Imidacloprid
**Imidacloprid** is a widely used topical ectoparasiticide for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations in dogs and cats. It is available as a sole agent or in combination with other parasiticides such as moxidectin, permethrin, or flumethrin to broaden its spectrum of activity against ticks, mites, and endoparasites. > **WARNING:** Combination products containing **permethrin** (e.g., Advantix) are highly toxic to cats and must **NEVER** be used on them. **Clinical Pearl:** For optimal flea control, the concurrent use of an approved insect growth regulator (IGR) and environmental management is highly recommended. All in-contact animals should be treated simultaneously.
Mecanismo: Imidacloprid acts on the central nervous system of insects. It **binds to post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors** → causes continuous nerve stimulation → results in **paralysis and death** of adult fleas and their larvae.
Dosificación por especie
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations · Apply topically every 4 weeks · topical · q4 weeks · Ongoing · May be used in nursing bitches. Do not use in unweaned puppies <8 weeks.
- Treatment and prevention of flea infestations · Apply topically every 4 weeks · topical · q4 weeks · Ongoing · May be used in nursing queens. Do not use in unweaned kittens <8 weeks. NEVER use permethrin combinations.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para médicos veterinarios. Confirme siempre con la información vigente del producto y el paciente individual.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Unweaned puppies and kittens <8 weeks of age (sole agent)
- Kittens <10 weeks or puppies <7 weeks of age (flumethrin collar)
- Pregnancy and lactation (flumethrin collar)
- Cats (permethrin combination products)
- Kittens <9 weeks or <1kg, puppies <7 weeks (moxidectin combination)
Efectos adversos
- Transient pruritus at application site
- Erythema at application site
- Salivation (if ingested due to bitter taste)
- Transient lethargy
- Agitation
- Inappetence
Monitoreo
- Efficacy of flea control
- Application site for signs of irritation or erythema
Sobredosis
Overdose of the topical formulation is generally well tolerated, though application site reactions may be more pronounced. > **Toxicity Warning:** In the event of accidental ingestion of the combined product with flumethrin, **diazepam** should be administered to control neurological signs.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a médicos veterinarios como apoyo a la decisión clínica; no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la información vigente del fabricante.