Depression. If you accidentally ingest this medication, please call your physician or local poison control center. Scratching is usually temporary. Nitenpyram Side Effects, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and Warnings. I have had an aversion and fear of using any oral flea med since. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. Are Capstar tablets safe for kittens? While use in cats and dogs is on label, its use in reptiles to treat maggots is off label or extra label. Absorbed nitenpyram is also quickly eliminated, mainly through the kidneys. Available for Android and iOS devices. Side effects also differ depending on which animal is being treated, as dogs and cats have different reactions to the treatment. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for many functions including muscle movement and central nervous systemic function. Serious side effects (such as seizures, incoordination, or death) are more likely in animals that weigh less than 2 pounds, are younger than 8 weeks of age, or are already in poor health. Nitenpyram kills adult fleas. The safety of the concurrent use of lufenuron, the active ingredient in PROGRAM Flavor Tabs, and Capstar Tablets has not been evaluated in puppies less than 11 weeks old. The short answer is that Capstar can typically be used together with fipronil and in fact many vets will use Capstar initially to kill adult fleas on an infested cat since it can work quickly within 30 minutes, then apply a topical like fipronil for the longer coverage. Shelf life is reported to be 3 years if stored below 25 degrees C (76 degrees F). Capstar is an oral tablet for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater. Its important to give the correct dosage based on your pets weight. This leads to an over stimulation of the nerve cells, to paralysis and to death of the affected insect. Supplements, Aquariums & This makes them relatively safe for domestic animals and humans. It is the policy of the clinic. The only other major concern for pet owners who choose to give their dogs Capstar is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Supplies, Fish Medications You may need to treat more than one time because immature fleas in and around the home will continue to develop into adults that can reinfest your pet. There are no known side effects associated with Capstar, making it a safe and effective treatment option for your furry friend. CAPSTAR is an oral tablet for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 2 pounds of body weight or greater and 4 weeks of age and older. There is, however, a risk that combining Capstar with other medications and treatments may lead to other adverse effects. Some dogs also experience allergic reactions, including hypersalivation, hives, agitation, and vocalization. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking. However, if you observe your pet exhibiting any abnormal signs or behaviors that you suspect may be related to an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Capstar (nitenpyram) is a fast-acting, oral medication used to treat fleas in cats and dogs. 11.4 mg for small dogs between 2-25 pounds, 57 mg for large dogs between 25.1-125 pounds, Neurologic signs (such as seizures or incoordination), Allergic reactions (such as hives, swollen face, or trouble breathing). Extreme Capstar side effects are rare but possible. The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after giving PROGRAM Flavor Tabs: vomiting, depression/lethargy, pruritus (itchy, scratchy skin), urticaria (wheals, hives), diarrhea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and skin congestion (red skin). Neurological problems, such as seizures or difficulty walking, are more likely in animals who are less than 2 pounds and less than 8 weeks of age. Veterinarians do often utilize and recommend Capstar for cats, but it is important to understand its use and limitations. Following oral dosing, drug levels will immensely reach in the animal's blood after around 40 minutes in cats and 80 minutes in dogs. I was hesitant to try Capstar because it's got some pretty scary potential side-effects & some of the reviews say things like "If you love your dog, don't give this to them". After oral administration nitenpyram is very quickly absorbed to blood. Capstar also doesnt stay long in the body, being completely excreted in 48 hours. Common side effects in cats include meowing and grooming excessively during the Capstar flea free-fall. Dr. Vanderhoof lives in the Northern Virginia area with his family, including 3 cats. It is important to treat all dogs (see reverse side of this insert) and cats in the household. Cap star is not made for long term control. Side Effects Of Capstar For Cats Despite being a very safe drug, some adverse effects have been reported, including hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalizing, vomiting and decreased appetite. Side Effects of Capstar While Capstar has been proven to be effective in killing fleas, some side effects have been reported in pets. Nitenpyram for dogs and cats is similar to nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco. Cartridges, Filters & Known side effects, although rare, are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, sluggishness, weakness, or abnormal . Other side effects that cats may exhibit include pupil dilation, increased heart rate, vocalization, fever, and salivation. Use cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets, although use is likely safe. Both medications have notable effectiveness. Liability is also denied for any possible damage or harm to persons, animals or any other goods that could follow the transmission or use of the information, data or recommendations in this site by any site visitor or third parties. Kittens or puppies less than 2 pounds in weight or less than 8 weeks of age should not receive Capstar. Cuteness may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Fleas can reproduce on untreated pets and allow infestations to persist. I hope your cats will be okay! Additionally, it is safe to use in pregnant animals and in pets that have other health conditions that occur at the same time. Its just important to make sure that they get the entire tablet for full effect. That's not necessarily serious; it's a common reaction to the fleas as they leave the skin and come to the surface prior to falling off. This is in contrast with imidacloprid, the otherneonicotinoid most used on dogs and cats, which is administered topically (spot-on) to dogs and cats and has not a systemic mode of action. Call your vet or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the use of Capstar. PROGRAM Flavor Tabs break the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. Convenience: It is easy to use as it can be hidden in your pet's favorite treat. But you should be seeing dead fleas as the product kills them. Administer Capstar Tablets once per week until adult fleas are no longer observed. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow. Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Your Cat. Capstar tablets are labeled for use in cats and kittens weighing 2lb or more and older than 4 weeks of age. The information in this page must not be confused with theMaterials and Safety Datasheets (MSDS) officially issued by manufacturers for active ingredients and many other chemicals. About TheCatSite.com. If you read the one star reviews, it's pretty horrific, what happens to some animals after ingesting Capstar: seizures, drooling, heart racing, panic attacks, death. Horse Joint Care, GLC & We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. Diarrhea. Weigh your pet prior to administration to ensure proper dosage, Please read the insert contained in each package for, complete information on the individual products prior. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. It is used to immediately rid a pet of an adult flea infestation but should only be used on animals older than 8 weeks and weighing more than 2 pounds. No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. How to Choose the Safest Flea Treatment for Your Cat. All the same, adverse effects have been reported, including hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalizing, vomiting, decreased appetite, hypersalivation (drooling), incoordination, seizures, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, and trembling. Yes, you can crush Capstar and feed it in your cats food. Your email address will not be published. All information in this site is made available in good faith and following a reasonable effort to ensure its correctness and actuality. In some cases, involvement of a professional exterminator may be needed. According to the Capstar label side effects may include: Lethargy Depression Vomiting Diarrhea Decreased appetite Hyperactivity Trembling Neurologic signs (such as seizures or incoordination) Panting Allergic reactions (such as hives, swollen face, or trouble breathing) Vocalization Excessive drooling Nervousness Fever Trembling. Science Has an Answer, Why Do Cats Hate Cucumbers? Always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication. The primary symptoms of intoxication with nitenpyram and other neonicotinoids resemble nicotine intoxications. Fleas also transmit other parasites, including tapeworms. He completed a rotating internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and now works as a general practitioner in the Washington D.C. area. When Courage had a seizure 6 mos ago, was the vet able to figure out a cause? Active Ingredients CAPSTAR Tablets contain 11.4 or 57.0 mg of nitenpyram, which belongs to the chemical class of neonicotinoids. Side effects of Capstar medication. CATS: hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalization, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite, nervousness, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, salivation, incoordination, seizures, pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and trembling. The Infestation is likely from a cat tree a neighbor gave me. Side Effects Of Capstar For Cats. We used to use the Seresto collars but the last time we used them, all of our cats had terrible skin reactions and one of our cats has a spontaneous hyperthyroid issue immediately following the use of the collars we try to keep away from anything topically unless its our last option. All rights reserved. Treat all infested pets in the household. To be 100% fair, I do not know if this issue is with the brand, or with the Nitenpyram medication itself. This means that if you have lots of fleas in the home environment, theyre going to jump on and bite everyone, but hopefully if the product is working, theyre dying off before they can lay more eggs. Capstar rapid treatment of fleas on cats and dogs (nitenpyram) is a once a day medication approved for use in the treatment of flea infestations on dogs and puppies, cats and kittens 4 weeks of age or older and at least 2 pounds of body weight. It kills adult fleas by acting on their central nervous system but has no effect on eggs or larvae. Cats and dogs are dosed with Capstar flea drug at a dosage of 1mg/kg orally. Capstar is well known for the fact that it is highly safe and can be used on most pets with few side effects. More serious side effects were more commonly seen in cats weighing less than 2 pounds, and those who are thin or emaciated. However, in rare cases, some cats experience vomiting and diarrhea, appetite loss, drooling, trembling, increased heart rate, and seizures or trembling. It is due to flea biting before they are killed. Be aware that the safety instructions for the same veterinary medicine may vary from country to country. After reading this insert, if you have any questions about flea control or medical problems associated with flea infestations, consult your veterinarian, who is your pets health care expert. & Lounger Beds, Collars, Leashes Capstar definitely kills fleas, but it is important to remember that fleas do have to bite and consume a blood meal to get the medication into their system. Always ask your veterinary doctor, or pharmacist, or contact the manufacturer. The effects of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs, which control flea populations, and Capstar Tablets, which treat flea infestations, are combined to provide a FLEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Comfortis demonstrates a high efficacy rate in felines. Capstar can be used in conjunction with preventive treatments to provide comprehensive protection against fleas. Capstar only lasts for about 24 hours after it is given. Capstar Tablets are safe for pregnant or nursing dogs and cats. Capstar has a gentle smell but the smell not at all poisonous. It can be very safe to use for very young kittens as long as they are at least 4 weeks old and 2lb in weight. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Because it does not treat the immature stages of fleas, additional doses of Capstar and other preventative flea medications may be necessary to eliminate infestations. After accidental ingestion stomach lavage as well as administration of active charcoal and laxatives is recommended. Nitenpyram starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes of administration. The fast-acting formula starts eliminating fleas within 30 minutes of intake. It is safe to repeat this dosage as often as every 24 hours, and may be given with or without food. Care, Pain & Soreness I know the generic topicals can be more dangerous in general then their name brand counterparts. But it looks like you already were anticipating that. The effects of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs, which prevent and control flea populations, and Capstar Tablets, which treat flea infestations, are combined to provide a FLEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Must overdose some pets, too. & Treats, Health ALL, Water Accessories, Habitats & Capstar enters the pet's bloodstream rapidly. Pyrantel should be stored at controlled temperatures between 59-86F. Store PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar as described on the individual product inserts. The combination of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets should be administered according to the following schedule. Side effects are uncommon. My cats didn't have any bad reactions, but it didn't work. Bottles, Pet Wild Dog Food, Cosequin Warnings Not for human use. Fleas can reproduce on untreated pets and allow infestations to persist. Weigh your pet prior to administration to ensure proper dosage. Relief, Weight Nitenpyram is in the class of neonicotinoid insecticides. Feeders, Feeding Please see the separate PROGRAM Flavor Tabs/Capstar Tablets FLEA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM insert included in this package for information on how to use these two products together to kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching. These include, difficulty in breathing, scratching, dilation of the pupils, an increased pulse, fever, biting and . I know someone who gave capstar to their healthy 5 year old cat and now having seizures. Because they don't take a blood meal, it does not work on young fleas, larvae, or eggs1. If one pet has fleas, make sure every dog or cat in the household receives some sort of flea preventive. Per the manufacturer, Capstar can be given every 24 hours if needed. WHO Acute Hazard classification of pesticides: not listed. Capstar Tablets do not have an effect on fleas in the pets environment. Common side effects in cats include meowing and grooming excessively during the Capstar flea free-fall. He completed a rotating internship with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and now works as a general practitioner in the Washington D.C. area. Capstar is known to cause certain side effects with regular use, whereas other adverse reactions may be the result of inappropriate usage. Capstar Tablets contain nitenpyram and are effective for the treatment of flea infestations. Laboratory and clinical studies showed that Capstar Tablets are safe for use in dogs and cats, puppies and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older (and weighing 2lb or more), Should be stored at room temperature. Households with both cats and dogs can face additional difficulty in finding a treatment that is sensitive for cats but still strong enough to eliminate infestations on dogs. There are a wide variety of flea treatments and preventives out there for pets, so it can be difficult to find the right treatment for you and your pet. Capstar : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage / Pillintrip Medical information for Capstar including its dosage, uses, side, effects, interactions, pictures and warnings. A single female flea may produce up to 2,000 eggs over her lifetime. Set up your myVCA account today. I regularly use capstar (the brand - no generic) on the cats when I go to a show. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Thermometers, Maintenance & Since it starts working in 30 minutes, we often use it as a quick kill method when a cat in the vet office is found to have fleas, as a way of killing the adults and limiting the risk of a flea outbreak in the hospital. As an added tip, depending on how bad the flea presence is, after giving the dose of Capstar to kill all the adult fleas (it works within about 30 minutes to an hour) it can help to bathe your cat (if possible depending on the kitty) using a soothing shampoo like an oatmeal shampoo, to remove the dead fleas, flea dirt, eggs, and help with the skin irritation. Hi K, The ingestion of Capstar tablets medication for fleas is associated with some side effects on the cat. Capstar Tablets kill adult fleas that cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Capstar kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs. Capstar is safe enough to give to a pet every day or so if necessary to eliminate the flea infestation. The following diagram illustrates the fleas life cycle and where Capstar Tablets work: Fleas can be a problem because they reproduce so rapidly. Excretion half-time in dogs is about 2-3 hours, in cats about 8-16 hours. This could explain why youre seeing so many, because theyre still jumping on and biting your cats even with Frontline. As this happens, it's not uncommon for your pet to feel some slight discomfort. This is called the "tickle effect." Taking a look at the dose range for Capstar pills should give you an idea of the medication's safety. Eggs hatch and can develop into adults within only three weeks. How Long Do Flea and Tick Medications Take to Work on Dogs? Not for human use. I tend to stay away from generic flea control options just because they seem to have more problems. Capstarxae Possible Side Effects Lethargy. The combination of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets should be administered according to the following schedule. I have no way of knowing what the effect of the Capstar was on my cat. I have never used Capstar on any of my cats, but I have heard that as it kills the adult fleas in the first hours, causing the cat or kitten to truly go bananas -- the fleas do not die peacefully, and they run around on the animal and bite a lot while they die. This is typically because of the pets reaction to the fleas, not the medication itself. A single dose of Capstar should kill adult fleas on your pet. The control of flea infestations is important to your pets health and also reduces the problems associated with these parasites. Nitenpyram is white and yellow and is the active ingredient in Capstar and is an over the counter drug. Capstar Flea Control tablets are among the fastest-acting flea control solutions on the market. One thing to keep in mind about Frontline and just about any flea control product, is that they dont provide any repellency for fleas. When the medication enters a fleas circulation after it bites a treated cat, the drug binds to receptors in the flea called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. for Cats, Advantage In addition to the common nuisance irritations associated with infestations, fleas can be responsible for skin conditions in the dog such as flea allergy dermatitis. The symptoms disappear quickly and the return to normal is complete within 24 hours, due to the rapid elimination of nitenpyram. It is thought that at least some of these signs may be more associated with the die-off process of affected fleas vs. being secondary to the medication itself. Within days, larvae hatch from the eggs and live undetected in the pets surroundings, such as the carpet and bedding. Capstar for cats is safe to use with other flea treatment/preventative medications, and in fact concurrent use is common given Capstars limited range and duration of effect. The control of flea infestations is important to the pets health and reduces the problems associated with these parasites. A frequent effect is intense scratching shortly after administration. Accessories, Food However, there is a greater risk of severe side effects for puppies under eight weeks and those under two pounds; more severe reactions include neurological symptoms and death. Despite being a very safe drug, some adverse effects have been reported, including hyperactivity, panting, lethargy, itching, vocalizing, vomiting and decreased appetite. If you give a dog or cat with fleas a Capstar tablet, you'll see fleas falling off and dying approximately a half hour later. Capstar tablets are labeled for use in cats and kittens weighing 2lb or more and older than 4 weeks of age. Capstar comes in an easy-to-administer tablet and begins killing fleas within the first 30 minutes of its administration to provide fast-acting relief1. are provided the appropriate, The following adverse reactions have been reported. Vomiting. After reading this insert, if you have any questions about the concurrent use of PROGRAM Flavor Tabs and Capstar Tablets in your dogs, please call Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Veterinary Product Support at 1(800)-332-2761. & Supplements, Dental MSDSs target safety during manufacturing, transport, storage and handling of such materials. Capstar will kill more than 90 percent of fleas within a few hours. Excessive itching is listed by the makers of Capstar as an adverse side effect or a possible allergic reaction. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthcopywriter.com. & Harnesses, Dog Training The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Minor side effects such as GI upset and drowsiness might occur if that happens. Never use tablets for dogs on cats; never use tablets for large dogs on small dogs. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I do this because we have dogs and I don't want to take any critters into the show halls that aren't supposed to be there. Capstar is used as needed to kill adult fleas. Neurologic signs (such as seizures or incoordination) What are the side effects of Capstar for dogs? Vomiting should not be induced. Give PROGRAM Flavor Tabs once per month to prevent and control flea populations. Eventually, all the eggs hatch and you run out of fleas so to speak. It is important to treat all cats (see reverse side of this insert) and dogs in the household. The toxicity of an active ingredient must not be confused with the toxicity of finished products, in this case parasiticidal drugs or pesticides. However, in rare cases, some cats experience vomiting and diarrhea, appetite loss, drooling, trembling, increased heart rate, and seizures or trembling. Dr. Vanderhoof is also a copywriter specializing in the animal health field and founder of Paramount Animal Health Writing Solutions, which can be found at www.animalhealthco on Capstar For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects, I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. Can this medication be crushed and given with a small amount of wet cat food. In these instances, follow your veterinarians directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label. Overall, Capstar is seen as a very effective and safe medicine. Capstar Tablets kill adult fleas that cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). However, if itching and scratching persist longer than a few hours, that can be cause for concern. A single dose of Capstar should kill the adult fleas on your pet. As other neonicotinoids, nitenpyram is an agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. He has had one seizure before, about 6 months ago so there is a chance this is unrelated to the medication. World, Substrates Supplies, CET There are no specific drug interactions with nitenpyram. It is very rare that your dog will have any side effects due to Capstar. PROGRAM Flavor Tabs contain lufenuron. But with it effecting three cats, all in nearly the same way, Our male cat, Courage, had a seizure. The minute a flea takes a blood meal from your pet, they ingest enough of the drug to kill them. Nitenpyram kills adult fleas. Because many dogs throughout all parts of the world have to deal with flea infestations, it's important that you tackle the problem early on. Capstar Tablets rapidly kill adult fleas on the cat. The Bottom Line. Capstar Side Effects The common side effects that have been reported include: However, it is not great to use on its own to control a flea infestation in the home. Capstar(r) is a very safe, short acting oral tablet which can be given daily or every other day for routine flea control, or used additionally with other products. It scared the hell out of me, rationally or irrationally, because of an incredibly bad experience with an older, oral flea med back in the 80's (Proban). If you are not sure that your pet swallowed the pill, it is safe to give a second pill. Hi B, sorry to hear about this, what a mess for you and your kitties! Because some allergic reactions can be very serious and potentially even fatal, it's crucial that you be on the lookout for these symptoms when you give your pet this medicine for the first time: If you do see any of these symptoms, or any other signs that you think may be related to a potential allergic reaction, prepare to take your pet in to the veterinarian's office for an emergency analysis as quickly as possible. If your pet happens to be allergic to nitenpyram or to any of the other ingredients in the drug, you'll likely see the signs of his allergic reaction almost immediately after providing him with his first dose of the medicine.