Milbemycin oxime/lufenuron

Milbemycin oxime/lufenuron is a combination of two active ingredients used in veterinary medicine, specifically in the treatment and prevention of various types of parasitic infections in dogs and cats.

Etymology

The term "milbemycin oxime" is derived from the family of natural products known as milbemycins, which are produced by the fermentation of the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimosus. "Lufenuron" is a synthetic compound and its name does not have a known etymology.

Milbemycin Oxime

Milbemycin oxime is a semi-synthetic derivative of milbemycin, a group of macrolide antibiotics produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It is used as an anthelmintic, acaricide, and insecticide. It works by disrupting the neurotransmission in invertebrates, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites.

Lufenuron

Lufenuron is a benzoylurea pesticide which is used as an insect growth regulator. It inhibits the production of chitin, a major component of the exoskeleton of insects. Without chitin, the insects cannot molt and thus cannot grow or reproduce.

Combination Use

The combination of milbemycin oxime and lufenuron is used in the treatment and prevention of heartworm disease, flea populations, and the treatment and control of hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs and cats. The combination works by not only killing the adult parasites but also by interrupting the life cycle of the parasites, preventing re-infestation.

Safety and Side Effects

Like all medications, milbemycin oxime/lufenuron can cause side effects in some animals. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lethargy. In rare cases, it can cause serious neurological reactions, including tremors, seizures, and ataxia.

See Also

• Parasitic infections in dogs and cats
• Heartworm disease
• Flea populations
• Hookworms
• Roundworms
• Whipworms