General Description: Imidacloprid is a topical insecticidal agent used in dogs and cats once a month to treat fleas. Imidacloprid is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades every thirty days. Dogs should be greater than 7 weeks of age and cats more than 8 weeks of age. It is important to note that the dog product should only be used on dogs while the cat product should only be used on cats. Imidacloprid is available in 4 sizes for dogs and 2 sizes for cats (based upon body weight).
What is this drug?
Imidacloprid is an insecticidal agent
Imidacloprid is applied topically once a month
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat fleas in dogs and cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
NB. Dog product should only be used on dogs; Cat product should only be used on cats
Puppies less than 7 weeks of age and kittens less than 8 weeks of age
Use with caution in older, debilitated, pregnant or nursing animals
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to imidacloprid or like products
Directions:
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian.
Apply imidacloprid carefully to the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. For medium and larger dogs, squeeze contents evenly to three or four spots along the top of the back from the shoulder to the base of the tail. Use the entire contents of the tube that correctly corresponds with the body weight of your animal.
Do not allow pets to lick the product or ingest in any way. If you have multiple pets, keep them separated for a short time to prevent licking. Repeat application monthly. Mark your calendar with the dates of subsequent treatments.
After applying this product to your pet, wash your hands with soap and water. Small children should avoid handling the treated pet for a day or two.
For external use only. Do NOT give by mouth. Keep the product away from your pet’s eyes and mouth (salivation is likely if any is consumed as the product tastes bitter).
This product stops fleas biting within 3-5 minutes, and starts killing fleas within 1 hour. Within 12 hours, 98-100% of the adult fleas will be dead. This product will continue to be effective for up to 4 weeks.
Regular bathing will not interfere with the efficacy of the product, but if the pet needs frequent bathing, reapplication more often than once a month may be necessary (but no more than once a week). Swimming, getting caught in the rain or exposure to sun will not be a problem.
Read and follow the label carefully.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as you can and resume the monthly dosing schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements including flea and tick products that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Causes eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. Do not get in eyes or on clothing. Avoid contact with skin. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Do not contaminate water or food by storage or disposal. Do not reuse empty container. Securely wrap original container in several layers of newspaper and discard in trash.
Potential side effects:
This medication is usually well tolerated by dogs and cats
Individual sensitivities may occur with any pesticide product. If they occur, consult your veterinarian immediately
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
There have been no drug interactions noted with this medication, but if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet is exposed to more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, imidacloprid should only be applied to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only to treat fleas.
This is just a summary of information about imidacloprid. If you have any questions or concerns about imidacloprid or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
