Adverse reactions to medications:
Remember, each dog is an individual and may have reactions to ANY drug. We have to weigh the risks of fleas, ticks, heartworm, etc. versus the risks of the preventatives.

Central Nervous System Modulators (work on the nervous system of fleas or ticks, NOT dogs): The primary products in this category are fipronil(Frontline® , Frontline Plus®,Top Spot®) and imidacloprid (Advantage®) and Selamectin (Revolution®). Frontline® and Advantage® work on the flea’s (adult and larvae stages) central nervous system, but in slightly different manners. Fipronil affects the movement of chloride ions across sensitive nerve cells…essentially paralyzing these nerves. Imidacloprid interferes with the functionality of specific neurotransmitter receptors. By thus interfering with the signals between nerve cells and the essential functions they perform, the effect of either product is death of the adult flea. Frontline Plus® also contains an insect growth regular (IGR)…to prevent development of eggs into adult fleas. The chemicals used in these products are selectively toxic to fleas…not to animals. Revolution®, affects selected chloride ion movement across nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates, resulting in paralysis. It is applied similarly to the other two products but is absorbed systemically and is parasiticidal to a variety of internal and external parasites in this way (round worms and hook worms (cats only), mites; it is also inhibitory to the development of heartworm larvae to adults) in addition to killing adult fleas. Unlike plain Frontline®,or Advantage®, the product also inhibits development of the flea egg into adult fleas.

Insecticides to stay away from:
Carbamates (Carbaryl, Methomyl and Propoxur)
Organophosphates (Chlorpyrofos, Coumaphos, Cythioate, Diazinon,
Dichlorvos, Dioxathion, Malathion)

Information regarding drugs and Myasthenia Gravis (MG):
Myasthenic weakness has been reported with 18 different antibiotics such as Neomycin, Panamycin, Streptomycin, as well as certain Tetracyclines.

Drugs with P O T E N T I A L L Y adverse effects on neuromuscular transmission: (Note: there are several antibiotics listed that have the POTENTIAL for causing a problem. However, most specialists have used them in these patients w/ no untoward effects).
Penicillamine
ß adrenergic antagonists
Propranolol
Actazolamide
Aminoglycosides
Metoprolol
Phenothiazine
Gentamicin
Atenolol
Magnesium
Amikacin
Timolol
Methoxyflurane
Ampicillin
Calcium channel blockers
Phenytoin
Ciprofloxacin
Diltiazem
Tropicamide
Erythromycin
Verapamil
( interferon
Imipenem
Nifedipine
d isomer of carnitine
Pyrantel pamoate
Amlodipine
Diatrozoate meglumine
Neuromuscular blocking drugs
Antiarrhythmic medications
Succinylcholine
Procainamide
Atracurium
Quinidine