Revolution® and Revolution® Plus (Selamectin/Sarolaner) for Cats and Dogs

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most frequently asked questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is Revolution® Used for in Cats and Dogs?

With its active ingredient selamectin, Revolution® for cats and dogs protects against flea infestations and heartworm disease.

In cats, Revolution® also treats and controls ear mites, roundworm, and hookworm infections.

In dogs, Revolution® also treats and controls ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and tick infestations from the American dog tick.

Revolution® is available for cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older, and dogs and puppies 6 weeks of age and older.

What Is Revolution® Plus Used for in Cats?

Revolution® Plus for cats prevents flea infestations and heartworm disease. It’s intended for cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2.8 pounds.

Due to the addition of a second active ingredient, sarolaner, Revolution® Plus for cats also treats and controls ear mites, roundworm, and hookworm infections.

Revolution® Plus also treats and controls the Blacklegged dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, and the American dog tick, and supplies added protection against fleas.

Considerations for Revolution® and Revolution® Plus in Cats and Dogs

Here are some considerations for Revolution®:

• It should not be used in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.

• It has been tested and is considered safe in pregnant and lactating female cats and dogs, as well as breeding male and female cats and dogs.

Here are some considerations for Revolution® Plus:

• It should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurological disorders.

• It should be used with caution in cats receiving another flea or other parasite preventative.

• The safe use of Revolution® Plus had not yet been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats at the time of publication.

How Revolution® and Revolution® Plus Work in Cats and Dogs

The active ingredient in Revolution® is selamectin, and selamectin works by creating an electrolyte imbalance in the nerve and muscle cells of heartworms, causing paralysis and death.

The active ingredients in Revolution® Plus are a combination of medications with two active ingredients, selamectin and sarolaner. Sarolaner belongs to a class of medications called isoxazolines, which eliminate fleas and ticks by overexciting their nervous system, causing paralysis and death.

Intended for use in cats only, Revolution® Plus works within the first few hours after administration to kill fleas present on your pet.

Directions for Revolution® and Revolution® Plus in Cats and Dogs

• Follow the directions on the drug label of the species-specific product or as provided by your veterinarian.

• Revolution® and Revolution® Plus are given once a month and the schedule should follow as close to every 30 days as possible in between doses.

• Use the correct species and sized medication for your pet. Using cat medications on dogs or using dog medications on cats can cause serious problems, including lack of efficacy or an overdose.

Here are tips for applying topical treatments on cats and dogs:

• Do not apply Revolution® products to wet fur or skin.

• Part the fur, and apply the full contents of the product applicator to one location on the skin:

  • In dogs, between the shoulder blades

  • In cats, at the base of the neck

• After application, stiff or clumping hair, hair discoloration, or a powdery residue may be observed at the application site.

• Wait two hours after applying Revolution® or Revolution® Plus before giving your dog a bath. Wait 24 hours after applying Revolution® or Revolution® Plus before giving your cat a bath.

• Do not allow your pet to ingest the medication.

Missed a Dose?

If you forget to give a dose of Revolution® or Revolution® Plus, give it when you remember.

Revolution® or Revolution® Plus are given once a month and the schedule should follow as close to every 30 days as possible in between doses. 

If your veterinarian has directed you to give this medication on a different dosing schedule, please contact them for further instructions if a dose was missed.

Do not give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of Revolution® and Revolution® Plus in Cats and Dogs

Side effects in cats and dogs are uncommon, but may include:

• Irritation or hair loss at the application site

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Drooling

• Increased breathing rate

• Tremors

• Conjunctivitis (in cats, specifically)

• Sneezing (in cats)

• Fever

• Generalized itching

• Hives

• Lack of coordination

• Seizures (in dogs)

Revolution® Plus contains the active ingredient sarolaner, which is an isoxazoline. Although uncommon, neurologic side effects have been seen in cats after using medications in this class of drugs.

Neurologic side effects in cats may include:

• Muscle tremors

• Stumbling, incoordination

• Collapse

• Seizures

Human Side Effects

This medication is a prescription veterinary medication not intended for use in humans.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

Avoid contact with the treated area on your pet until the area is completely dry and wash your hands after applying this product. Rarely, skin reactions such as hives, itching, and skin redness may occur in humans.

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, get this medication in your eyes, or a skin reaction has occurred, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Monitoring Your Pet

At the discretion of your veterinarian, cats over 6 months old may be tested for existing heartworm infections before beginning treatment with Revolution® or Revolution® Plus.

Cats that have adult heartworms can continue to be given Revolution® or Revolution® Plus to prevent further heartworms from developing.

As for dogs, it’s recommended that all dogs be tested for an existing heartworm infection prior to starting treatment with Revolution®. Dogs with existing heartworm infections should be treated to remove the adult heartworms before being placed on this medication.

Other specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is on this medication may be recommended by your veterinarian, depending on your pet's individual needs.

When To Call Your Vet

Call your veterinarian if any of the following apply:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Revolution® or Revolution® Plus

Revolution® and Revolution® Plus Overdose in Cats and Dogs Information

Overdoses are often more serious in dogs that have the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene defect.

Topical overdoses do not typically show any additional symptoms beyond the listed side effects.

Oral overdoses of this medication can cause the following symptoms in cats:

• Loss of appetite

• Tremors

• Lethargy

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

If you suspect an overdose, you used the wrong product on your pet, or you accidentally gave this topical product by mouth, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

• Pet Poison Helpline® 855-764-7661

• ASPCA® Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

How To Store Revolution® and Revolution® Plus for Cats and Dogs

Follow these tips when storing Revolution® products:

• Always confirm storage requirements by reading the label.

• Revolution® products should be stored at controlled temperatures below 86 F (30 C).

• Store away from heat or open flames.

• Keep the medication in the provided container until ready for administration to protect it from moisture and light. 

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.