In dogs and puppies the concurrent use of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets is indicated to kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. Seek immediate emergency treatment for any severe signs, including but not limited to seizures, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, or significant lethargy. This disturbance will continue for up to 7 hours after administering the Capstar medication. It is available in multiple formulations to treat all dogs and cats that are over one month old and over 2 pounds. Side Effects Of Capstar For Cats. There are no specific drug interactions with nitenpyram. If you give a dog or cat with fleas a Capstar tablet, you'll see fleas falling off and dying approximately a half hour later. Like us on Facebook for more whisker-tickling cat content! Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Flea larvae spin a cocoon, and, when appropriately stimulated, a young adult flea emerges and jumps onto the pet to continue the life cycle. & Humidity, Terrariums & Hi K, It can also be useful to use for pregnant or lactating queens. Within days, larvae hatch from the eggs and live undetected in the pets surroundings, such as the carpet and bedding. Im very sorry to hear that, K. It would be hard to understand Capstar alone as a cause if the drug is excreted fully from the body after 48 hours but seizures have persisted long beyond that. Do not administer to pets under 2 pounds. If a flea bites the animal it will ingest with the blood the nitenpyram. However, it's commonly associated with Capstar use, so be aware that it's not an unusual thing if you see your pet behaving in this way after you give him the medicine. In addition to killing adult fleas with Capstar, you can treat your pet with an insect development inhibitor like PROGRAM Flavor Tabs to prevent and control flea populations. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. You can also use Seresto Flea & Tick Collars for a collar approach. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow. Laboratory and clinical studies showed that Capstar Tablets are safe for use in dogs and cats, puppies and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater. .. Capstar kind of gets the ball rolling on treating a cat for fleas, but it only kills adult fleas and has no effect on flea eggs or larvae. A single dose of Capstar works within 30 minutes to kill adult fleas and is effective for 24 hours. According to the Capstar label side effects may include: Lethargy Depression Vomiting Diarrhea Decreased appetite Hyperactivity Trembling Neurologic signs (such as seizures or incoordination) Panting Allergic reactions (such as hives, swollen face, or trouble breathing) Vocalization Excessive drooling Nervousness Fever Supplements, Aquariums & Wild Dog Food, Cosequin Nitenpyram, sold under the brand name Capstar, effectively rids your pet of fleas for the short term up to 48 hours. Others might pant or briefly become hyperactive. This is typically because of the pets reaction to the fleas, not the medication itself. The 1kg animal is getting a dose that is 11.4 times that of the 11.36kg animal but then it isn't harmful, and thus demonstrates that Capstar flea drug has an outgoing safety range. Common side effects of Capstar include: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma. Capstar is approved for use in puppies as young as 4-weeks old and weight at least two pounds. Getting your pet a treatment for the reaction promptly can be the difference between life and death. Dr. Vanderhoof lives in the Northern Virginia area with his family, including 3 cats. Capstar's effect on the parasite's central nervous system causes it to drop off the animal and die. Habitats, wide variety of flea treatments and preventives, Does not work on young fleas, larvae, or eggs, https://www.elancopethealth.com/capstar-kills-fleas-fast-for-dogs-and-cats, Works for all cats and dogs over a month old and 2 lbs, Comprehensive flea treatment regimen for cats and dogs, Can be utilized as a preventive medicine to give protection against fleas (valuable in the cases of kenneling, pet shows and traveling), Can be administered as often as once daily to eliminate fleas in the case of re-infestation, If you miss a dose or are uncertain the dose was given, a second pill might be given safely, Doesn't offer protection against ticks, mosquitoes, flies, or lice. See the WalmartPetRx.com Flea and Tick chart to find which flea and tick product is best for your pet. You may need to treat more than one time because immature fleas in and around the home will continue to develop into adults that can reinfest your pet. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older (and weighing 2lb or more), Should be stored at room temperature. As soon as a flea bites the animal after Capstar administration, the flea dies. Depression. for Cats, Advantage The most common side effects that affect dogs include lethargy or hyperactivity, incoordination and trembling or seizures, and nervousness. Fleas also transmit other parasites, including tapeworms. Trembling. Capstar Side Effects for Both Cats & Dogs Lethargy Vomiting Itching Inappetence Decreased Appetite Diarrhea Hyperactivity Incoordination Trembling Seizures Panting Vocalization Salivation Fever Nervousness Capstar Side Effects for Cats Difficulty Breathing Pupil Dilation Increased Heart Rate Common side effects in cats include meowing and grooming excessively during the Capstar flea free-fall. They also come in different formulations to ensure that you can find the proper dosage for your dog or cat based on their weight. Decreased appetite. If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once per day. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hyperactivity. Acute Toxicity and Tolerance of Nitenpyram, Toxic Symptoms caused by Nitenpyram Poisoning, Nitenpyram Side Effects, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and Warnings, Antidote and Treatment of Nitenpyram Intoxication, WHO Acute Hazard classification of pesticides. We use spot on treatments too. Nitenpyram half-life in soil is short, 1 to 15 days depending on the type of soils and other conditions. Minor side effects such as GI upset and drowsiness might occur if that happens. Lufenuron is used to control fleas on dogs and cats. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Capstar comes in an easy-to-administer tablet and begins killing fleas within the first 30 minutes of its administration to provide fast-acting relief1. While use in cats and dogs is on label, its use in reptiles to treat maggots is off label or extra label. Cats taking Capstar may experience many of the same side effects as dogs. It sounds like the cat tree might be the source, as you said. The result is oftentimes that your pet will scratch his body with his paws, or that he'll rub parts of his body up against the sides of furniture, or against walls or on the floor. These receptors are found in the central and peripheral nervous system of mammals, but only in the central nervous systems of insects. Households with both cats and dogs can face additional difficulty in finding a treatment that is sensitive for cats but still strong enough to eliminate infestations on dogs. ** Cats over 15 lbs. If you are seeing flea dirt on your cats and no dead fleas at all, I would have more concern that either there may have been an error in application of the product or the product itself is not effective. Nitenpyram has also been considered one of the safest flea medications to use for breeding, pregnant, and lactating animals. Store the tablets at room temperature between 59F and 77F (15C and 25C ), protected from light. PROGRAM Flavor Tabs break the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. Always ask your veterinary doctor, or pharmacist, or contact the manufacturer. Nitenpyram for dogs and cats (Capstar) is not a substitute for a monthly topical or oral flea control product, but it's a generally safe form of temporary relief with few if any side effects. Prior to giving them the medication, I did a fair amount of research, particularly on the brand. You also shouldnt be seeing a lot of flea dirt (flea poop) on your kitties, because the fleas shouldnt be able to take a full blood meal before the product kills them. After reading this insert, if you have any questions about the concurrent use of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets in your cats, please call Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Veterinary Product Support at 1(800)-332-2761. Because it does not treat the immature stages of fleas, additional doses of Capstar and other preventative flea medications may be necessary to eliminate infestations. When Capstar is the sole method of flea treatment (which as mentioned is less effective than other methods), protocols may range from giving it once per day to once per week to control the presence and re-emergence of adult fleas as eggs hatch and larvae mature. Treat all infested pets in the household. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any side effects are seen. There are a wide variety of flea treatments and preventives out there for pets, so it can be difficult to find the right treatment for you and your pet. It is important to treat all cats (see reverse side of this insert) and dogs in the household. Adult female fleas feed by ingesting blood from the pet and subsequently lay eggs, which drop off the pets coat. In cats, it can last up to six hours on and off, and in dogs, it lasts about four hours. Please see the separate PROGRAM Flavor Tabs/Capstar Tablets FLEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM insert included in this package for information on how to use these two products together to kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching. Click here for a list and overview of all safety summaries of antiparasitic active ingredients in this site. Accessories, Habitats & The short answer is that Capstar can typically be used together with fipronil and in fact many vets will use Capstar initially to kill adult fleas on an infested cat since it can work quickly within 30 minutes, then apply a topical like fipronil for the longer coverage. Can this medication be crushed and given with a small amount of wet cat food. When flea eggs or larvae are not being treated, it often takes much longer to rid a cat and the home environment of fleas. It is administered orally (tablets) to dogs and cats in, is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the fleas when they suck blood. Capstar Tablets should be administered according to the following schedule. It may have had eggs or pupae on it that emerged after it was moved to your home. Do not use in pets under 2 pounds of body weight or younger than 4 weeks old. Known side effects, although rare, are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, sluggishness, weakness, or abnormal . This specific and regular type of disturbance is described by such signs: For solutions that offer protection against these additional pests, you can look to other solutions such as K9 Advantix II for dogs, or, for an applicator approach, Frontline Plus for cats and dogs. Shelf life is reported to be 3 years if stored below 25 degrees C (76 degrees F). Adult female fleas feed by ingesting blood from your pet and subsequently lay eggs, which drop off your pets coat. In dogs, unusual reactions are similar. Capstar kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs. Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. Capstar (nitenpyram) PROGRAM (lufenuron) Flavor Tabs. One of the main reasons Capstar is considered to be so safe is that it is more than 3000 times more selective for insect nerve receptors instead of those for vertebrates. The safety of the concurrent use of lufenuron, the active ingredient in PROGRAM Flavor Tabs, and Capstar Tablets has not been evaluated in puppies less than 11 weeks old. One thing to keep in mind about Frontline and just about any flea control product, is that they dont provide any repellency for fleas. I was hesitant to try Capstar because it's got some pretty scary potential side-effects & some of the reviews say things like "If you love your dog, don't give this to them". In dogs, hyperactivity or lethargy may occur, so keep a close eye on your canine. What are Capstar's Side Effects Side effects such as salivation, nausea, loose stools, convulsions or decreased activity may appear at higher doses, with severity increasing with dose. Capstar flea treatment is able to get rid of fleas within twenty-four hours. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. I'm very sorry that your cat had a seizure and is not acting normally!! Because Capstar kills fleas quickly and has a short, 24 hour range of efficacy, the side effects are usually self-limiting and resolve without any treatment. Lufenuron controls flea populations by preventing the development of flea eggs and does not kill adult fleas. For example, it is common to give a cat a dose of Capstar to provide a quick kill of adult fleas, followed by use of a topical medication that will last for at least 30 days, like Revolution, Advantage II, or Frontline. Nitenpyram should be used cautiously in pets between 4 to 8 weeks of age or pets that are thin or debilitated. Dosage form: FOR ANIMAL USE ONLY. Use cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets, although use is likely safe. Neurological problems, such as seizures or difficulty walking, are more likely in animals who are less than 2 pounds and less than 8 weeks of age. Veterinarians do often utilize and recommend Capstar for cats, but it is important to understand its use and limitations. Nitenpyram kills adult fleas. The effects of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs, which prevent and control flea populations, and Capstar Tablets, which treat flea infestations, are combined to provide a FLEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Chews, K9 Advantix Weigh your pet prior to administration to ensure proper dosage. This safety summary is a complement to the information on product labels and MSDS. Nitenpyram is not toxic or only slightly toxic for birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates. Capstar : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage / Pillintrip Medical information for Capstar including its dosage, uses, side, effects, interactions, pictures and warnings. Horse Joint Care, GLC & If a cat is having true seizures that are persisting, its not impossible this is related to Capstar but would indeed be considered unusual to be related to a single dose of Capstar. & Treats, Health Capstar Information, Side Effects, Warnings and Recalls Capstar Add Info Capstar Recall Get an alert when a recall is issued. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthco on Capstar For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects, I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. It does not hydrolyze in acid or neutral water, but breaks down in alkaline water (half-life ~3 days). Not for human use. CATS: hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalization, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite, nervousness, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, salivation, incoordination, seizures, pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and trembling. View all posts by Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, Tramadol For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Glucosamine For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Azathioprine For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, How Intelligent Are Cats? WHO Acute Hazard classification of pesticides: not listed. Capstar definitely kills fleas, but it is important to remember that fleas do have to bite and consume a blood meal to get the medication into their system. Bottles, Pet in cats after giving PROGRAM Flavor Tabs: vomiting, depression/lethargy, anorexia (loss of appetite), diarrhea, hyperactivity. The fleas must come in contact with the skin (and in many cases they have to bite too) for the product to kill them. An entire 11.4 mg tablet will be enough for animals weighing between 1 kg to 11.36 kg. If fleas have already infested your pets coat, Capstar can be safely combined with other flea prevention treatments that kill immature fleas on the pet and in the environment. The safety of the concurrent use of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets has not been evaluated in kittens less than 7 months of age. It scared the hell out of me, rationally or irrationally, because of an incredibly bad experience with an older, oral flea med back in the 80's (Proban). I remember using it on my cat and told it was safe. No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. In very rare cases in cats, this may present as transient signs of hyperactivity, panting, vocalization and excessive grooming. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Additionally, it is safe to use in pregnant animals and in pets that have other health conditions that occur at the same time. Depression. Is Capstar a flea preventive treatment? Additionally, there is a greater safety issue with the frequent handling of pets. I needed something like Frontline, which kills the fleas continuously. I have never had any type of reaction - maybe I have just been lucky. When nitenpyram blocks acetylcholines function, this leads to paralysis and death of the flea. A single dose of Capstar should kill adult fleas on your pet. Absorbed nitenpyram is also quickly eliminated, mainly through the kidneys. All the same, adverse effects have been reported, including hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalizing, vomiting, decreased appetite, hypersalivation (drooling), incoordination, seizures, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and trembling. Supplies, Foods & Store PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar as described on the individual product inserts. Eggs hatch and can develop into adults within only three weeks. Do not use nitenpyram pets that are allergic to it. PROGRAM Flavor Tabs contain lufenuron. However, in rare cases, some cats experience vomiting and diarrhea, appetite loss, drooling, trembling, increased heart rate, and seizures or trembling. Pets might itch as the fleas die. Both medications have notable effectiveness. Accessories, Pet The scratching behavior is temporary and is a reaction to the fleas, not the drug. It can really be hard to be patient with a flea infestation, but if you really feel like the product is not working well or you need further advice catered to your kitties, make sure to get in touch with your vet. Its vitally important to treat your home environment as well with lots of vacuuming, washing bedding, etc. To me.. after our health scares with our fur kids its easy!! The Bottom Line. Eggs hatch and can develop into adults within only three weeks. Capstar for Dogs & Capstar for Cats | Where to Buy, Which Smiley Describes How You Are Feeling Today? It is important to treat all dogs (see reverse side of this insert) and cats in the household. He completed a rotating internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and now works as a general practitioner in the Washington D.C. area. 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