Breathing problems after Ivermectin (Heartgard) in cats
The FDA has received 20 reports of breathing problems in cats after Ivermectin. That is 2.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.7% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.
20Reports
40%Marked serious
35%Recovered
0.0%Died or euthanised
–Typical onset
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How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
About this medicine
Ivermectin prevents heartworm disease (monthly).
Products with this ingredient include Heartgard. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.
Some herding breeds (for example Collies) carry the MDR1 gene variant and can be more sensitive to this drug class at high doses.
Questions owners ask
- Can Ivermectin cause breathing problems in cats?
- 20 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
- What should I do?
- Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).
Breathing problems with similar medicines
- Breathing problems after Selamectin (Revolution) 570 reports · 2.6% of its reports
- Breathing problems after Eprinomectin + Esafoxolaner + Praziquantel (NexGard Combo) 155 reports · 4.8% of its reports
All reported side effects of Ivermectin in cats · Medicines most reported with breathing problems