Acaromectin for cats
Acaromectin is an antiparasitic medication used on cats infested with fleas, ticks, and other external parasites. This medication is for external use only. It effectively kills parasitic insects without causing harm to the animal.
Content
General description
Acaromectin is produced as a clear, colorless liquid with a slight odor. It is packaged in polymer bottles equipped with spray nozzles. This makes it very convenient to use, as the medicinal liquid is easily applied in an even layer to the affected areas. The manufacturer's instructions state that bottles range from 10 to 100 ml, but 25 ml bottles are commonly found in pharmacies.
There are no special temperature requirements for storing this medication. The key is to keep the temperature between 5 and 25°C, so a top shelf in a cabinet or other location out of reach of children is ideal. It's important to keep the storage area dry and away from direct sunlight. Never store this medication near heat sources or open flames.
Important! Always check the expiration date. Do not use if the expiration date has passed. In this case, the medication must be discarded.
Composition and action
Acaromectin is based on ivermectin. Its content in 1 ml of solution is 0.1 mg. The composition also includes isopropyl alcohol and mineral oil. These components serve only as auxiliary components.
Ivermectin is often used in the production of antiparasitic drugs. It determines the pharmacological properties of Acaromectin. The drug is effective against the following parasites:
- sarcoptic mites;
- demodectic mites;
- fleas;
- lice;
- hair-eaters;
- ear mites;
- other ectoparasites.
Ivermectin works by altering the flow of chloride ions. This disrupts the muscular and nervous systems, resulting in paralysis and death within a short period of time. The drug targets not only adult parasites but also their larvae. Therefore, its use is effective regardless of the pest's developmental stage.
The medication begins to work upon direct contact, that is, when applied to the affected area by fleas or ticks. The active ingredient penetrates the epidermis and enters the bloodstream, where it then acts systemically throughout the body.
Acaromectin is a low-toxicity medication. When used according to instructions, it is safe for cats of all breeds, does not cause skin irritation, and does not promote mutations. However, it is dangerous for fish and bees.
Price
The price of Acaromectin varies from 140 to 170 rubles in different pharmacies. It can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy (online or in-store). There is no shortage of the medication, as it is produced by two domestic companies – Narvak and Vetbiokhim. The medication is also often sold in pet stores and online.
Indications and contraindications for use
According to the instructions for use, Acaromectin is prescribed to cats for the treatment of the following pathologies:
- demodicosis;
- notoedrosis;
- sarcoptosis;
- otodectosis;
- entomoses caused by lice, fleas or chewing lice.
Due to the broad action of ivermectin, the drug can be used to destroy any external insects parasitizing cats.
Despite its low toxicity, the drug has a number of contraindications. It should not be used in the following cases:
- in infectious pathologies;
- in case of exhaustion;
- during the lactation period;
- during pregnancy;
- until reaching one month of age.
Please note! This product should not be used on pets with known intolerance to any of its components, particularly ivermectin. If there has been a previous allergic reaction to this substance, Acaromectin should not be used for treatment, and an alternative antiparasitic agent should be selected.
How to use: features and schemes
Medication is usually prescribed only after a definitive diagnosis has been made based on scrapings. The treatment regimen depends on the type of parasite causing the condition.
For otodectosis
For otodectosis, the pet's external auditory canal is first cleaned of dry crusts and debris using a damp cotton swab. For greater effectiveness, use special lotions for cleaning. Then, apply 1-1.5 ml of the medicated solution to the inner surface of the auricle. For the medication to be effective, it must be distributed throughout the entire auricle. To do this, carefully fold the auricle in half and then gently massage it.
The treatment is repeated after 8-10 days. If the condition is complicated by otitis, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used in addition. If the scrapings are positive, the treatment is repeated twice.
Please note! The medication should be applied to both ears, even if ear mites are found in only one.
In case of tick infestation
For notoedrosis, sarcoptosis and demodicosis, Acaramectin is used as follows:
- Trim the hair from problem areas of the skin.
- Remove dry crusts and scabs with a swab soaked in clean water or lotion.
- Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area, leaving a 1 cm margin of healthy skin. To do this, you can spray the product from a short distance or generously soak a cotton pad with the product and then wipe the problem areas from the outside to the center.
For sarcoptic mange mites, the procedure is repeated 2-5 times depending on the severity of the infestation and symptoms. For demodectic mange mites, the procedure is repeated 4-5 times. In both cases, the interval between treatments is 8-10 days. If the condition is accompanied by a fungal infection or an inflammatory process caused by harmful bacteria, a combination treatment is used, which includes antifungal or antibacterial medications in addition to an antiparasitic agent.
Please note! Do not allow the animal to lick the solution. A neck collar is usually used for this purpose. Remove it only after the liquid has completely dried.
If there are fleas or lice
If lice, fleas, or lice are detected on a cat, apply Acaromectin to small patches in various locations—the back, stomach, sides, neck, and back of the head. Do not allow the cat to lick the medication. Repeat the treatment after 8-10 days. It is also necessary to disinfect the house using approved products, paying particular attention to the pet's bedding, toys, and cracks in the floor.
It is not recommended to violate the dosage regimen for the medication, as this may negatively affect its effectiveness.
Side effects
If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations (instructions for use), Acaromectin does not cause any side effects. In case of intolerance, allergic reactions may occur. In this case, rinse the medication off the animal with clean water and then administer an antiallergic medication.
In case of overdose or ingestion of the solution, the following side effects may occur:
- increased saliva production;
- muscle tremor;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- weakness and apathy.
Depending on the cause of the above symptoms, the medicine is washed off or the stomach is washed.
Please note! When using this medication, you must follow safety precautions. Wear latex or rubber gloves when handling the medication, and wash your hands with soap afterward.
Owner reviews
Andrey, owner of a British cat:
"We live in a private house, so our cat spends a lot of time outside during the warmer months. As a result, he sometimes brings fleas home. I don't use preventative treatment because I don't think it's necessary to constantly poison my cat. Furthermore, Acaromectin helps get rid of fleas quickly. They die after just one treatment. I once used the spray to treat ear mites. The effect was also impressive."
Valentina, owner of a one-year-old cat:
"I found my beloved cat on the street. He was a miserable looking cat, covered in mangy, scratched skin. When I got home, I noticed he was constantly scratching himself, so I took him to the vet. They found subcutaneous and ear mites and prescribed Acaromectin. It's inexpensive, but it works effectively. The treatment was lengthy—one and a half months (one treatment per week), but the results were visible after the first session. After the third treatment, the cat almost stopped scratching, and his fur began to regrow. The parasites are now a thing of the past."
Veterinarian Reviews
Antonina, a veterinarian with 9 years of experience:
"Acaromectin is an effective antiparasitic agent that kills all external parasites. Although many cat owners believe that ivermectin (the drug's base) is very dangerous and toxic for cats, the medication is safe for pets. My patients always tolerate the medication well."
Anastasia, a veterinarian at a provincial clinic:
"I work in a small town where the selection of veterinary medications leaves much to be desired. Acaromectin is always available in our pharmacy, and it works well against parasites. I can tell this from the feedback I've received from cat and dog owners who've asked me for help. Its advantages include its low price, convenient packaging, and economical use."
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