Milbemycin, Otic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Milbemycin, Otic during a consultation by Dr Noor. Milbemycin, Otic for pets is provided by our mobile vet Perth service.”
Milbemycin, Otic for pets
(mil-beh-my-sin)
Description:
This is a medicine put into the ear. It is used on the skin inside the ear to treat ear mite problems.
Other Names for this Medication:
- MilbeMite® OTIC Solution
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals: a 0.1% liquid. It comes in foil packets, and each packet has two small tubes (ampules), each holding 0.5 mL.
- For people: there is no human form.
This handout does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It is meant to answer common questions. It does not replace advice from a veterinary professional. If you still have questions or need more details, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information
- This is a medicine used on the ear to get rid of ear mites.
- It is approved for cats and kittens that are at least 4 weeks old.
- Most of the time, one treatment is enough. If your veterinarian advises it, the treatment may be given again after 30 days.
- When the package directions are followed, side effects do not commonly occur.
- Throw the package away in your normal household trash. Do not put unused medicine into a sink or drain.
How is this medication useful?
This medicine is approved for cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older to treat ear mite infestations. In some cases, veterinarians prescribe and use medicines with this ingredient in other animal types or for other health problems. You can talk with your veterinarian about why this option was chosen.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Different factors can change how well this medicine works for your pet. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together what is best.
- Some medicines can affect how this product works. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- If your animal has been treated for the same problem in the past, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your animal has ever had medicine-related problems before. Examples listed include allergic reactions, not wanting to eat, loose stool (diarrhea), itching, or hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
Your animal may start to feel better in about 1 to 2 days. After that, you should see the signs of the problem improve.
This medicine can keep working for a long time. Its effects may continue for several weeks (for example, 4 to 6 weeks). The effects may last even longer if your animal’s kidneys and/or liver do not work as well.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special concerns for your animal.
If your animal has any of the conditions or signs listed below, discuss the possible risks and benefits with your veterinarian.
- Animals that have an allergy to milbemycin
- Animals that are under 4 weeks old
- Animals used for breeding, or animals that are pregnant or producing milk (lactating)
What are the side effects of this medication?
When this medicine is used exactly as directed, no unwanted effects have been reported.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you see an overdose happen, or you think it may have happened, get help right away. Call your veterinarian or contact an animal poison control center for guidance.
How should this medication be given?
To get the expected results, use this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Read the prescription label and the package directions so you give it correctly.
- Cleaning the ear before using the medicine is not required to kill the mites. Follow what your veterinarian recommends.
- Put the full contents of one ampule into one ear. Use the second ampule for the other ear.
- To open the ampule, push the cap down hard to break the seal. Take the cap off and make sure the tip is open.
- Put the tip of the ampule into the outer ear canal and squeeze all of the liquid into the ear. Then rub the base of the ear to help spread the medicine.
If giving this medicine is difficult, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for advice on how to dose and how to make medicine time less stressful for you and your animal.
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Make sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to keep giving it. You may need prescription refills before treatment is finished. If you want to stop using the medicine, speak with your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to continue.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, do not give the missed one. Instead, give the next dose at the normal time. Then continue with the usual schedule. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep this medicine in its original prescription container. Keep it away from light.
- If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made a custom version (a compounded product) for your animal, follow the storage directions and the expiration date that come with that product.
- Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
- This product is not meant for people. Keep it out of children’s reach.
- If you are worried about being exposed to this product, contact your doctor.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not put this medicine into a toilet, and do not rinse it into a sink. If your area has a community medicine “take-back” program, use that.
- If there is no take-back program, combine the medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter so it is unpleasant to children and animals and not recognizable to someone searching through trash.
- Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag so it cannot leak.
- Then place it in your regular trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this medicine. Before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine, check the rules.
- If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
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