Ectoparasiticides Used in Dogs and Cats
Drug | Mechanism of Action | Route of Administration | Frequency | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Isoxazolines | ||||
Afoxolanera,b | Antagonizes GABA receptor and glutamate receptor | Oral | q 30 d | Dog |
Esafoxolanerc | Antagonizes GABA receptor and glutamate receptor | Topical | q 30 d | Cat |
Fluralaner | Antagonizes GABA receptor and glutamate receptor | Topicald | q 12 wk | Dog, cat |
Orala | q 12 wk | Dog | ||
Injectablea,b,e | q 1 yr | Dog | ||
Lotilanera | Antagonizes GABA receptor and glutamate receptor | Oral | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Sarolanera | Antagonizes GABA receptor and glutamate receptor | Topical | q 30 d | Cat |
Oral | q 30 d | Dog | ||
Macrocyclic Lactones | ||||
Selamectinf | Binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels, increasing chloride into cells | Topical | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Neonicotinoids | ||||
Dinotefuranf | Binds to ACh receptors, permanently leading to activation | Topical | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Imidaclopridf | Binds to nicotinic ACh receptors, leading to activation | Topical | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Oral | q 24 h | Dog | ||
Nitenpyramf | Binds to nicotinic ACh receptors, leading to activation | Oral, rectal | q 48–72 h | Dog, cat |
Oxadiazines | ||||
Indoxacarbg | Sodium channel blocker; blocks sodium ion entry into nervous tissue cells | Topical | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Phenylpyrazoles | ||||
Fipronilf,h | Blocks GABA-gated chloride channels, stopping entry of chloride into cell | Topical | q 30 d | Dog, cat |
Pyrethroids | ||||
Flumethrinh,i | Activates voltage-gated sodium channels | Collar | q 8 mo (less, if animal is bathed frequently) | Dog, cat |
Spinosyns | ||||
Spinosadf | Activates nicotinic ACh receptors, causing nervous system excitement | Oral | q 30 d | Dog |
Spinoteramj | Activates nicotinic ACh receptors, causing nervous system excitement | Topical | q 30 d | Cat |
Abbreviations: ACh, acetylcholine; GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid. aZhou X, Hohman AE, Hsu WH. Current review of isoxazoline ectoparasiticides used in veterinary medicine. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2022;45(1):1-15. doi:10.1111/jvp.12959 bPetersen I, Goebel-Lauth S, Pobel T, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of a single administration of fluralaner injectable suspension (BRAVECTO® injectable) vs. monthly administration of oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) in dogs for tick and flea control over one year under European field conditions. Parasit Vectors. 20249;17(1):504. doi:10.1186/s13071-024-06590-1 cTielemans E, Buellet P, Young D, Viljoen A, Liebenberg J, Prullage J. Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against adult cat flea Ctenocephalides felis and flea egg production in cats. Parasite. 2021;28:21. doi:10.1051/parasite/2021017 dFisara P, Guerino F, Sun F. Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) in cats following repeated experimental challenge with a field isolate of Ctenocephalides felis. Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):259. doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3512-x eFisara P, Guerino F. Year-round efficacy of a single treatment of fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum™) against repeated infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Ctenocephalides felis in dogs. Parasit Vectors. 2023;16(1):378. doi:10.1186/s13071-023-05960-5 fLam A, Yu A. Overview of flea allergy dermatitis. Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2009;31(5):E1-10. gDryden MW, Payne PA, Smith V, et al. Evaluation of indoxacarb and fipronil (s)-methoprene topical spot-on formulations to control flea populations in naturally infested dogs and cats in private residences in Tampa FL. USA. Parasit Vectors. 2013;6:366. doi:10.1186/1756-3305-6-366 hDryden MW, Smith V, Davis WL, Settje T, Hostetler J. Evaluation and comparison of a flumethrin-imidacloprid collar and repeated monthly treatments of fipronil/(s)-methoprene to control flea, Ctenocephalides f. felis, infestations on cats for eight months. Parasit Vectors. 2016;9(1):287. doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1575-5 iStanneck D, Kruedewagen EM, Fourie JJ, Horak IG, Davis W, Krieger KJ. Efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against fleas, ticks, mites and lice on dogs. Parasit Vectors. 2012;5:102. doi:10.1186/1756-3305-5-102 jPaarlberg T, Winkle J, Rumschlag AJ, Young LM, Ryan WG, Snyder DE. Effectiveness and residual speed of flea kill of a novel spot on formulation of spinetoram (Cheristin®) for cats. Parasit Vectors. 2017;10(1):59. doi:10.1186/s13071-017-1996-9 | ||||