interceptor plus side effects
Mia Lopez
Updated on July 02, 2026
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.
How long do Interceptor Plus side effects last?
These effects were all transient and puppies returned to normal within 24 to 48 hours. No effects were observed in puppies given the recommended dose of milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg).
Is interceptor for dogs safe?
Interceptor Plus has been demonstrated to be safe in healthy dogs when given according to labeled directions. Interceptor Plus is approved for use in dogs and puppies 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 6 weeks of age and older.
Does Interceptor Plus make dogs sleepy?
The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, depression/lethargy, ataxia, anorexia, convulsions, weakness, and salivation.
Does Interceptor Plus make dogs sick?
Interceptor Plus Important Safety Information
The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, incoordination, weight loss, convulsions, weakness, and salivation.
Does interceptor have side effects?
There are very few side effects when the drug is given at the normal dose, but monitor your pet for vomiting, diarrhea, depression/lethargy, ataxia, anorexia, convulsions, weakness and salivation. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Can interceptor cause seizures?
You have no evidence yet that the Interceptor is what is causing the seizure activity. Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common form.
How long does Interceptor Plus take to work?
How long does Interceptor Plus take to kill worms? This medication should take effect within one to two days to create a layer of protection against these internal parasites.
What does Interceptor Plus treat?
Interceptor Plus prevents all the above parasites – 4 intestinal parasites (tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms) and one blood parasite (heartworm). Best yet, dogs LOVE its new tasty chew-like dosing.
Why was interceptor taken off the market?
The Greenfield, Ind., veterinary drug maker inherited Interceptor from Novartis Animal Health, which discontinued the monthly medication in 2013 because of quality-control issues.
What is the safest heartworm medicine for dogs?
The two most common (and generally considered safe) heartworm preventative ingredients used today are ivermectin (used in Heartgard by Merial, and other products) and milbemycin oxime (used in Interceptor by Novartis).
Is Interceptor Plus safe for heartworm positive dogs?
No. Melarsomine is the only FDA-approved treatment for heartworms. Never give Interceptor to a heartworm positive dog, severe, and even deadly side effects can arise.
How often should I give my dog Interceptor Plus?
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 to mosquitoes (see EFFECTIVENESS).
What is the difference between Interceptor and Interceptor Plus?
Interceptor is safe for use in cats, but Interceptor Plus is formulated only for use in dogs. Arguably, the most notable difference between these products is that Interceptor Plus contains a second active ingredient – Praziquantel. This additional ingredient offers added protection against tapeworms.
Do you give Interceptor Plus with food?
You can give Interceptor Plus to your dog by hand or add it to a small amount of dog food. Administer the chewables in a manner that encourages your dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing.
Can you skip a month of heartworm medicine?
Most of the monthly heartworm medicines have a safety factor of at least 15 days of protection if a dose is missed. This means that if you’re just a week or two late, your pet is likely still within that window of protection and would be unlikely to become infected during that time.
What is dog ataxia?
The word ataxia means incoordination within the nervous system. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the torso, or all three. There are several different forms of ataxia, depending on where in the nervous system the abnormality occurs.
Can dogs get diarrhea from heartworm medicine?
Oral Heartworm Medications
There are rarely side effects, if given at the proper dosage, but some dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or incoordination. In the case of an allergic response to the heartworm medication, a dog may experience itching, hives, swelling of the face, or even seizures or shock.