Acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect neurons, causing rapid paralysis and death of adult fleas within 30 minutes
At a glance
Class
Neonicotinoid insecticide
Storage
Store at room temperature
Dosing
Rapid adult flea knockdown
Frequency
Once (may repeat daily if needed)
Duration: Single dose; combine with long-term flea prevention
Rapid adult flea knockdown
Frequency
Once (may repeat daily if needed)
Duration: Single dose; combine with long-term flea prevention
Safety
Adverse effects
Common
Transient hyperactivity/scratching (dying fleas)
Mild panting
Serious
Rare: seizures at high overdoses
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Nitenpyram?
Nitenpyram is a neonicotinoid insecticide used in pets. Acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insect neurons, causing rapid paralysis and death of adult fleas within 30 minutes
›What is Nitenpyram used for in pets?
Nitenpyram is used in veterinary medicine for: Rapid adult flea knockdown.
›What is the Nitenpyram dose for dogs?
For dogs, Nitenpyram is typically dosed as follows — Rapid adult flea knockdown: 1 mg/kg PO Once (may repeat daily if needed). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Nitenpyram dose for cats?
For cats, Nitenpyram is typically dosed as follows — Rapid adult flea knockdown: 1 mg/kg PO Once (may repeat daily if needed). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Nitenpyram?
Common: Transient hyperactivity/scratching (dying fleas), Mild panting. Serious (call your vet immediately): Rare: seizures at high overdoses.
›Does Nitenpyram need a prescription?
Nitenpyram is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
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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