larvae) are present. The product may be administered throughout the year or at least 1 month before the first expected exposure to mosquitoes. Treatment should continue at regular monthly intervals until 1 month after the last exposure to mosquitoes. In non-endemic areas there should be no risk of ferrets having heartworm. Therefore they can be treated without special precautions.
Method of administration:
How to apply:
1. Remove the pipette from its packaging. Hold the pipette in an upright position, twist and pull the cap off.
2. Turn the cap around and place the other end of the cap back on the pipette. Push and twist the cap to break the seal, then remove the cap from the pipette.
3. Part the coat on the animal’s neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette onto the skin and squeeze the pipette several times to empty its contents completely and directly onto the skin in one spot. Avoid contact between the product and your fingers.
Application at the base of the skull will minimise the opportunity for the animal to lick the product. The product should only be applied to undamaged skin
Contraindications
Do not use in kittens under 9 weeks of age.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
For ferrets: Do not use the veterinary medicinal product for large cats (0.8 ml) or for dogs (any size).
For dogs, the corresponding veterinary medicinal product, which contains 100 mg/ml imidacloprid and 25 mg/ml moxidectin, must be used.
Do not use on canaries.
Adverse reactions
Use of the product may result in transient pruritus in cats. On rare occasions greasy fur, erythema and vomiting can occur. These signs disappear without further treatment. The product may, in rare cases, cause local hypersensitivity reactions. If the animal licks the application site after treatment, neurological signs (most of which are transient) may be observed in very rare cases (see section 4.10).
The product tastes bitter. Salivation may occasionally occur if the animal licks the application site immediately after treatment. This is not a sign of intoxication and disappears within some minutes without treatment. Correct application will minimise licking of the application site.
The product may in very rare cases cause at the application site a sensation resulting in transient behavioural changes such as lethargy, agitation, and inappetence.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Warnings
Special precautions for use in animals
The treatment of cats weighing less than 1 kg and ferrets weighing less than 0.8 kg should be based on a benefit-risk assessment.
There is limited experience on the use of the product in sick and debilitated animals, thus the product should only be used based on a benefit-risk assessment for these animals.
The product should only be applied to undamaged skin.
Care should be taken that the content of the pipette or the applied dose does not come into contact with the eyes or mouth of the recipient and/or other animals. Do not allow recently treated animals to groom each other. Oral uptake by Collie or Old English Sheep dogs and related breeds or crossbreeds should be prevented. It is recommended that cats and ferrets living in, or travelling to areas endemic for heartworm are treated monthly with the product to protect them from heartworm disease.
Whilst the accuracy of diagnosis of heartworm infection is limited, it is recommended that attempts be made to check the heartworm status of any cat and ferret aged over
6 months, before beginning prophylactic treatment, as use of the product on cats or ferrets which have adult heartworms may cause serious adverse effects, including death. If adult heartworm infection is diagnosed, the infection should be treated in accordance with current scientific knowledge.
In certain individual cats Notoedres cati infestation may be severe. In these severe cases concomitant supportive treatment is necessary as treatment with the product alone may not be sufficient to prevent death of the animal.
Imidacloprid is toxic for birds, especially canaries.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
In order to prevent children from getting access to pipettes, keep the pipette in the original packaging until ready for use and dispose of used pipettes immediately. Do not ingest. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
People with a known hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol, imidacloprid or moxidectin should administer the product with caution. In very rare cases the product may cause skin sensitisation or transient skin reactions (for example numbness, irritation or burning/tingling sensation).
In very rare cases the product may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. If the product accidentally gets into eyes, they should be thoroughly flushed with water.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or mouth.
In case of accidental spillage onto skin, wash off immediately with soap and water. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
If skin or eye symptoms persist, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.
Do not eat, drink or smoke during application.
Treated animals should not be handled, especially by children, until the application site is dry. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the product in the evening. Recently treated animals should not be allowed to sleep in the same bed as their owner, especially children.
The solvent in the product may stain or damage certain materials including leather, fabrics, plastics and finished surfaces. Allow the application site to dry before permitting contact with such materials.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established during pregnancy and lactation.
Laboratory studies with either imidacloprid or moxidectin in rats and rabbits have not produced any evidence of teratogenic, foetotoxic or maternotoxic effects. Use only according to the benefit-risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Interactions
During treatment with the veterinary medicinal product no other antiparasitic macrocyclic lactone should be administered.
No interactions between the veterinary medicinal product and routinely used veterinary medicinal products or medical or surgical procedures have been observed.
Overdose
Up to 10 times the recommended dose was tolerated in cats with no evidence of adverse effects or undesirable clinical signs.
The combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin was administered to kittens at up to 5 times the recommended dose, every 2 weeks for 6 treatments, and there were no serious safety concerns. Transient mydriasis, salivation, vomiting and transient rapid respiration were observed.
After accidental oral ingestion or overdose, neurological signs (most of which are transient) such as ataxia, generalised tremors, ocular signs (dilated pupils, little pupillary reflex, nystagmus), abnormal respiration, salivation and vomiting may occur in very rare cases.
The combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin was administered to ferrets at 5 times the recommended dose, every 2 weeks for 4 treatments, and there was no evidence of adverse effects or undesirable clinical signs.
In case of accidental oral uptake, symptomatic treatment should be administered. There is no known specific antidote. The use of activated charcoal may be beneficial.
Special warnings
Please refer to section 4.5.
The product’s efficacy has not been tested in ferrets weighing over 2 kg and therefore the duration of effect might be shorter in these animals.
Brief contact of the animal with water on one or two occasions between monthly treatments is unlikely to significantly reduce the efficacy of the product. However, frequent shampooing or immersion of the animal in water after treatment may reduce the efficacy of the product.
Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class. Therefore, the use of this product should be based on the assessment of each individual case and on local epidemiological information about the current susceptibility of the target species in order to limit the possibility of a future selection for resistance.
The use of the product should be based on the confirmed diagnosis of mixed infection (or risk of infection, where prevention applies) at the same time (see also sections 4.2 and 4.9).
Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
Incompatibilities
None known.
Immediate packaging
Polypropylene unit dose pipette with polyethylene or polyoxymethylene or polypropylene closure with spike packed into a laminated triplex bag composed of polyester, aluminium and polyetylene.
Cardboard box containing 1, 3, 4, 24 or 48 pipettes.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light. This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.
Disposal of unused product
The product should not enter water courses as this may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms. Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Additional information
Vm 01656/4206
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
14 January 2020
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
June 2025
Registration holder
Krka, d.d, Novo mesto
Šmarješka cesta 6
8501 Novo mesto
Slovenia
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets, 01656/4206
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Imidamox 40 mg/4 mg Spot-on Solution for Small Cats and Ferrets
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