Product description

Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) transmitted by mosquitos. In dogs, heartworm disease affects the circulatory and respiratory systems. It can start with a mild persistent cough and reluctance to exercise and can progress to heart failure.

Currently, Immiticide sterile powder for dogs is recommended as the first line adulticide treatment to kill adult heartworms. The active ingredient in Immiticide is Melarsomine, which is the preferred treatment for heartworm disease by the American Heartworm Society and Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Active ingredients

Melarsomine dichlorhydrate 50 mg
Glycine 33.75 mg

Indications for use

Immiticide Sterile Powder is indicated for the treatment of heartworm disease caused by immature to mature adult infections of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs.

Administration and dosage

IMMITICIDE should be administered ONLY by deep intramuscular injection in the epaxial (lumbar) muscles in the third through fifth lumbar region (see graphic). DO NOT ADMINISTER AT ANY OTHER SITE. Avoid superficial injection or leakage. Use a 23 gauge 1 inch needle for dogs equal to or less than 10 kg (22 lb) in weight. Use a 22 gauge 1 1/2 inch needle for dogs greater than 10 kg (22 lb). Use alternating sides with each administration. If repeated administrations are warranted avoid injecting at the same lumbar location. Record the location of the first injection(s) in the patient’s medical record for future reference

Disease Classification:

It is vital to classify the severity of heartworm disease to apply the appropriate dosage regime for IMMITICIDE (See INDICATIONS).

Class 1 and 2:

If necessary, dogs should be stabilized prior to treatment. IMMITICIDE should be administered intramuscularly in the lumbar (L3 - L5) muscles at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg twice, 24 hours apart (See Dosing Table). Four months following treatment, a second treatment series (2.5 mg/kg twice, 24 hours apart) can be elected taking into consideration the response to the first IMMITICIDE treatment and the condition, age, and use of the dog. Worms that were too young to be killed by the first treatment series, i.e., < 4 months, may be killed by a second treatment series.

Class 3:

Alternate Dosing Regime: Dogs with severe (Class 3) heartworm disease should be stabilized prior to treatment and then dosed intramuscularly in the lumbar (L3 - L5) muscles with a single injection of 2.5 mg/kg then approximately 1 month later with 2.5 mg/kg administered twice 24 hours apart (See Dosing Table).

Dosing Table: Care must be taken to administer the proper dose. Accurately weigh the dog and calculate the volume to be injected based on the dose of 2.5 mg/kg (1.1 mg/lb). This is equivalent to 0.1 mL/kg (0.045 mL/lb). The following table should be used as a guide to ensure that the proper volume has been calculated.

Prescribing information