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Fipronil

CDSCO approved
Phenylpyrazole insecticide/acaricide
Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Blocks GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in insects and ticks, causing hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death; distributed via body oils after topical application

At a glance

Class
Phenylpyrazole insecticide/acaricide
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store below 30°C, protect from sunlight
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1990-05

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Flea and tick treatment/prevention
Dose
6.7–13.4 mg/kg
Route
Topical
Frequency
Monthly
Max dose
402 mg
Duration: Monthly year-round in endemic areas
🐈

Cat

Flea and tick treatment/prevention
Dose
6.7–13.4 mg/kg
Route
Topical
Frequency
Monthly
Max dose
100 mg
Duration: Monthly as needed
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 →

Formulations

🧴

Spot-on solution — 3

Strength
0.67mL (small dog)
Available in India
Strength
1.34mL (medium dog)
Available in India
Strength
2.68mL (large dog)
Available in India
🧪

Spray — 1

Strength
0.25%
Available in India

Storage

Store below 30°C, protect from sunlight

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Rabbits
    Fatal toxicity reported

Use with caution

  • Puppies/kittens under 8 weeks
    Safety not fully established
  • Bathing within 48h of application
    Reduces efficacy

Adverse effects

Common
Transient skin irritation
Hair discoloration at site
Serious
Neurological signs if ingested (rare)
Skin hypersensitivity

Monitoring parameters

Flea/tick burdenApplication site skin condition
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

Frontline
Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Fiprofort
Cipla
FiproStar
Mankind

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Fipronil?
Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide/acaricide used in pets. Blocks GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in insects and ticks, causing hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death; distributed via body oils after topical application
What is Fipronil used for in pets?
Fipronil is used in veterinary medicine for: Flea and tick treatment/prevention.
What is the Fipronil dose for dogs?
For dogs, Fipronil is typically dosed as follows — Flea and tick treatment/prevention: 6.7–13.4 mg/kg Topical Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Fipronil dose for cats?
For cats, Fipronil is typically dosed as follows — Flea and tick treatment/prevention: 6.7–13.4 mg/kg Topical Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Fipronil?
Common: Transient skin irritation, Hair discoloration at site. Serious (call your vet immediately): Neurological signs if ingested (rare), Skin hypersensitivity.
Does Fipronil need a prescription?
Fipronil is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
When should Fipronil not be used?
Do not use Fipronil if: Rabbits.
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) — 9

Frontline Plus (Cats) contains: Fipronil 9.8% (S)-Methoprene 11.8% Frontline Plu
M/s. Sanofi- Synthelabo (India) Ltd. · Approved 13.04.2016
In Cats: 1. To be used against infestation with fleas, alone or in association with ticks and/or biting lice. 2 Eliminat
Fipronil 6.1 % m/v + permethrin 54.5 % m/v spot on solution for Dog Vet.
M/s Virbac Animal Healthcare Pharma India pvt ltd · Approved 20-02.2018
In dogs to be used against infestations with fleas and /or ticks when repellant anti feeding activity is necessary again
Fipronil 50mg /134mg/268/mg 402mg spot on solution for cats and dogs
M/s Virbac Animal Healthcare Pharma India pvt ltd · Approved 25-01.2018
For treatmenet of flea and ticks infestation in cats and dogs for vetrinary use only
Fipronil 8.3% w/v, (S) Methoprene 10% w/v praziquantel 8.3% w/v Eprinomection 0.
M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Ltd · Approved 09-10.2019
This drug is recommended for cats with existing or at risk from mixed parasitic infections Treatment and prevention of i
Fipronil 0.25g/ml for external use frontline spray for cats and dogs
M/s Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd · Approved 27.08.2021
Treatment and control of flea allergy dermatitis FAD dogs and cats. Treatment of biting lice on dogs and cats
Fipronil and Pyripproxyfen spot on solution for cats (Brant name Effipro TM Duo-
M/s Virbac Animal Health India pvt ltd · Approved 16.03.2022
In cats, to be used against infestations with flea alone or in association with ticks. one week. If ticks are present at
Fipronil and Pyriproxyfen spot on solution for dogs
M/s Virbac Animal Health India pvt ltd · Approved 06.05.2022
to be used against infestations with flea alone or in asociation with ticks. Against fleas: a) treatment and prevention
Fipronil Tablets 5mg 10mg, and 20 mg tablets for Veterinry use only)
M/s International Health Care Limited, · Approved 07.11.2022
Solid oral dosage from as tablet Compressed form for vet use
Fipronil Oral Bolus 150 mg for (Veterinary use only)
M/s International Health Care Limited, · Approved 16.08.2023
For the control of endo and Ecto-Parasites very effective to kill files like Stomoxys calcitrans, Hydrotea irritans taba
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
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