Heartgard Plus (Ivermectin + Pyrantel (pamoate)) Dose for Dogs: Strengths & Dose Calculator
Heartgard Plus chewables combine ivermectin and pyrantel to prevent heartworm and treat roundworms and hookworms in dogs from 6 weeks of age, given once a month at a minimum of 6 mcg/kg ivermectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel [1]. The chewable is chosen by body-weight band [1].
- Contains
- Ivermectin + Pyrantel (pamoate)
- Forms
- Heartgard Plus chewables
- Label species
- Dogs
- Data from
- USA (FDA label)
- Type
- Antiparasitic (heartworm)
Heartgard Plus dose calculator
Results are calculated in your browser from the doses and strengths on this page. Check the strength printed on your pack and the label in your country before giving any dose.
Heartgard Plus strengths and presentations
| Presentation | Contains | Strength check |
|---|---|---|
| Heartgard Plus chewables PO | Ivermectin by weight band (below)[1] 68, 136 or 272 mcg — by weight band. Pyrantel (pamoate) by weight band (below)[1] 57, 114 or 227 mg — by weight band. | Confirmed |
| Body weight | Give |
|---|---|
| 0–25 lb (0–11.3 kg) | Blue — 68 mcg ivermectin / 57 mg pyrantel |
| 26–50 lb (11.8–22.7 kg) | Green — 136 mcg / 114 mg |
| 51–100 lb (23.1–45.4 kg) | Brown — 272 mcg / 227 mg |
| Over 100 lb: use the appropriate combination of chewables. | |
Heartgard Plus dose by species
Label directions
Warnings and precautions
About ivermectin (the active ingredient)
Macrocyclic lactone (avermectin) antiparasitic.
How it works
Macrocyclic lactones act by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channel receptors in nematode and arthropod nerve cells [3]. Compounds of the class bind selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite [4].
Key safety points
- Ivermectin is contraindicated in Collies and Collie crosses at the doses used for demodicosis, and idiosyncratic toxicity may be seen in any breed [2].
- Testing for mutation in the MDR1 allele (ABCB1) may be required before starting ivermectin therapy for demodicosis [2].
- The cattle/swine injection should not be used in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result [4].
- At the heartworm-prevention dose, Heartgard showed no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies [1].
About pyrantel (pamoate) (the active ingredient)
Tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintic.
How it works
Tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel, oxantel, morantel) are highly potent cholinergic agonists that cause paralysis through their effect at nicotinic receptors [3].
All about pyrantel (pamoate) — doses by species and every brand →
Frequently asked questions
Which Heartgard Plus is for my dog's weight?
Up to 25 lb: 68 mcg/57 mg (blue); 26–50 lb: 136 mcg/114 mg (green); 51–100 lb: 272 mcg/227 mg (brown); over 100 lb: a combination of chewables [1].
Is Heartgard Plus safe for Collies?
At the label dose, yes: Heartgard showed no toxicity at 10 times the dose (60 mcg/kg) in ivermectin-sensitive Collies [1].
Other brands of ivermectin + pyrantel (pamoate)
More from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Heartgard Plus is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Strengths, species and withdrawal periods can differ between countries — always follow the pack insert in your country.
References
- HEARTGARD PLUS (ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate) chewable — label
Passage read from this source
6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight
recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older.
HEARTGARD® demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies.
Choking or intestinal obstruction has been reported after dosing with HEARTGARD® PLUS.
- Mange in Dogs and Cats
Passage read from this source
Ivermectin (200 mcg/kg, PO or SC, 2–4 treatments 2 weeks apart) is very effective and usually curative.
ivermectin (300–600 mcg/kg/day, PO)
Ivermectin is contraindicated in Collies and Collie crosses.
However, idiosyncratic toxicity may be seen in any breed.
- Pharmacodynamics: Mechanisms of Anthelmintic Action in Animals
Passage read from this source
Macrocyclic lactones act by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channel receptors in nematode and arthropod nerve cells
Tetrahydropyrimidine compounds (pyrantel, oxantel, morantel) are highly potent cholinergic agonists.
These anthelmintics cause paralysis by virtue of their effect at nicotinic receptors.
- IVOMEC (ivermectin) injection, solution — label
Passage read from this source
Each mL of IVOMEC contains 10 mg of ivermectin
at the recommended dose level of 200 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight
Do not treat cattle within 35 days of slaughter.
should not be used in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.