Loss of consciousness after Ivermectin (Heartgard) in dogs
The FDA has received 127 reports of loss of consciousness in dogs after Ivermectin. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.
127Reports
10%Marked serious
5.5%Recovered
53%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 loss of consciousness in dogs?
- 127 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).
Loss of consciousness with similar medicines
- Loss of consciousness after Ivermectin + Pyrantel (Heartgard Plus) 37 reports · 0.0% of its reports
- Loss of consciousness after Milbemycin Oxime + Spinosad (Trifexis) 41 reports · 0.0% of its reports
- Loss of consciousness after Moxidectin (ProHeart 6) 87 reports · 0.2% of its reports
All reported side effects of Ivermectin in dogs · Medicines most reported with loss of consciousness