Home/Medicines/Imidacloprid (Systemic)
All medicines

Imidacloprid (Systemic)

Prescription
Neonicotinoid Insecticide
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect nervous system with much higher affinity than mammalian receptors (selective toxicity). Causes sustained depolarization, paralysis, and death of fleas and lice within hours of contact.

At a glance

Class
Neonicotinoid Insecticide
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Applied to skin between shoulder blades
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
Topical (spot-on)
Frequency
Monthly
🐈

Cat

Same application as dogs
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
Topical
Frequency
Monthly
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

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Flea burden assessmentApplication site for irritation
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

Other markets

Advantage
Advantage Multi (with moxidectin)

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Imidacloprid (Systemic)?
Imidacloprid (Systemic) is a neonicotinoid insecticide used in pets. Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect nervous system with much higher affinity than mammalian receptors (selective toxicity). Causes sustained depolarization, paralysis, and death of fleas and lice within hours of contact.
What is Imidacloprid (Systemic) used for in pets?
Imidacloprid (Systemic) is used in veterinary medicine for: Applied to skin between shoulder blades; Same application as dogs.
What is the Imidacloprid (Systemic) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Imidacloprid (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Applied to skin between shoulder blades: 10 mg/kg Topical (spot-on) Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Imidacloprid (Systemic) dose for cats?
For cats, Imidacloprid (Systemic) is typically dosed as follows — Same application as dogs: 10 mg/kg Topical Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Imidacloprid (Systemic) need a prescription?
Yes. Imidacloprid (Systemic) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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) — 3

Imidacloprid cutaneous solution
M/s Bayer India Limited · Approved 23.03.2001
prevention and treatment of flee infestation on dogs.
Imidacloprid 10% + Moxidectin 1.0% & 2.5% Topical solution vet
M/s Bayer polychem ltd thane · Approved 03.10.2009
For the treatment and prevention of flea infestations prevention of heartworm disease and treatment of infections with g
Imidacloprid+ Moxidectin spot on solution
M/s Bayer Pharma · Approved 05.04.2011
For the treatment and preivention of flea infestation treatment of ear mite infestation, prevention of heartworm disease
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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Neonicotinoid Insecticide).

Imidacloprid
Binds to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous nerve stimulation, paralysis, and death of fleas and lice; minimal mammalian receptor affinity
dogcat
Nitenpyram
Acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect neurons, causing rapid paralysis and death of adult fleas within 30 minutes
dogcat
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp