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Interceptor Plus Chewable Tablets for Dogs is a monthly prescription chew from Elanco that combines milbemycin oxime and praziquantel to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control five types of intestinal worms — adult roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms — in dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older weighing at least 2 lb. It does not kill fleas or ticks.
Key facts
- Active ingredients: milbemycin oxime (2.3–23 mg) and praziquantel (22.8–228 mg) per chew, by weight band
- Species: dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older, 2 lb and up
- Available sizes: four weight-band strengths (2–8 lb, 8.1–25 lb, 25.1–50 lb, 50.1–100 lb) in 1-, 6-, and 12-dose packs
- Form: flavored chewable tablet given once monthly
- Coverage: heartworm disease prevention plus treatment and control of adult roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and tapeworms (Taenia, Echinococcus, and Dipylidium caninum species)
- Not covered: fleas, ticks, or mites — pair with a separate flea/tick product
- Prescription: required — dispensed with veterinarian authorization
How to use
Give one chew monthly, by hand or in a small amount of food, in a way that encourages chewing; chews may be broken into pieces for dogs that swallow treats whole. Watch your dog for a few minutes afterward and redose if any of the dose is lost. Dogs over 100 lb receive an appropriate combination of chews. For full heartworm protection, give at least 6 monthly doses after the last mosquito exposure, or year-round as directed by your veterinarian.
Safety information
Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting Interceptor Plus; it is not effective against adult heartworms (D. immitis). Mild, transient hypersensitivity reactions (labored breathing, vomiting, hypersalivation, lethargy) can occur in dogs with high numbers of circulating microfilariae. Do not use in puppies under 6 weeks of age or dogs under 2 lb; safety in breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Reported adverse reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, ataxia, anorexia, convulsions, weakness, and salivation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Interceptor Plus cover fleas?
No. Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm disease and treats intestinal worms only — it has no activity against fleas or ticks. Many owners pair it with Bravecto Chews or NexGard for flea and tick coverage.
What worms does Interceptor Plus treat?
It prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms — one of the broadest intestinal-worm labels among monthly heartworm preventives.
Does my dog need a heartworm test first?
Yes. The label directs that dogs be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting, and veterinarians typically retest annually.
Is a prescription required?
Yes. Interceptor Plus is a prescription medication and requires authorization from a veterinarian who has examined your dog within the past 12 months.
Where can I buy Interceptor Plus?
You can order through our Vetcove pharmacy store, with autoship savings available.
Prefer one monthly chew that also covers fleas and ticks? See Simparica Trio for Dogs.