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)
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C
Dosing
Flea growth regulator — prevents egg hatching, not adult kill
Program 6-month injectable (SQ) provides long-acting flea prevention for cats
Frequency
Monthly (PO); q6 months (SQ)
Safety
Flea burden assessment (environmental control needed alongside)No routine monitoring
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
United States
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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