Revolution® and Revolution® Plus are veterinary-prescribed medications designed to protect your feline and canine companions from a range of common parasites. While both offer crucial protection, they differ slightly in their applications and target pests. This guide, informed by veterinary professionals, aims to clarify their uses, mechanisms, and administration for optimal pet health.
What Revolution® Is Used For in Cats and Dogs
Revolution®, with its active ingredient selamectin, provides comprehensive protection against flea infestations and heartworm disease in both cats and dogs. In cats, its benefits extend to treating and controlling ear mites, roundworm, and hookworm infections. For dogs, Revolution® is also effective against ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and tick infestations, specifically targeting the American dog tick. This medication is suitable for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, and dogs and puppies 6 weeks and older.
What Revolution® Plus Is Used For in Cats
Revolution® Plus is specifically formulated for cats and kittens (8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 2.8 pounds). It also prevents flea infestations and heartworm disease. What sets Revolution® Plus apart is the addition of sarolaner, a second active ingredient that enhances its efficacy. This combination allows Revolution® Plus to treat and control ear mites, roundworm, and hookworm infections. Furthermore, it targets Blacklegged ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and American dog ticks, offering broader protection against tick-borne diseases.
Key Considerations for Revolution® and Revolution® Plus
When administering Revolution® or Revolution® Plus, several factors are important to consider for the safety and well-being of your pets. Revolution® should not be used on sick, debilitated, or underweight animals. It has been deemed safe for pregnant and lactating female cats and dogs, as well as breeding animals.
For Revolution® Plus, caution is advised for cats with a history of neurological disorders or those concurrently receiving other flea or parasite preventatives. As of the time of publication, its safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats had not yet been fully evaluated.
How Revolution® and Revolution® Plus Combat Parasites
The primary active ingredient in Revolution® is selamectin. It functions by disrupting the electrolyte balance in the nerve and muscle cells of heartworms, leading to paralysis and their eventual demise.
Revolution® Plus utilizes a dual-action approach with selamectin and sarolaner. Sarolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of medications, which work by overstimulating the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, causing paralysis and death. Revolution® Plus begins to kill fleas present on your pet within hours of administration.
Administering Revolution® and Revolution® Plus
Always adhere to the directions provided on the drug label or by your veterinarian. Revolution® and Revolution® Plus are typically administered once a month, with doses ideally spaced as close to 30 days apart as possible. It is crucial to use the correct product for the species and weight of your pet, as using cat medications on dogs or vice versa can lead to serious issues, including ineffectiveness or overdose. Using cat flea and tick products on dogs can be particularly harmful.
When applying topical treatments:
- Do not apply to wet fur or skin.
- Part the fur and apply the entire contents of the applicator to a single spot on the skin: between the shoulder blades for dogs, and at the base of the neck for cats.
- You might observe stiff or clumping hair, hair discoloration, or a powdery residue at the application site.
- Wait two hours after application before bathing your dog, and 24 hours before bathing your cat.
- Prevent your pet from ingesting the medication.
What to Do if a Dose is Missed
If you forget a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. Maintain the monthly schedule as closely as possible. If your veterinarian has prescribed a different dosing schedule, contact them for guidance if a dose is missed. Never give extra or double doses.
Potential Side Effects
While side effects are uncommon, they can occur in both cats and dogs. These may include irritation or hair loss at the application site, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, increased breathing rate, tremors, conjunctivitis and sneezing (cats), fever, generalized itching, hives, lack of coordination, and seizures (dogs).
Revolution® Plus contains sarolaner, an isoxazoline. While rare, neurologic side effects have been reported in cats using this class of drugs, including muscle tremors, stumbling, incoordination, collapse, and seizures.
Human Side Effects
These medications are intended for veterinary use only. Avoid contact with the treated area until it is dry, and wash your hands thoroughly after application. Rarely, humans may experience skin reactions like hives, itching, or redness. If accidental ingestion, eye contact, or a significant skin reaction occurs in humans, contact your physician or the national Poison Control Center.
Monitoring Your Pet and When to Contact Your Vet
Your veterinarian may recommend testing cats over 6 months old for existing heartworm infections before starting Revolution® or Revolution® Plus. Cats with adult heartworms can still use these products to prevent further infection. Similarly, it’s advised that all dogs be tested for heartworms before starting Revolution®. Dogs with existing infections should be treated to eliminate adult heartworms first. Your vet may suggest other routine monitoring based on your pet’s individual needs.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe severe side effects, if your pet’s condition worsens or doesn’t improve, if you suspect an overdose, or if you have any further questions or concerns.
Overdose Information
Overdoses can be more severe in dogs with the MDR1 (ABCG1) gene defect. Topical overdoses typically do not present additional symptoms beyond those listed as side effects. Oral ingestion of these medications by cats can lead to more serious symptoms. If you suspect an overdose, incorrect product use, or accidental oral administration, seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center immediately.
Proper Storage
Always confirm storage requirements on the product label. Revolution® products should be stored at controlled temperatures below 86°F (30°C), away from heat and open flames. Keep the medication in its original container to protect it from moisture and light until administration. Ensure it is stored out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Revolution® for dogs on my cat?
No, never use Revolution® for dogs on cats. It is essential to use the correct medication formulated for the species and specific weight of your pet, as the dosages differ significantly.
Do I need a prescription for Revolution®?
Yes, Revolution® is a prescription medication. Collaborating with your veterinarian is key to establishing the most effective parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Do indoor cats need Revolution®?
Yes, even indoor-only cats are susceptible to parasites. Revolution® offers comprehensive protection against external parasites like fleas, ticks, and ear mites, as well as internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.