Binds to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous nerve stimulation, paralysis, and death of fleas and lice; minimal mammalian receptor affinity
At a glance
Class
Neonicotinoid insecticide
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from heat sources
Dosing
Flea treatment and prevention
Duration: Monthly as needed; year-round in endemic areas
Flea treatment and prevention
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 →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Kittens under 8 weeks
Use with caution
Adverse effects
Common
Transient skin irritation at application site
Temporary hair loss at site
Serious
Neurological signs if ingested orally (tremors, salivation)
Allergic dermatitis (rare)
Flea burden assessmentSkin at application site
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
India
Fiprofort Plus (with fipronil)
Cipla
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Imidacloprid?
Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used in pets. Binds to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous nerve stimulation, paralysis, and death of fleas and lice; minimal mammalian receptor affinity
›What is Imidacloprid used for in pets?
Imidacloprid is used in veterinary medicine for: Flea treatment and prevention.
›What is the Imidacloprid dose for dogs?
For dogs, Imidacloprid is typically dosed as follows — Flea treatment and prevention: 10–25 mg/kg Topical Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Imidacloprid dose for cats?
For cats, Imidacloprid is typically dosed as follows — Flea treatment and prevention: 10–20 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 Imidacloprid?
Common: Transient skin irritation at application site, Temporary hair loss at site. Serious (call your vet immediately): Neurological signs if ingested orally (tremors, salivation), Allergic dermatitis (rare).
›Does Imidacloprid need a prescription?
Imidacloprid is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
›When should Imidacloprid not be used?
Do not use Imidacloprid if: Oral ingestion (topical product only).
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
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