Milbeguard Duo 12.5 mg / 125 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs
Milbemycin Oxime (A3 and A4), Praziquantel
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: chewable tablet. Distribution category: POM-V (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Milbemycin Oxime (A3 and A4), Praziquantel.1
- 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.
- Animal species
- Dogs1
- Active substance
- Milbemycin Oxime (A3 and A4), Praziquantel
- ATCvet code
- QP54AB513
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Ceva Sante Animale
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 tablet contains:
Active substances:
Milbemycin oxime 12.5 mg
Praziquantel 125 mg
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1
6.1 List of excipients
Povidone
Croscarmellose sodium
Lactose monohydrate
Artificial Chicken flavour
Yeast
Cellulose microcrystalline
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
Magnesium stearate
Pharmaceutical form
Chewable tablet.
Flavoured round tablet, beige to light brown, scored on one side. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: milbemycin oxime combinations
ATC Vet Code: QP54AB51
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Milbemycin oxime belongs to the group of macrocyclic lactones, isolated from the fermentation of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. aureolacrimosus. It is active against larval and adult stages of nematodes as well as against larvae of Dirofilaria immitis. The activity of milbemycin is related to its action on invertebrate neurotransmission: Milbemycin oxime, like avermectins and other milbemycins, increases nematode and insect membrane permeability to chloride ions via glutamate-gated chloride ion channels (related to vertebrate GABAA and glycine receptors). This leads to hyperpolarisation of the neuromuscular membrane and flaccid paralysis and death of the parasite.
Praziquantel is an acylated pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative. Praziquantel is active against cestodes. It modifies the permeability for calcium (influx of Ca2+) in the membranes of the parasite inducing an imbalance in the membrane structures, leading to membrane depolarization and almost instantaneous contraction of the musculature (tetany), rapid vacuolization of the syncytial tegument and subsequent tegumental disintegration (blebbing), resulting in easier expulsion from the gastrointestinal tract or death of the parasite.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars
After oral administration of praziquantel in the dog, peak plasma levels of parent are rapidly reached 1918 µg/L. Tmax is about 30 min and ranged between 15 min and 10 hours. Plasma concentrations decline quickly (t1/2 around 1.72 hours). There is a substantial hepatic first-pass effect, with very rapid and almost complete hepatic biotransformation, principally to monohydroxylated (also some di- and tri-hydroxylated) derivatives, which are mostly glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugated before excretion. Plasma binding is about 80%. Excretion is fast and complete (about 90% in 2 days); the principal route of elimination is renal.
After oral administration of milbemycin oxime in dogs, peak plasma levels reach 773 µg/L and occur at about 1.25 hours. Tmax ranged between 45 min and 10 hours, plasma concentrations decline with a half-life of the unmetabolised milbemycin oxime of 1-5 days. Bioavailability is about 80%. In addition to relatively high liver concentrations, there is some concentration in fat, reflecting its lipophilicity.
Target species
Dogs (dogs weighing at least 2.5 kg)
Indications
In dogs: treatment of mixed infections by adult cestodes and nematodes of the following species:
- Cestodes:
Dipylidium caninum
Taenia spp.
Echinococcus spp.
Mesocestoides spp.
- Nematodes:
Ancylostoma caninum
Toxocara canis
Toxascaris leonina
Trichuris vulpis
Crenosoma vulpis (Reduction of the level of infection)
Angiostrongylus vasorum (Reduction of the level of infection by immature adult (L5) and adult parasite stages; see specific treatment and prevention disease schedules under section 4.9 “Administration routes and dosage”)
Thelazia callipaeda (see specific treatment schedule under section 4.9 “Administration routes and dosage”)
The product can also be used in the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) if concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated.
Dosage
Oral use.
Minimum recommended dose rate: 0.5 mg of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg of praziquantel per kg are given once orally.
Animals should be weighed to ensure accurate dosing. Depending on the bodyweight of the dog, the practical dosing is as follows:
| Body Weight (kg) | 12.5/125 tablet |
|---|---|
| 2.5 - 5 | 1/2 |
| >5-25 | 1 |
| >25-50 | 2 |
Tablets are palatable. They should be administered with or after some food.
In cases when heartworm disease prevention is used and at the same time treatment against tapeworm is required, the product can replace the monovalent product for the prevention of heartworm disease.
For treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum infections, milbemycin oxime should be given four times at weekly intervals. It is recommended, where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated, to treat once with the product and continue with the monovalent product containing milbemycin oxime alone, for the remaining three weekly treatments.
In endemic areas administration of the product every four weeks will prevent angiostrongylosis by reducing immature adult (L5) and adult parasite burden, where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated.
For the treatment of Thelazia callipaeda, milbemycin oxime should be given in 2 treatments, seven days apart. Where concomitant treatment against cestodes is indicated, the product can replace the monovalent product containing milbemycin oxime alone.
Underdosing could result in ineffective use and may favour resistance development. The need for and frequency of re-treatment(s) should be based on professional advice and should take into account the local epidemiological situation and the animal’s lifestyle.
Contraindications
Do not use in dogs weighing less than 2.5 kg
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
See also section 4.5 "Special precautions for use".
Adverse reactions
Dogs:
| Frequency | Adverse events |
|---|---|
| Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): | Hypersensitivity reaction; Lethargy, Anorexia; Muscle tremor, Ataxia, Convulsion; Emesis, Drooling, Diarrhoea |
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See also the last section of the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Warnings
i). Special precautions for use in animals
In heartworm risk-areas, or if it is known that a dog has been travelling to and from heartworm risk regions, before using the product, a veterinary consultation is advised to exclude the presence of any concurrent infestation of Dirofilaria immitis. In the case of a positive diagnosis, adulticidal therapy is indicated before administering the product.
Treatment of dogs with a high number of circulating microfilariae can sometimes lead to the appearance of hypersensitivity reactions, such as pale mucous membranes, vomiting, trembling, laboured breathing or excessive salivation. These reactions are associated with the release of proteins from dead or dying microfilariae and are not a direct toxic effect of the product. The use in dogs suffering from microfilaremia is thus not recommended.
No studies have been performed with severely debilitated dogs or individuals with seriously compromised kidney or liver function. The product is not recommended for such animals or only according to a benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Studies with milbemycin oxime indicate that the margin of safety in certain dogs of Collie or related breeds is less than in other breeds. In these dogs, the recommended dose should be strictly observed. The tolerance of the product in young puppies from these breeds has not been investigated. Clinical signs in Collies are similar to those seen in the general dog population when overdosed (see section 3.10 “Symptoms of overdose”).
In dogs less than 4 weeks old, tape worm infection is unusual. Treatment of animals less than 4 weeks old with a combination product may therefore not be necessary. The tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of the animals.
ii). Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
This veterinary medicinal product may be harmful when ingested, particularly for children. To avoid accidental ingestion, the product should be stored out of sight and reach of children. Any unused part of tablet should be stored in the opened blister, inside the outer packaging and always be used at the next administration.
In case of accidental ingestion of the tablets, particularly by a child, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. The product may cause a weak skin sensitization. Do not handle this product in case of known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Wash hands after use.
iii). Other precautions
Echinococcosis represents a hazard for humans. As Echinococcosis is a notifiable disease to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), specific guidelines on the treatment and follow up and on the safeguard of persons need to be obtained from the relevant competent authority.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has been established during pregnancy and lactation.
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Can be used in breeding animals.
Interactions
The concurrent use of the product with selamectin is well tolerated. No interactions were observed when the recommended dose of the macrocyclic lactone selamectin was administered during the treatment with the product at the recommended dose. In the absence of further studies, caution should be taken in the case of concurrent use of the product and other macrocyclic lactones. Also, no such studies have been performed with reproducing animals.
Overdose
No other signs than those observed at the recommended dose have been observed (see section 4.6 “Adverse events”).
Special warnings
It is recommended to treat all the animals living in the same household concomitantly. When infection with the cestode D. caninum has been confirmed, concomitant treatment against intermediate hosts, such as fleas and lice, should be discussed with a veterinarian to prevent re-infection.
Unnecessary use of antiparasitics or use deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the resistance selection pressure and lead to reduced efficacy. The decision to use the product should be based on confirmation of the parasitic species and burden, or of the risk of infection based on its epidemiological features, for each individual animal.
Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class.
In the absence of risk of co-infection with nematodes or cestodes, a narrow spectrum product should be used when available.
The use of this product should take into account local information about susceptibility of the target parasites, where available.
Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
Incompatibilities
Not applicable
Immediate packaging
Polyamide-Aluminium-Polyvinyl chloride / aluminium heat sealed blisters.
I Cardboard box with 1 blister of 2 tablets (2 tablets).
II Cardboard box with 2 blisters of 2 tablets (4 tablets).
III Cardboard box with 5 blisters of 2 tablets (10 tablets).
IV Cardboard box with 12 blisters of 2 tablets (24 tablets).
V Cardboard box with 24 blisters of 2 tablets (48 tablets).
VI Cardboard box with 50 blisters of 2 tablets (100 tablets).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Halved tablets should be stored in the original blister and be used for the next administration.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 48 months
Shelf life for halved tablet after first opening the blister: 6 months
Disposal of unused product
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or <household waste>.
The veterinary medicinal product should not enter water courses as this may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.
Additional information
Vm 14966/5010
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION
02 November 2023
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
February 2026
PROHIBITION OF SALE, SUPPLY AND/OR USE
11 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS
Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription except for some pack sizes. Not all pack sizes may be subject to prescription. (Concerned pack-sizes to be completed nationally)
Approved: 26 March 2026
Registration holder
Ceva Sante Animale
8 rue de Logrono
33500 Libourne
France
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32