What is imidacloprid topical?
Imidacloprid topical (brand names: Advantage®, Defense Care®) is a topical medication used to treat fleas in cats, dogs, and ferrets. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat other parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes, chewing lice, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, scabies, cheyletiellosis, demodex, and ear mites (brand names include: K9 Advantix®, Advantage II®, Advantage Multi®, Seresto®, Advocate®).
At labeled doses, its use in cats, dogs, and ferrets is FDA-approved. However, to treat certain parasitic infections, it is considered off label (extra label). Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
How is imidacloprid topical given?
- Imidacloprid topical and combination products are applied topically, directly on the skin.
- Do not bathe the animal with shampoo after application, as this may strip the product from the skin, and you may need to re-apply the medication before the end of the treatment interval. Do not re-apply more than once per week in these situations.
- Do not get imidacloprid topical in the eyes. If this occurs, flush the eyes with an eye rinse or water.
- Avoid contact with the area and prevent the pet from licking the application site until the medication has dried (about 2 hours).
- It is recommended to wear gloves while applying this medication as skin contact should be avoided.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling this medication.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended amount of time between doses. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Side effects are uncommon if used as directed. Imidacloprid topical may cause the following side effects:
- skin irritation at the application site
- excessive drooling (if your pet licks the medication)
- drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite (if your cat licks the combination product Advantage Multi®).
- itchiness, sleepiness, decreased appetite, and hyperactivity (in dogs taking Advantage Multi®)
This long-acting medication may last up to 4–6 weeks and may last longer in pets with kidney or liver disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Imidacloprid topical and certain combination products that contain imidacloprid topical should NOT BE USED in:
- cats
- puppies less than 7 weeks old or weighing less than 3 pounds
- kittens less than 8 weeks old
Imidacloprid topical should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets that are:
- debilitated
- geriatric
- pregnant or lactating
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
There are no drug interactions reported at this time. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- No specific monitoring is required while your pet is taking this medication.
- Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
How do I store imidacloprid topical?
- Store at room temperature and avoid temperature extremes.
- Follow the directions on the label for storage recommendations, as there are many different products containing imidacloprid topical.
- Dispose of this medication carefully in the trash only, as it is extremely toxic to fish.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
