Advocate combines imidacloprid and moxidectin to provide a product which delivers activity against a range of ecto- and endoparasites, such as fleas, nematodes and mites.

* For very large dogs over 40 kg body weight, application of appropriate combinations of pipettes is recommended.

Formulation

Advocate is formulated as a liquid spot on solution for topical application to dogs and cats. The Advocate formulation for dogs uniquely combines 10% w/v imidacloprid (100 mg/ml) with 2.5% w/v moxidectin (25 mg/ml).

How to Open

Advocate with easy to use tube applicator.

Water Exposure

Water exposure studies have been conducted with Advocate to ascertain the effect that water immersion would have on the moxidectin component of the formulation. The residual properties and effectiveness of imidacloprid, due to its localising in the water-resistant lipid layer of the skin, are well documented.

Dogs up to 25 kg body weight

With the dog in a standing position, part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Wherever possible, apply to undamaged skin.

Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze the pipette firmly several times to empty its contents directly onto the skin.

Dogs of more than 25 kg body weight

For easy application, the dog should be standing. The entire contents of the pipette should be applied evenly as 3 to 4 spots along the top of the back, from between the shoulders to the base of the tail. At each spot, part the coat until the skin is visible. Wherever possible apply to undamaged skin.

Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and gently squeeze the pipette to expel a portion of its contents directly onto the skin. Do not apply an excessive amount of solution at any one spot, as that could cause some of the product to run down the animal's side.

Puppies

Puppies were treated with Advocate at up to five times the licensed dose at two-week intervals (i.e. twice the licensed frequency of application) for a total of six treatments.

Treatment was tolerated without serious side effects, even at the highest dosage. Transient mydriasis, salivation, vomiting and rapid respiration were observed.

Adult dogs

Adult dogs were treated topically with up to 10 times the recommended dose of Advocate at one application, with no evidence of adverse effects or undesirable clinical signs.

Ivermectin-sensitive breeds

Studies have been performed to determine the safety of Advocate when administered to ivermectin-sensitive collies. Ivermectin-sensitive collies were treated with up to five times the recommended dose for three consecutive treatments at 28-day intervals.

There were no clinical abnormalities or adverse reactions observed in any of the dogs. Work carried out to determine the safety of accidental oral uptake of Advocate in ivermectin-sensitive breeds of dog revealed that 10% of the unit dose given orally resulted in no adverse effects, while 40% resulted in severe neurological signs.

As with any product containing macrocyclic lactones, special care should be taken with Collies, Old English Sheepdogs and related breeds or crossbreeds, to correctly administer the product. In particular, oral uptake by the recipient and/or other animals should be avoided.

Dogs with Patent Heartworm Infections

Studies were carried out to establish the safety of Advocate when administered to dogs with a patent D. immitis infection. Treatment of heartworm-positive dogs with macrocyclic lactones has, in the past, been associated with adverse reactions.

These are thought to be related to the rapid death of microfilariae and adult worms, with the subsequent occurrence of emboli. Heartworm-positive dogs were treated with Advocate at both one and five times the recommended dose at 14-day intervals for three treatments.¹ While there was no significant reduction in the number of adult D. immitis, importantly the treatment was found to be well-tolerated by both groups of dogs (only one dog receiving the 5x overdose vomited).

Nevertheless, in the interest of good clinical practice, it is recommended that all dogs 6 months of age or more, living in areas endemic for heartworm, should be tested for existing adult heartworm infections before being treated with the product.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Studies with Advocate have not been conducted in pregnant and lactating dogs or cats. Laboratory studies with either imidacloprid or moxidectin in rats and rabbits have not produced any evidence of teratogenic, foetotoxic or maternotoxic effects.

Use only according to a risk-benefit assessment.