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
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
Adverse effects
Common
Transient hyperactivity/scratching (dying fleas)
Mild panting
Serious
Rare: seizures at high overdoses
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.
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.
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