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Lufenuron

Prescription
Insect Development Inhibitor (Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor)
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Benzoylphenylurea compound that inhibits chitin synthesis in flea eggs and larvae, preventing proper exoskeleton formation and hatching. Does NOT kill adult fleas — breaks the flea life cycle by rendering eggs non-viable. Stored in body fat for sustained release.

At a glance

Class
Insect Development Inhibitor (Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Flea growth regulator — prevents egg hatching, not adult kill
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
Monthly
🐈

Cat

Program 6-month injectable (SQ) provides long-acting flea prevention for cats
Dose
30 mg/kg
Route
PO, SQ
Frequency
Monthly (PO); q6 months (SQ)
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 — 3

Strength
Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Flea burden assessment (environmental control needed alongside)No routine monitoring
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

United States

Program
Elanco
Sentinel (with milbemycin)
Virbac

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Lufenuron?
Lufenuron is a insect development inhibitor (chitin synthesis inhibitor) used in pets. Benzoylphenylurea compound that inhibits chitin synthesis in flea eggs and larvae, preventing proper exoskeleton formation and hatching. Does NOT kill adult fleas — breaks the flea life cycle by rendering eggs non-viable. Stored in body fat for sustained release.
What is Lufenuron used for in pets?
Lufenuron is used in veterinary medicine for: Flea growth regulator — prevents egg hatching, not adult kill; Program 6-month injectable (SQ) provides long-acting flea prevention for cats.
What is the Lufenuron dose for dogs?
For dogs, Lufenuron is typically dosed as follows — Flea growth regulator — prevents egg hatching, not adult kill: 10 mg/kg PO Monthly. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Lufenuron dose for cats?
For cats, Lufenuron is typically dosed as follows — Program 6-month injectable (SQ) provides long-acting flea prevention for cats: 30 mg/kg PO/SQ Monthly (PO); q6 months (SQ). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Lufenuron need a prescription?
Yes. Lufenuron 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

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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