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Interceptor vs Interceptor Plus

Interceptor vs. Interceptor Plus

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM
Dog at Vet
Features Interceptor Interceptor Plus  
Available forms Chewable tablet Chewable tablet
Available for cats? Yes No
Primary Usage Dogs: Prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.  Protects against hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), roundworm (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and whipworm (Trichuris vulpis). Controls adult hookworm and removes and controls adult roundworm and whipworm infections.   
Cats: Indicated for use in the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and the removal of adult hookworms and roundworms.		 Prevents heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection. Treats and controls adult roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) and tapeworms (Taenia pisiformis) in canines.
Other uses Extra-label treatment of mite infestations in dogs. Effective against all four species of adult tapeworms—Taenia pisiformis, Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus and Dipylidium caninum.
Vet services needed? Yes. A heartworm test needs to be performed before the medication is administered—giving this medication to pets that are positive for heartworm can be fatal. Yes. A heartworm test needs to be performed before the preventive heartworm medicine for dogs is administered—giving this medication to pets that are positive for heartworm can be fatal.
Prescription required? Yes Yes
Are there any known breeds that may have a sensitivity? Yes. Canines who have Sheepdog or Collie in their lineage may have a sensitivity to milbemycin, the active ingredient in Interceptor and other dog dewormers and worm medicine. It is important to alert your vet if your dog is one of these breeds. Yes. Canines who have Sheepdog or Collie in their lineage may have a sensitivity to milbemycin, which is one of the active ingredients in Interceptor Plus. It’s important to alert your vet if your dog is one of these breeds.
Frequency of medication Monthly Monthly
Suitable for pregnant and lactating pets? No. Always consult your vet if your dog or cat is pregnant, nursing or breeding. No official evaluations have been performed. No. Always consult your vet if your dog is pregnant, nursing or breeding. No official evaluations have been performed.
Are there any known medication interactions for this deworming medicine for dogs? Yes. If your pet is currently taking azole antifungals, erythromycin, cyclosporine, amiodarone or diltiazem, there could be adverse drug effects.

Yes. The list of adverse drug interactions with Interceptor Plus include:

  • CYP34A inducers 
  • Cyclosporine 
  • Erythromycin 
  • Amiodarone 
  • Diltiazem 
  • Ketoconazole 
  • Oxamniquine 
  • Albendazole 
  • Cimetidine 
  • Azole antifungals 
  • Itraconazole 
How long does it take to work? Kills internal parasites within 1 to 2 days of application Kills internal parasites within 1 to 2 days of application
Protects against fleas & ticks? No No
Active ingredients Milbemycin oxime Praziquentel and milbemycin oxime

Potential side effects
  • Excessive salivation 
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Change in mood  
  • Lethargy 
  • Vomiting 
  • Clumsiness 
  • Seizures and convulsions 

Always consult your vet if your pet experiences these side effects. 
  • Excessive salivation 
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Change in mood  
  • Lethargy 
  • Vomiting 
  • Clumsiness 
  • Seizures and convulsions 
  • Weight loss 

Always consult your vet if your pet experiences these side effects. 
Age and weight limits Approved for dogs more than 2 lbs. and at least 4 weeks old. Cats should weigh at least 1.5 lbs. and be 6 weeks of age. Approved for dogs over 2 lbs. and at least 6 weeks old.
Should it be administered with food? It can be given with or without food. It can be given with or without food.
What do I do if I miss a dose for my dog? Your pet may be vulnerable to intestinal worms, including heartworm. Consult your vet. Never give your pet extra doses to make up for the missed one. Your vet may recommend another heartworm test before applying again, especially if it’s been over 8 weeks. Your dog may be vulnerable to intestinal worms, including heartworm. Consult your vet. Never give your dog extra doses to make up for the missed one. Your vet may recommend another heartworm test before applying again, especially if it’s been over 8 weeks.
Storage recommendations Keep in a cool, dry area that isn’t accessible to children or pets. Should not be exposed to sunlight. Keep in a cool, dry area that isn’t accessible to children or pets. Should not be exposed to sunlight.
Difference between Interceptor vs. Interceptor Plus? Interceptor does not protect against tapeworm. There are available versions of Interceptor for cats. Interceptor Plus gives you all the protection of Interceptor but also kills four different species of tapeworms. Unlike the original Interceptor, it cannot be administered to felines.

Shop Interceptor

Shop Interceptor Plus

FAQs about Interceptor vs. Interceptor Plus

Does Interceptor Plus protect against fleas & ticks?

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Both Interceptor and Interceptor Plus are dewormers for dogs and will not affect fleas or ticks. However, other pest solutions can be combined with these deworming medicines for dogs. 

Should Interceptor Plus be given with food?

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This medication can be administered with or without food without affecting its efficacy. 

How often should I give my dog Interceptor Plus?

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This dog dewormer is given once a month, 30 days after your pup’s first exposure to mosquitoes and six months after their last exposure. It is highly recommended that pet parents provide it on the same day each month. Depending on your area, your vet may prescribe Interceptor Plus only during mosquito season or year-round. 

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