Imidacloprid
Imidacloprid is a topical flea-control active. Combination products extend parasite coverage but add ingredient-specific restrictions.
Group
Neonicotinoid ectoparasiticide
Mechanism of Action
Acts at insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, disrupting neurotransmission.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flea and biting-louse control | Reference only | TOPICAL | Once | Do not use in: Unweaned puppies under 8 weeks; Advantage 100 mg spot-on: one 1 mL pipette for dogs weighing at least 4 kg and under 10 kg. One treatment provides flea protection for about 4 weeks. Do not treat unweaned puppies under 8 weeks. |
| Topical flea-control product use | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use the species- and size-matched imidacloprid product, generally monthly. Repeated shampooing can shorten persistence, but do not reapply more often than once weekly under the described instructions. Combination products have their own limits. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical flea-control product use | Reference only | TOPICAL | Use the species- and size-matched imidacloprid product, generally monthly. Repeated shampooing can shorten persistence, but do not reapply more often than once weekly under the described instructions. Combination products have their own limits. |
Indications
- Flea infestation
- Canine biting lice for the appropriate single-active product
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Use of permethrin-containing combinations on cats
Adverse effects
- Local irritation
- Salivation after licking
- Occasional gastrointestinal or neurologic signs
Toxicity
Remove excess topical exposure and provide symptomatic care. Permethrin-containing products carry a particular feline poisoning risk.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage 100 mg spot-on for dogs 100 mg per 1 mL pipette for dogs ≥4 to <10 kg. Not a free-volume spray. | Other | 100 mg / mL | TOPICAL |
Monitoring and Administration
Use the complete pipette appropriate for the exact product and weight category. Apply to intact skin and prevent licking until dry.
Single-active Advantage 100 mg/1 mL is for dogs at least 4 kg and under 10 kg. It is not the same product as an imidacloprid/permethrin combination.
Single-active imidacloprid is different from combinations with permethrin or moxidectin. Permethrin combinations are dog-only; moxidectin combinations add heartworm, intestinal parasite or mite indications that cannot be attributed to imidacloprid alone.
The historical single-active product limits were puppies at least 7 weeks and kittens at least 8 weeks, while the separately verified Advantage presentation has its own age wording. Use the actual product limit. Prevent oral exposure and flush accidental eye contact promptly.