Nitenpyram
Nitenpyram is a fast-acting, systemic, oral neonicotinoid insecticide primarily used for the rapid knockdown of adult fleas (*Ctenocephalides felis*) on dogs and cats. **Clinical Pearls:** * It has an exceptionally rapid onset of action (fleas begin falling off the host within 30 minutes) but lacks residual activity (duration of effect is only 24-48 hours). * Because it does not kill flea eggs, larvae, or immature forms, it is highly effective for acute flea infestations but must be combined with an insect growth regulator (IGR) or a long-acting adulticide for comprehensive flea control. * Off-label use includes the treatment of myiasis (maggots) in various species, including reptiles.
Mecanismo: Nitenpyram acts as an agonist at **insect-specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)**. * Ingestion by flea via blood meal → Binds to **alpha-4-beta-2 nicotinic receptors** on postsynaptic membranes → Blocks acetylcholine-mediated neuronal transmission → Continuous nerve firing → **Spastic paralysis and rapid death** of the insect. * It is highly selective (3500 times more selective for insect receptors than vertebrate receptors) and does *not* inhibit acetylcholinesterase, contributing to its exceptionally high safety margin in mammals.
Dosificación por especie
- Flea adulticide (2-25 lb / 0.9-11.36 kg) · Give one 11.4 mg tablet PO. May be given as often as once per day. · PO · q24h · May be given with or without food.
- Flea infestation · 1 mg/kg (minimum) · PO · prn (can be given daily if needed) · As needed · 11.4 mg tablet for cats 1-11 kg
- Maggots · crush one 11.4 mg tablet into powder and give PO, as an enema, or on wound one time. · PO/Rectal/Topical · one time · 1 dose
- Flea adulticide (2-25 lb / 0.9-11.36 kg) · Give one 11.4 mg tablet PO. May be given as often as once per day. · PO · q24h · May be given with or without food.
- Flea adulticide (25-125 lb / 11.36-56.8 kg) · Give one 57 mg tablet PO. May be given as often as once per day. · PO · q24h · May be given with or without food.
- Flea infestation · 1 mg/kg (minimum) · PO · prn (can be given daily if needed) · As needed · 11.4 mg tablet for dogs 1-11 kg; 57 mg tablet for dogs >11 kg
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
- Animals under 2 pounds of body weight
- Animals under 4 weeks of age
- Animals weighing less than 1 kg
Efectos adversos
- Transient pruritus (scratching) due to dying fleas
- Transient pruritus (scratching/itching) as fleas die
- Vomiting (rare)
- Lethargy (rare)
- Panting or vocalization (rare, secondary to flea death)
Monitoreo
- Efficacy (flea knockdown)
- Resolution of flea infestation
- Adverse reactions (excessive scratching, vomiting)
Sobredosis
Nitenpyram is relatively safe in high dosages to mammals. * The oral LD50 in rats is approximately 1.6 grams/kg. * Cats or dogs given 10 times the usual dose for 14 days showed no untoward effects. * In the circumstance of a massive overdose, contact an animal poison control center for additional guidance.
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.