Breathing problems after Selamectin (Revolution) in dogs

The FDA has received 465 reports of breathing problems in dogs after Selamectin. That is 1.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

465Reports
21%Marked serious
14%Recovered
21%Died or euthanised
Same dayTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
117 58%
1–2 days
41 20%
3–7 days
13 6.4%
1–4 weeks
11 5.4%
Over a month
20 9.9%

How the animals did

Recovered
64 14%
Still unwell when reported
55 12%
Died
80 17%
Euthanised
18 3.9%
Not known
248 53%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
74
1–3 years
110
4–7 years
131
8–11 years
86
12+ years
50

About this medicine

Selamectin prevents heartworm and treats fleas, ear mites and some worms (spot-on).

Products with this ingredient include Revolution. 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 Selamectin cause breathing problems in dogs?
465 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.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within the same day of the first dose.
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

All reported side effects of Selamectin in dogs · Medicines most reported with breathing problems