Inhibits GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in arthropod neurons, causing uncontrolled neuromuscular activity and death of fleas and ticks
At a glance
Class
Isoxazoline ectoparasiticide
Dosing
Flea and tick prevention/treatment
Duration: Year-round or seasonal
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Serious
Seizures (rare)
Ataxia
Muscle tremors
Ectoparasite burdenNeurological signs
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
NexGard
Boehringer Ingelheim
India
NexGard
Boehringer Ingelheim India
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Afoxolaner?
Afoxolaner is a isoxazoline ectoparasiticide used in pets. Inhibits GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in arthropod neurons, causing uncontrolled neuromuscular activity and death of fleas and ticks
›What is Afoxolaner used for in pets?
Afoxolaner is used in veterinary medicine for: Flea and tick prevention/treatment.
›What is the Afoxolaner dose for dogs?
For dogs, Afoxolaner is typically dosed as follows — Flea and tick prevention/treatment: 2.5–5 mg/kg PO Once monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Afoxolaner?
Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Lethargy. Serious (call your vet immediately): Seizures (rare), Ataxia, Muscle tremors.
›Does Afoxolaner need a prescription?
Yes. Afoxolaner is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Afoxolaner not be used?
Do not use Afoxolaner if: Cats (not approved for feline use).
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
Afoxolaner 68.0mg and 136.0 mg chewable tablet
M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Ltd · Approved 07-08.2019
Treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs ctenocephalides felis and c canis for at least 1 month the product
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database