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VETERINARY TEAM REFERENCE · MEDICATION

Selamectin

A topical macrocyclic lactone used for selected parasite prevention and treatment. Revolution has dog and cat labeling, with parasite indications that differ by species.

Macrocyclic-lactone parasiticideProduct-specific clinical reference

Updated October 16, 2026 · Sources and review status below

For veterinarians and veterinary staff. Product-label information is distinct from extra-label clinical practice. This is not a complete prescribing formulary or an automated interaction screen. Verify the current label, exact formulation, patient and species-specific clinical reference before use. Independent veterinary/pharmacy review remains pending.

Prescribing overview

Revolution is a selamectin-only topical product; parasite coverage differs between dogs and cats.

Key prescribing checks

  • Review the species-specific label and age limits before dispensing; the U.S. label starts at six weeks for dogs and eight weeks for cats.
  • The label excludes sick, debilitated or underweight animals. Evaluate health status instead of treating all weight-matched patients alike.
  • Heartworm assessment and preventive history must be reviewed according to the label and veterinary plan. Topical placement is not an oral administration instruction.

Uses by species

Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.

Dogs

US FDA-approved Revolution

Fleas, heartworm prevention, ear mites, sarcoptic mange and Dermacentor variabilis ticks

Dogs at least six weeks old.

Use / indication source ↗

Cats

US FDA-approved Revolution

Fleas, heartworm prevention, ear mites, Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme

Cats at least eight weeks old.

Use / indication source ↗

Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics

Mechanism and clinical role

Macrocyclic-lactone activity prevents development of susceptible immature heartworms; not an adult-heartworm treatment.

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination

Quantitative species-specific disposition is not established by the reviewed single-ingredient label.

SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC

Contraindications & cautions

Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.

Revolution

Topical solution; Dogs, Cats

Contraindications · when not to use

A formal contraindication list is not established in the reviewed source for this scope. This does not establish safety; confirm the exact product and full labeling.

Precautions & monitoring

  • Animal safety warning: do not use in sick, debilitated or underweight animals. Test dogs for existing heartworm infection; this is not adult-heartworm treatment.

The label states the health-status exclusion under Warnings, rather than a separate Contraindications section.

Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.

Adverse effects

Transient application-site hair loss/irritation, digestive signs and neurologic reactions have been reported.

These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.

Dosing & administration

Verify the source before prescribing. The regimens below summarize selected veterinary product labels, not every accepted veterinary use. They are not automatic substitutions between brands or formulations. Renal/hepatic disease, concurrent therapy, age, indication and clinical response can require a different plan.
Selected product-label regimens — not a patient-specific prescription
Species & indicationLabeled regimenEligibility & source
Dogs ≥6 weeks; cats ≥8 weeksFlea control and heartworm preventionRevolution species/weight-specific single-dose tubes

Minimum 6 mg/kg; entire labeled weight-band tube(s)

Topical skin application · Monthly

Flea season; heartworm prevention year-round or through one month after last mosquito exposure

Do not use in sick, debilitated or underweight animals. Other parasite courses have separate label instructions.

Verify full dosing label ↗

Tube concentrations differ; do not select by volume alone.

Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗

Drug & supplement interactions

This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.

A product-specific interaction summary has not been established here. An empty list must not be interpreted as “no interactions.” Review the full source and a species-appropriate clinical reference.

Monitoring

Assess heartworm history/testing and ongoing parasite response.

Client counseling

Apply to visible dry skin at the neck base; never give orally.

This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.

Storage & handling

Store below 30°C; keep away from heat/flames.

Brands, formulations & ingredient identity

Active ingredients

Selamectin

Revolution contains selamectin alone; Revolution Plus contains selamectin and sarolaner and is a separate combination product.

Tube size and species labeling remain essential identity fields. A brand-family match is not enough to select a product.

Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.

Revolution

Formulation
Topical solution
Label / product scope
Dogs · Cats

Selamectin-only product; parasite coverage is species-specific.

Product label / source ↗

References & review status

Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.

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