Fipronil

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Fipronil is an antiparasitic agent prescribed by your veterinarian for control of fleas, ticks, and lice on dogs and cats. Your veterinarian may also prescribe it for other ectoparasites. It can also help in control of allergic skin disorders caused by fleas (flea allergy dermatitis).

How does this medicine work?

Fipronil blocks the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric acid resulting in rapid death of the parasite. Adult fleas are killed before egg laying is possible, thereby reducing environmental contamination.

How do I give this medication?

- Apply this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- DO NOT apply more medication than directed and DO NOT apply more often than directed.

- Have a reminder system in place to indicate when the next dose should be applied.

- Wear latex gloves when applying the spray product. Wash your hands after applying this medication.

- Avoid contact with the animal until the medication is dry. Recently treated animals should not be allowed to sleep with people, especially children.

- Ensure treated animals do not groom each other until the medication is dry.

- Do not reapply for 30 days.

- Do not bathe or shampoo your pet within 2 days of applying fipronil.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Apply the dose as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian if you have missed applying the dose by more than a few days. Do not apply two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat, open flame and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- DO NOT use this product on RABBITS.

- Although a drug has possible side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Temporary irritation may develop at the site of administration and the animal may be itchy.

- Your pet may salivate a lot if the animal licks the medication.

- There are very few side effects when fipronil is given at the usual dose. Exceptionally, lethargy, tremors, or vomiting may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- There are no known drug interactions, however, certain medications may interact with insecticides.

- Contact your veterinarianif your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.