Efficacy and safety of selamectin against gastrointestinal nematodes in cats presented as veterinary patients.
A series of randomized, controlled, masked, field (veterinary patient) studies were conducted in the USA and Europe to evaluate the efficacy of selamectin, a novel macrocyclic lactone of the avermectin subclass, in the treatment of naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats. After confirmation of ascarid and/or hookworm infection, 298 cats of various ages and breeds were randomly assigned to treatment with selamectin (n=202) or an existing commercially approved positive-control product (n=96). Unit doses of selamectin (providing a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1)) were administered topically to the skin in a single spot at monthly intervals. Quantitative fecal examinations were performed on days 0 (before treatment), 30, and 60. In the selamectin-treated cats, fecal ascarid egg counts were reduced by 99.6 to 100% on day 30, and by 99.9 to 100% on day 60. Fecal hookworm egg counts were reduced by 98.3% on day 30, and by 100% on day 60 in the selamectin-treated cats. The positive-control products achieved reductions in egg counts of 96.5 to 100% (ascarids) and 98.9 to 99.9% (hookworms). These studies have shown that monthly topical administration of selamectin is safe and highly effective in the treatment of naturally acquired ascarid and hookworm infections in cats.
Animal Health Clinical Affairs, Central Research Division, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA. robert_h_six@groton.pfizer.com
R H
RH
Six
G H
GH
Sture
C A
CA
Thomas
R G
RG
Clemence
H A
HA
Benchaoui
M G
MG
Boy
P
P
Watson
D G
DG
Smith
A D
AD
Jernigan
T G
TG
Rowan
D000723:Ancylostomatoidea / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002415:Cats; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011715:Pyrantel / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011715:Pyrantel; D011223:Praziquantel; D007559:Ivermectin; D008463:Mebendazole; C414354:selamectin; C018945:flubendazole