Dinotefuran
(RS)-1-methyl-2-nitro-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl)guanidine
Also known as: Vectra 3D · Dinetofuran
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flea, tick, and flying insect control | 6.4 mg dinotefuran/kg, 0.6 mg pyriproxyfen/kg and 46.6 mg permethrin/kg | topical | q4w | Continuous during parasite season | 🌍 EU |
- Flea, tick, and flying insect control: Apply topically to the skin as a spot-on. Vectra 3D formulation.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Dinotefuran is a third-generation neonicotinoid insecticide used primarily as a topical flea adulticide in veterinary medicine. It provides rapid knockdown of adult fleas. Clinical Pearl: In dogs, it is frequently combined with permethrin (a pyrethroid tick/mosquito repellent and adulticide) and pyriproxyfen (an insect growth regulator) to provide broad-spectrum ectoparasite control.
WARNING: Permethrin-containing combination products (like Vectra 3D) are highly toxic to cats.
Mechanism of action
Dinotefuran acts as an agonist at insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It binds continuously to these receptors → causes continuous nerve stimulation → leads to tremors, paralysis, and death of the insect.
Synergistic activity is observed when combined with permethrin in vitro and in vivo.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Cats (specifically for permethrin-containing combination products like Vectra 3D)
- Known hypersensitivity to neonicotinoids
Adverse effects
- Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus, alopecia)
- Lethargy
- Gastrointestinal upset if ingested (hypersalivation, vomiting)
Precautions
Extremely toxic to cats if using the permethrin combination (Vectra 3D). Keep treated dogs away from cats until the application site is completely dry. Do not apply to broken skin. Prevent the animal from licking the application site.
Monitoring
- Efficacy of parasite control
- Application site for irritation or erythema
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Minimal systemic absorption following topical application; distributes primarily over the body surface.
Distribution
Translocates across the skin surface via sebum and hair follicles.
Metabolism
Minimal in the mammalian host.
Elimination
Eliminated primarily through the natural shedding of hair and skin cells.
Overdose
Overdose of topical dinotefuran alone is generally well tolerated in dogs. However, ingestion or massive overdose of combination products containing permethrin can lead to pyrethroid toxicity (tremors, seizures, hypersalivation, hyperthermia). Treatment is supportive (e.g., methocarbamol for tremors, bathing with dish soap to remove unabsorbed product).
Available products
Formulations
- Topical spot-on solution (often combined with pyriproxyfen and permethrin)
Veterinary
- Vectra 3D spot-on solution for dogs (dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen/permethrin in 5 sizes)
Regulatory status
Regulated by EPA as a pesticide rather than FDA in the US.
Vectra 3D is approved for dogs.
Classified as POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian).
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in original packaging until use.
Client information
Apply the spot-on directly to the skin, parting the hair. Do not bathe the dog for at least 48 hours after application to ensure efficacy.
CRITICAL: If using Vectra 3D (which contains permethrin), NEVER apply to cats. Keep cats away from the treated dog until the application site is completely dry, as it is highly toxic and potentially fatal to cats.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.