Fluralaner
4-[5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-[2-oxo-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)ethyl]benzamide
Also known as: Bravecto Plus · Fluralanerum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Audited v13 dosing evidence
Structured calculator evidenceOtodectes cynotis (extra-label)
Verified clinician required
- once
NA
Governing clinical context (1)
- Do not store fluralaner chewable tablets above 30°C (86°F) or topical solutions above 25°C (77°F). Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture. The topical solution is highly flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, or other sources of ignition.
Sarcoptes scabiei var canis infestation (extra-label)
Verified clinician required
- once
NA
Governing clinical context (1)
- Do not store fluralaner chewable tablets above 30°C (86°F) or topical solutions above 25°C (77°F). Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture. The topical solution is highly flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, or other sources of ignition.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Fluralaner is a systemic isoxazoline ectoparasiticide used primarily for the treatment and prevention of flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It provides an extended duration of action, typically lasting up to 12 weeks per dose.
Clinical Pearl: The oral chewable formulation for dogs must be administered with food to maximize gastrointestinal absorption. Use with caution in animals with a known history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
Mechanism of action
Fluralaner acts as an ectoparasiticide by antagonizing ligand-gated chloride channels.
It specifically targets channels gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GluCl) → blocks pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes → results in uncontrolled central nervous system activity and death of insects and acarines.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to fluralaner or any excipients
- Use with caution in dogs or cats with pre-existing epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Puppies less than 8 weeks of age or weighing less than 2 kg
- Kittens less than 11 weeks of age or weighing less than 1.2 kg
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus, alopecia for topical forms)
- Rare neurological signs (muscle tremors, ataxia, seizures)
- Neurologic signs (tremors, ataxia, seizures - rare)
- Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus - topical forms)
Precautions
Neurologic Warning: Isoxazolines have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures, even in animals without a prior history.
Ensure accurate dosing based on body weight. Do not break or divide chewable tablets.
Drug interactions
Fluralaner is highly bound to plasma proteins and might theoretically compete with other highly bound drugs, though clinical significance is generally low.
Fluralaner is highly protein-bound and may theoretically compete with other highly bound drugs, though clinical significance is generally considered low.
Monitoring
- Efficacy of parasite control
- Signs of gastrointestinal upset
- Neurological status (especially in animals with a history of seizures)
- Adverse neurologic signs (tremors, ataxia, seizures)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Readily absorbed following oral administration in dogs when given with food. Topical formulations are absorbed systemically through the skin.
Distribution
Highly bound to plasma proteins. Distributes widely to tissues, particularly fat, which acts as a depot.
Metabolism
Undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Eliminated primarily unchanged in the feces via biliary excretion, with a very minor portion excreted in urine.
Overdose
Fluralaner is generally well tolerated. In safety studies, oral administration of up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose in dogs produced no severe adverse effects. Overdoses may increase the risk of gastrointestinal upset or transient neurological signs. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral chewable tablets (dogs)
- Topical spot-on solution (dogs and cats)
- Topical spot-on solution with moxidectin (cats)
- Topical spot-on solution combined with moxidectin (cats)
Veterinary
- Bravecto chewable tablets for dogs (112.5 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, 1400 mg)
- Bravecto spot-on solution for dogs and cats (280 mg/ml)
- Bravecto Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner + 14 mg/ml moxidectin)
- Bravecto spot-on for dogs and cats (280 mg/ml)
- Bravecto Plus spot-on for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner + 14 mg/ml moxidectin)
Regulatory status
FDA approved for flea and tick control.
POM-V
POM-V
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (below 30°C). Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
Client information
Administer the chewable tablet to your dog at or around the time of feeding to ensure the medication is properly absorbed. This medication provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. Monitor your pet for mild stomach upset (vomiting or diarrhea) after administration. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any muscle tremors, uncoordinated movements, or seizures.
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.