Lotilaner
Also known as: Credelio
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parasite control (fleas and ticks) | 1 tablet of appropriate size (56.25 mg, 112.5 mg, 225 mg, 450 mg, or 900 mg) based on body weight | PO | monthly | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
- Parasite control (fleas and ticks): Administer with food or within 30 minutes of feeding.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parasite control (fleas and ticks) | 1 tablet of appropriate size (12 mg or 48 mg) based on body weight | PO | monthly | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
- Parasite control (fleas and ticks): Administer with food or within 30 minutes of feeding.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Lotilaner is a systemic ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline class. It is used for the treatment and prevention of flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats.
Clinical Pearl: Isoxazolines are highly effective and have a rapid onset of action, but they require the parasite to attach to the host and start feeding in order to be exposed to the active ingredient.
Mechanism of action
Lotilaner acts as an antagonist at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels and, to a lesser extent, glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) in insects and acarines.
Binding blocks the transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes → uncontrolled neuromuscular activity → paralysis → death of the parasite.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance
- Puppies less than 8 weeks of age or weighing less than 1.3 kg (dog product)
- Kittens less than 8 weeks of age or weighing less than 0.5 kg (cat product)
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Neurological signs (tremors, ataxia, seizures) - rare
Precautions
Use with caution in dogs and cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Must be administered with food or within 30 minutes of feeding for optimal absorption.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (absence of fleas and ticks)
- Adverse neurological signs (rare)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed when administered with food. Peak plasma concentration is reached within 2 hours in dogs and 4 hours in cats.
Distribution
Highly protein bound (>99%).
Metabolism
Minimal hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Primarily excreted unchanged in feces via biliary excretion; minor renal excretion.
Overdose
Lotilaner is generally well tolerated even at multiple times the maximum recommended dose. Overdose may cause mild, transient gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral chewable tablets
Veterinary
- Credelio chewable tablets for dogs (56.25 mg, 112.5 mg, 225 mg, 450 mg, 900 mg)
- Credelio chewable tablets for cats (12 mg, 48 mg)
Regulatory status
POM-V
POM-V
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (15-25°C). Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Client information
Administer the chewable tablet once a month with food or within 30 minutes after feeding to ensure the medication is properly absorbed. The medication kills fleas and ticks, but they must bite the pet to be exposed to the drug.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any unusual muscle tremors 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.