Fluralaner
Fluralaner is an isoxazoline ectoparasiticide used for sustained flea and tick control in dogs and cats. Oral, topical and other veterinary formulations differ in their species and duration of activity. It also has clinical applications against selected mite infestations, including canine demodicosis and sarcoptic mange, with indications depending on the product and region.
Group
Isoxazoline ectoparasiticide
Mechanism of Action
Fluralaner inhibits arthropod ligand-gated chloride channels, particularly GABA-gated and glutamate-gated channels. Loss of inhibitory chloride signaling causes uncontrolled neural excitation, paralysis and death of susceptible parasites. Systemic exposure allows blood-feeding ectoparasites to encounter active drug after feeding on a treated animal. Formulation-dependent persistence supports extended control of susceptible fleas and ticks.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flea and tick control | 25–56 mg/kg | PO | Every 2016 h | Use the matching whole-chew band; typical repeat interval is 12 weeks, subject to parasite-specific product instructions. |
| Demodicosis | 25–56 mg/kg | PO | Every 2016 h | Whole-chew bands; reassess mite response. |
| Flea and tick control | 25 mg/kg | TOPICAL | Every 2016 h | Minimum exposure; use the specified whole topical applicator. Minimum mg/kg does not determine a complete applicator without its weight table. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flea and tick control | 40 mg/kg | TOPICAL | Every 2016 h | Minimum exposure; use the specified feline applicator. Minimum mg/kg does not determine a complete applicator without its weight table. |
| Fluralaner/moxidectin combination | Reference only | TOPICAL | Source describes two-month dosing but its stated 0.9 mg/kg moxidectin does not match the listed 280:14 mg/mL ingredient ratio at fluralaner 40 mg/kg. Use the actual combination-product label; no automatic component calculation. Minimum mg/kg does not determine a complete applicator without its weight table. |
Indications
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations in dogs and cats with a corresponding species-specific product.
- Treatment and control of susceptible tick infestations in dogs and cats, according to the product’s parasite spectrum.
- Treatment of canine demodicosis caused by Demodex canis.
- Treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs.
- Treatment of selected Otodectes cynotis ear-mite infestations in dogs and cats, according to local authorization or an appropriate extra-label regimen.
Contraindications
- Use cautiously with a seizure history.
- Age and weight restrictions depend on the exact product.
Interactions
- Avoid concurrent isoxazolines without a defined rationale.
Adverse effects
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and reduced appetite
- Neurologic reactions including seizures
- Local reactions with topical products
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto chew 112.5 mg Whole chew for the stated weight band. Do not split. Manufacturer not inferred from marketing company. Whole tablets only; dog 2–4.5 kg: 1 tablet. | Tablet | 112.5 mg / tablet | PO |
| Bravecto chew 250 mg Whole chew for the stated weight band. Do not split. Manufacturer not inferred from marketing company. Whole tablets only; dog >4.5–10 kg: 1 tablet. | Tablet | 250 mg / tablet | PO |
| Bravecto chew 500 mg Whole chew for the stated weight band. Do not split. Manufacturer not inferred from marketing company. Whole tablets only; dog >10–20 kg: 1 tablet. | Tablet | 500 mg / tablet | PO |
| Bravecto chew 1000 mg Whole chew for the stated weight band. Do not split. Manufacturer not inferred from marketing company. Whole tablets only; dog >20–40 kg: 1 tablet. | Tablet | 1000 mg / tablet | PO |
| Bravecto chew 1400 mg Whole chew for the stated weight band. Do not split. Manufacturer not inferred from marketing company. Whole tablets only; dog >40–56 kg: 1 tablet. | Tablet | 1400 mg / tablet | PO |
| Fluralaner topical solution 280 mg/mL Use the species-appropriate whole applicator and weight chart. | Other | 280 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
| Fluralaner/moxidectin topical solution Combination-specific whole-applicator dosing only. | Other | fluralaner 280 mg / mL + moxidectin 14 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
Monitoring and Administration
Select the exact species and formulation. Oral chew dosing uses whole-tablet weight bands; no arbitrary fractional chew output.
Topical products must contact skin; prevent licking and contact until dry. Duration varies by parasite and territory label.
For the verified Indian canine chew presentation, do not use below 8 weeks or below 2 kg. Do not transfer this age restriction to other presentations.
Some source territory labels limit protection against particular ticks to 8 weeks; do not assume every tick species has 12-week coverage.