How It Works
Revolution is a quick-drying topical liquid that is applied directly to the skin at the base of the pet’s neck. The active ingredient selamectin is absorbed through the skin and enters the animal’s bloodstream.
Once it’s in the bloodstream, Revolution works proactively to prevent the development of heartworm disease. It also selectively redistributes from the bloodstream back to the skin’s surface to protect against fleas, flea eggs, mites, and specific ticks. Revolution begins working within 4 to 8 hours of application and lasts for 30 days.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Revolution, Revolution Plus, Revolt, Selarid, Senergy, Stronghold Plus, Paradyne |
| Drug Class | Avermectin antiparasitic |
| Generic Status | Generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Revolution should be given topically every 30 days. Standard guidelines recommend continuous monthly dosing to ensure year-round protection against parasites.
The recommended dose is 2.7 mg of Revolution (selamectin) per pound (6 mg/kg) of the animal’s body weight.
Revolution comes in pre-measured, single-use tubes. Before administering the dose, the skin at the base of your pet’s neck should be dry. Press the cap down firmly to puncture the seal, listening for a clicking sound that confirms the tube is open. Part your pet’s hair and squeeze the tube’s contents 3–4 times directly onto the skin in one spot, ensuring the tube is entirely empty before lifting it away.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing veterinarian will determine your specific dose based on your pet’s individual health needs. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Revolution (selamectin) is FDA-approved for different indications in cats and dogs.
For dogs and puppies that are at least 6 weeks of age, Revolution is approved for:
- Preventing heartworm disease
- Killing adult fleas, preventing flea eggs from hatching, and preventing and controlling flea infestations
- Treating and controlling ear mites
- Treating and controlling sarcoptic mange
- Controlling American dog tick infestations
For cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks old, Revolution is approved for:
- Preventing heartworm disease
- Killing adult fleas, preventing flea eggs from hatching, and preventing and controlling flea infestations
- Treating and controlling ear mites
- Treating and controlling roundworm and hookworm infections
Revolution Plus combines selamectin with another active ingredient called sarolaner. It is FDA-approved for use in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 pounds. It is approved for all the same conditions as standard Revolution, plus the prevention of tick infestations, such as:
- Black-legged tick
- Gulf Coast tick
- American dog tick
Off-Label Uses
You may see Revolution prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
In small animal practice, veterinary professionals may use Revolution off-label for the treatment of notoedric mange and nasal mites.
Side Effects
Revolution is generally well-tolerated in cats and dogs. Side effects are usually temporary and occur shortly after application. In rare cases, side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Mild skin irritation or redness at the application site
- Temporary hair loss at the application site
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using Revolution and call your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences:
- Muscle tremors
- Difficulty walking (ataxia)
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Weakness
- Depression
- Excessive drooling, especially in cats
Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
If your veterinary clinic is closed, contact a local emergency veterinarian. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
Pharmacist Tips
Apply To Healthy Dry Skin
Do not apply if their coat is wet. Also avoid applying to any broken skin.
Apply Only To The Back Of Your Pet’s Neck
Most notable side effects, such as excessive drooling or vomiting, occur when the pet accidentally ingests the medication orally. Place the drops high enough on the back of the neck (above the shoulder blades) so your pet cannot lick it. Do not allow other household pets to lick the area until it is completely dry.
For Dogs, A Negative Heartworm Test Is Required Before Starting Revolution
Moving forward, your veterinarian may recommend annual testing.
Avoid Getting The Medication On Your Own Skin, Eyes, Or Clothing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying it to your pet. Wait until the application site is completely dry before petting your dog or cat in that area.
Avoid Bathing Your Pet After Application
Dogs should not be bathed within 2 hours of applying. Cats should not get wet within 24 hours of applying.
Store At Room Temperature
The solution contains ingredients that make it flammable. Store Revolution in its original packaging below 86°F (30°C) and keep it away from open flames, fire, or igniters.
Try To Avoid Missing A Dose
If you forget to give your pet their monthly dose of Revolution, apply it as soon as you remember and apply the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Don’t give double or extra doses of Revolution. If a dose is missed for more than 8 weeks, providers typically recommend scheduling a heartworm test in 6 months, as it takes time for an infection to test positive.
Get Help If You Think Your Pet Has Overdosed
If you notice concerning side effects such as seizures or dilated pupils, or if you know that your pet has taken more than the recommended dose, call your veterinarian immediately. If their office is closed, contact your local emergency vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with Revolution, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
In general, clinical studies have shown that Revolution can be used safely with standard veterinary treatments, including vaccines, dewormers, antibiotics, antiparasitics, corticosteroids, sedatives, anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), shampoos, and collars.
However, Revolution may interact with certain medications, including:
- Spironolactone
- “Azole” antifungals, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
- Cyclosporine
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Amiodarone
- Carvedilol
- Fluoxetine
- Verapamil
Always give your veterinarian a complete list of all your pet’s medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
How long do I have to wait to give my dog a bath after putting on Revolution?
Standard guidelines suggest avoiding bathing a dog for at least 2 hours after applying Revolution. Once 2 hours have passed, bathing does not reduce its effectiveness. For cats, it is recommended to avoid bathing for 24 hours post-application.
Is it normal for my pet to lose a small patch of hair where I applied the drops?
Temporary, slight hair loss at the direct site of application is a potential side effect of the medication. It generally resolves on its own, but pet owners should monitor the site for prolonged irritation.
What happens if I apply the drops too low on the neck and my pet licks it?
If applied too low, the pet may reach the area and accidentally ingest the liquid. Accidental oral ingestion is the primary cause of most adverse reactions, including excessive drooling, vomiting, increased urination, and lethargy. If you suspect your pet has licked or ingested Revolution, providers recommend calling your veterinary clinic or an animal poison control center immediately.
Does standard Revolution protect my dog against the specific ticks that carry Lyme disease?
Standard Revolution is approved to control American dog tick infestations in dogs. It does not protect against black-legged or deer ticks, which can cause Lyme disease.
Can I safely apply this liquid if my pet currently has a skin rash or open wound on the back of their neck?
No, providers typically recommend against applying the medication to broken or visibly irritated skin due to the product’s alcohol content, which can cause significant discomfort for your pet.
Is it safe for my children to pet, hug, or sleep with my pet after I apply the monthly dose?
All members of the household should avoid contact with the application site until the liquid has completely dried. Standard guidelines suggest not allowing contact with the application site for at least 4 hours post-application.
Will this topical liquid wash off if my dog goes swimming the next day?
Because standard Revolution becomes waterfast just 2 hours after application on dogs, swimming the following day will not wash off the medication or compromise its effectiveness.
Is there a difference between the box for cats and dogs if they contain the exact same drug?
Yes, there are crucial differences. Both boxes of Revolution have selamectin as their active ingredient and are approved to prevent heartworm disease, prevent and treat flea infestations, and control ear mites.
However, the minimum age requirements differ: 6 weeks for dogs vs. 8 weeks for cats. Also, Revolution has different additional indications for dogs vs. cats. For dogs, it is also approved to control sarcoptic mange and American dog tick infestations. For cats, it is also approved to treat roundworm and hookworm infections.
Will Revolution clear up an active tapeworm infection?
Revolution and Revolution Plus are not FDA-approved to treat an active internal tapeworm infection directly. However, they do help prevent tapeworms by killing the adult fleas that transmit tapeworms to pets.
Comparable Medications
Revolution, Revolution Plus (selamectin/sarolaner), Frontline Plus, Bravecto Plus (fluralaner/moxidectin), or Simparica Trio?
There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Revolution. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Revolution Plus Topical Solution
From $34.99
A monthly topical medication for cats that combines selamectin with sarolaner to offer additional protection against three types of ticks (black-legged, Gulf Coast, and American dog ticks).
Frontline Plus
A monthly topical medication for dogs that provides protection against flea, tick, and chewing lice.
Bravecto Plus
A topical medication for cats that provides protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms for 2 months.
Simparica Trio
From $34.99
A monthly oral chewable medication for dogs that provides protection against heartworms, ticks, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.