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  • Albuquerque Cat Clinic
  • 7007 Jefferson Ave NE, STE D-2,
  • Albuquerque,
  • New Mexico,
  • 87109
  • Phone: 505-323-1460
  • Email: ray@abqcatclinic.com

Selamectin

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Selamectin is a topical agent used to kill parasites in cats. It is used to kill adult fleas, prevent flea eggs from hatching, prevent and control flea infestations, prevent heartworm disease and treat and control ear mite infestations in cats. This product may also be prescribed by your veterinarian for the the treatment of intestinal hookworm and roundworm infections in cats.

How do I give this medication?selamectin-1

"Wash hands with soap and water after handling the medication."
  • Apply this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • DO NOT apply more medication than directed or more often than directed.
  • Ensure that you have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be applied.
  • Part the hair on the pet's back between the base of the neck and the shoulder blades, until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze the tube to empty the entire contents directly onto the skin in one spot, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
  • DO NOT massage the product into the skin.
  • DO NOT apply to broken skin.
  • DO NOT apply to wet a hair coat.
  • Keep the product away from the pet's mouth and eyes.
  • Avoid contact with the application sites while they are still wet.
  • Discard empty tubes in your ordinary household garbage.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling the medication.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Apply the dose as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian if you have missed applying the dose by more than a few days. Do not apply two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine below 30oC. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

  • A small percentage of cats may temporarily lose their hair and have slight inflammation at or near the site of application.
  • The following side effects have been observed rarely: vomiting, loose stools or diarrhea (with or without blood), loss of appetite, drowsiness, salivation, rapid breathing and muscle tremors.
  • If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 7, 2016.