Indications
INTERCEPTOR is recommended for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and for the treatment and control of parasitic infections due to adult hookworm [ Ancylostoma caninum ], adult roundworms [ Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina ], and adult whipworm [ Trichuris vulpis ] in dogs over two weeks of age and greater than one (1) kilogram of body weight.

Dosage

Available in four sizes for convenient dosing of dogs of various weights.

The minimum dosage level is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight. Dogs weighing over 45 kg should receive the appropriate combination of FLAVOR TABS.

For heartworm prevention, administer INTERCEPTOR FLAVOR TABS once per month on the same day.

Reminder stickers are provided for use on a calendar.

The initial dose must be given within a month after the first indication of mosquito activity and regular dosing should continue until at least one month after the end of the mosquito season. If the interval between doses exceeds 30 days, the efficacy of INTERCEPTOR may be reduced. If regular monthly treatment is delayed, it is essential to immediately recommence treatment at the recommended dosage rate. If treatment has been delayed beyond two months, the advice of a veterinarian should be sought. When replacing an existing diethylcarbamazine citrate [DEC] or ivermectin based product, the initial dose of INTERCEPTOR may be given at any time within 30 days of the last treatment with that product.

For hookworm, roundworm and whipworm , control may be obtain in conjunction with heartworm prevention, or by separate administration of a Flavor Tab.

Administration

Flavour Tabs are highly palatable and may be given by hand. They may also be added to dog food or administered as a regular tablet.

The tablet[s] should be placed into the dog's mouth on the back of the tongue, or can be hidden in food. The dog should be watched closely for several minutes following administration of the Flavor Tab to ensure that the entire dose has been swallowed. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, dosing should be repeated.

Safety Studies

INTERCEPTOR has been tested and found to have no adverse reactions in over 75 dog breeds, pregnant females, breeding males and females, and puppies over 8 weeks of age when administered at the recommended monthly dosage.

Five pivotal target animal studies provided evidence that milbemycin oxime can be used safely in dogs. Milbemycin was administered daily to reproducing dogs, prior to mating and during gestation, without detectable adverse effects.

In a chronic study (10 months) milbemycin was given to dogs at rates up to 5X the monthly use rate, on three consecutive days. The only adverse effects found were transient ataxia and trembling in some 8-week old puppies. An additional study in 8-week old puppies demonstrated no adverse effects when milbemycin was given for 3 days at the proposed rate and only minor effects in a few animals at the 5X rate given daily for 3 days.

Two specifically designed target animal safety studies in puppies 2 weeks of age were conducted. These studies demonstrated a very adequate margin of safety for the use of milbemycin in young puppies between 2 and 8 weeks of age.

Seven supportive animal safety studies provided evidence that milbemycin oxime would not be expected to have adverse effects in dogs under normal use conditions and up to 3X the recommended use rate.

Caution

Prior to initiation of INTERCEPTOR treatment, dogs over 5 months of age should be tested for existing heartworm infections. If positive, dogs should be converted to negative status by the use of appropriate heartworm adulticides prior to INTERCEPTOR use.

When milbemycin was administered to heartworm-infected dogs, a relatively mild shock-like reaction was observed, probably due to the microfilaricidal effect of milbemycin.

Warning

Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally swallowed, call a physician.

Presentation

INTERCEPTOR is available in four Flavor Tab sizes, formulated and package colour coded according to the weight range of the dog.

Available in the following package sizes: 6 Flavor Tabs packaged 10 per display carton and 6 Flavor Tabs (10 strips X 6 tablets) per dispenser for adding extra tablets to the displays to accommodate growing puppies of extending the duration of treatment.