Moxidectin
Moxidectin is an anthelmintic medication belonging to the macrocyclic lactone class, used to treat parasitic worm infections. It works by binding to specific receptors in parasites, causing their paralysis and eventual death. The drug is approved for human use in treating onchocerciasis (river blindness) and is also widely used in veterinary medicine for various parasitic infections.
Moxidectin is an antiparasitic medication used to treat worm infections by paralyzing and eliminating parasites.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P02CX03
- RxNorm
- 1047072
- Generic
- Moxidectin
- Class
- atc-p02
- Brands
- Cydectin, Advantage Multi, Quest Plus, Proheart 6, Proheart, Simparica TRIO, Imoxi, Parasedge Multi, Midamox, Tauramox, NexGard Plus, Bravecto Plus, Moxisolv
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution, gel, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 8mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 8mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 8mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if needed
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if needed
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use during breastfeeding - moxidectin passes into breast milk
none required if avoided
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
under 12 yearsnot recommended
not recommended for children under 12 years for onchocerciasis treatment
weight and developmental monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
12 years and olderstandard dosing
approved for use in children 12 years and older for onchocerciasis
standard pediatric monitoring
geriatric
elderlymonitor closely
use with caution in elderly patients - monitor renal and hepatic function
regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment needed
use with caution - no specific dose adjustment required for mild to moderate impairment
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose or increase interval
use with caution in severe renal impairment - consider dose reduction
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemonitor closely
use with caution in mild to moderate hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
use with extreme caution or avoid in severe hepatic impairment
frequent liver function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA human approval
Year moxidectin was approved for human use (for onchocerciasis/river blindness)
Drug class
Drug class information - ATC code P02CF02
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for moxidectin
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Moxidectin is used to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness), a parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus worms transmitted through blackfly bites. In veterinary medicine, it is used to treat and control internal and external parasites including roundworms, lungworms, and mites in livestock and companion animals.
Moxidectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle cells, increasing cell membrane permeability to chloride ions. This causes hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, resulting in paralysis and death of susceptible parasites.
Moxidectin is generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects including headache, dizziness, and musculoskeletal pain. It should not be used in individuals with severe liver impairment. In veterinary use, caution is advised in certain dog breeds with MDR1 gene mutations. Avoid use during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy