Amitraz
N-methylbis(2,4-xylyliminomethyl)amine
Also known as: Mitaban · Taktic · Preventic · Aludex · ProMeris (historical) · Amitrazum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generalized demodicosis (Labeled Protocol) | 250 ppm (one 10.6 mL bottle in 2 gallons of warm water) | topical | q14d | 3-6 treatments (or until 30 days past two negative skin scrapings) | 🌎 NA |
| Generalized demodicosis (Extra-label Protocol 1) | 250 ppm, 500 ppm, or 1000 ppm | topical | q7d | Until 30 days past two negative skin scrapings | 🌎 NA |
| Generalized demodicosis (Extra-label Protocol 2) | 0.125% solution (1 mL of 12.5% Taktic in 100 mL water) | topical | q24h | Until 30 days past two negative skin scrapings | 🌎 NA |
| Otic demodicosis | 1 mL of 12.5% Taktic in 8.5 mL mineral oil | topical | q3-7d | Until resolved | 🌎 NA |
| Generalized mite infestations (canine demodicosis, sarcoptic acariasis and cheyletiellosis) | Diluted as a dip, left on the coat | topical | As directed (typically weekly or bi-weekly depending on specific product label) | Until clinical and microscopic resolution | 🌍 EU |
- Generalized demodicosis (Labeled Protocol): Apply to entire animal and air dry. DO NOT rinse or towel dry.
- Generalized demodicosis (Extra-label Protocol 1): Step up concentration if lower doses fail. Increased risk of toxicity at higher doses.
- Generalized demodicosis (Extra-label Protocol 2): Rub onto one-half of the dog's body and alternate sides daily.
- Otic demodicosis: Discontinue if irritation develops.
- Generalized mite infestations (canine demodicosis, sarcoptic acariasis and cheyletiellosis): Clipping long-haired coats will improve penetration. Animals should not be bathed or allowed to swim for 48 hours after application.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Follicular demodicosis (Demodex cati) | 0.0125% (125 ppm) | topical | q7-14d | Until resolved | 🌎 NA |
| Surface demodicosis (Demodex gatoi) | 0.0125% (125 ppm) | topical | q7d | 12 weeks | 🌎 NA |
- Follicular demodicosis (Demodex cati): Extra-label. Monitor very closely for side effects. Use E-collar until dry.
- Surface demodicosis (Demodex gatoi): Extra-label. Monitor very closely for side effects. Use E-collar until dry.
Small Mammals
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mite treatment (Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas) | 1.4 mL per liter | topical | q14d | 3-6 treatments | 🌎 NA |
- Mite treatment (Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas): Not recommended in young animals or rabbits.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Amitraz is a formamidine acaricide and insecticide used primarily in veterinary medicine for the treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs, as well as for flea and tick control.
- Clinical Pearl: Amitraz is highly effective against Demodex mites but requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to its potent alpha-2 adrenergic agonist effects in mammals.
- It is available as a liquid concentrate for dilution (e.g., Mitaban) and in impregnated collars (e.g., Preventic).
- Toxicity Warning: It is highly toxic to cats, rabbits, and horses. Use in these species is generally avoided or done strictly extra-label with extreme caution.
Mechanism of action
Acts as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor in susceptible mites → alters neurotransmitter breakdown → CNS toxicity and death. Additionally, acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist in mammals → inhibits insulin release → transient hyperglycemia and sedation. Also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Cats and rabbits (highly toxic, though extra-label protocols exist)
- Chihuahuas and toy breeds (use with extreme caution)
- Puppies less than 4 months of age
- Dogs with deep pyodermas and draining tracts (treat infection first)
- Brittle diabetic patients
- Pregnant or nursing animals
Adverse effects
- Transient sedation (up to 72 hours)
- Ataxia
- Bradycardia
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hypothermia
- Transient hyperglycemia
- Pruritus, erythema, and edema at application site
- Seizures (rare)
Precautions
Safety Warning: Liquid concentrates are flammable until diluted.
- Clients must wear rubber gloves when mixing and applying.
- Wash hands and arms thoroughly after application.
- Do not stress animals for at least 24 hours post-application.
- Use ophthalmic protectants (e.g., petrolatum ointment) if treating near the eyes.
- Dispose of unused diluted solution by flushing down the drain and do not reuse containers.
Drug interactions
Immunosuppression can worsen demodicosis; concomitant use is contraindicated.
Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors increases risk of toxicity.
Concurrent use with tricyclic antidepressants is not recommended.
Concurrent use with tricyclic antidepressants is not recommended.
Additive or synergistic CNS depression and cardiovascular effects (bradycardia).
Potential for increased toxicity.
Monitoring
- Resolution of clinical signs (negative skin scrapings)
- Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)
- Heart rate and body temperature
- Signs of excessive sedation or CNS depression
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorbed systemically through the skin, especially if the skin barrier is compromised.
Overdose
Toxicity can be significant, especially if amitraz-containing collars are ingested.
- Signs: Ataxia, severe CNS depression, bradycardia, hypothermia, and marked hyperglycemia.
- Treatment: Emesis (if asymptomatic), endoscopic retrieval of ingested collars, activated charcoal, and cathartics.
- Antidotes: Yohimbine (0.11-0.2 mg/kg IV) or Atipamezole can effectively reverse the alpha-2 adrenergic mediated signs (sedation, bradycardia, hyperglycemia). Repeated doses may be necessary due to the short half-life of the reversal agents.
Available products
Formulations
- Solution for Dilution: 19.9%
- Solution (emulsifiable concentrate) for Dilution: 12.5%
- Spot-On Solution: amitraz 150 mg/mL; metaflumizone 150 mg/mL
- Collar: 9% amitraz
Veterinary
- Mitaban Solution for Dilution 19.9%
- Taktic EC Solution 12.5%
- ProMeris for Dogs Spot-On Solution
- Preventic Collar 9%
Regulatory status
Withdrawal times: cattle meat 28 days · pig meat 7 days · sheep meat 28 days
Classified as POM-V in the UK/EU.
POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian).
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Liquid concentrates are flammable. Store at room temperature away from open flames. Once diluted with water, the solution must be used immediately and cannot be stored for future use.
Client information
Amitraz is a potent medication used to treat severe mite infections.
- Safety First: Always wear rubber gloves when applying the dip or handling the collar. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- What to Expect: Your pet may seem very sleepy or sluggish for 24 to 72 hours after a dip. This is a common side effect. Keep them warm and quiet.
- When to Call: If your pet cannot be woken up, seems extremely cold, or if the sleepiness lasts more than 3 days, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Warning: Keep this product far away from cats and rabbits, as it can be fatal to them.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.