Name
FRONTLINE SPOT ON CATS
Pharmacotherapeutic Category
Ectoparasiticides for topical use.
Active Ingredients
Fipronil 10 g/100 ml.
Excipients
Ethanol, polyvidone, polysorbate 80, butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.
Indications
Treatment and prevention of infestations by ticks (Rhipicephalus spp., Dermacentor spp., Ixodes spp), fleas (Ctenocephalides spp) and lice in adult cats and kittens. Fipronil rapidly exerts its lethal action on ticks, preventing the development of the parasite and any transmission of infections carried by the tick. It is active against the main tick species found in Italy, including Ixodes ricinus, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease to dogs, cats and humans. Fipronil acts on fleas by rapidly killing the adult forms, thus preventing egg-laying and therefore new infestations. Thanks to its lethal action on adult fleas, fipronil contributes effectively to the control and resolution of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) which, in cats, is caused by the sensitising action of the antigens contained in the saliva of these parasites. In addition, with a single treatment, fipronil rapidly and definitively controls and resolves lice infestations, in particular those caused by Felicola subrostratus, the chewing louse of cats.
Contraindications/Side Effects
In the absence of data, do not use the product in kittens under 8 weeks of age and/or weighing less than 1 kg. Do not use in sick (systemic disease, fever, etc.) or convalescent animals. Do not use in rabbits, as potentially fatal adverse reactions may occur. Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of the excipients.
Dosage
The product comes in 0.5 ml single-dose pipettes; administer 1 pipette of 0.5 ml per cat. Snap off the pre-cut tip of the pipette. Apply the product to the skin, preferably at two points, at the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades, areas the cat cannot lick, preventing removal of the product. The contents of the pipette must be applied directly to the skin and not to the fur: squeeze the pipette until it is completely empty. A single application of the product protects the animal against new infestations by ticks, fleas and lice, in particular against ticks for up to 1 month after treatment and against fleas for up to 5 weeks after treatment. For proper ectoparasite prevention, monthly treatments are advisable during the peak seasons. In the absence of safety data, the minimum treatment interval should be 4 weeks.
Storage
Store in a dry place at temperatures not exceeding +30 °C.
Warnings
It is important to apply the product to an area the animal cannot lick, and to make sure animals do not lick each other after treatment. Avoid contact with the animal's eyes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately and thoroughly with water. Do not apply the product to wounds or damaged skin. In cats, no information is available on the extent to which immersion in water or bathing may affect the product's activity. However, based on data obtained from dogs washed from 2 days after application of the product, it is advisable to avoid bathing in the 2 days following application. If the cat has been treated before exposure to ticks, these will be eliminated within the first 24-48 hours after attachment, i.e. before they complete their blood meal, reducing but not excluding the risk of disease transmission. Once dead, ticks will drop off the animals; any remaining ticks can easily be removed by pulling gently. Fleas on animals often infest the animal's bed, blankets and living areas, in particular carpets, curtains and soft furnishings; in case of heavy infestations and at the start of antiparasitic treatment, these can be treated with a suitable insecticide and regularly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. For optimal control of flea infestations, it is advisable to treat all animals in the household. Special precautions for the person administering the product to animals: the product may cause irritation of the mucous membranes and eyes. Avoid contact with the mouth and eyes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water. If eye irritation persists, consult a doctor and show them the label. Animals or people with known sensitivity to insecticides or alcohol should avoid contact. Avoid getting the contents on your hands. If this happens, wash your hands with soap and water. Wash your hands after use. Do not touch treated animals or let children play with them until the application site is dry. It is therefore advisable not to treat animals during the day, but in the evening, and not to let recently treated animals sleep with their owners, especially children. Do not smoke, drink or eat during application. Overdose: in safety studies, no adverse reactions were observed in cats and kittens aged 8 weeks and over and weighing about 1 kg treated once a month at five times the recommended dose for six consecutive months. However, the risk of adverse reactions may increase in case of overdose. Itching may occur after treatment. Applying a higher dose than recommended gives the fur a damp, sticky appearance at the application site. However, if this happens, it will disappear within 24 hours of application.
Withdrawal Periods
Not applicable.
Target Species
Cats.
Interactions
None known.
Side Effects
If animals lick themselves, transient hypersalivation may be observed, mainly due to the product's excipients. Among the extremely rare suspected adverse reactions, transient skin reactions at the application site (scaling, local alopecia, itching, erythema) and generalised itching or alopecia after application have been reported. Exceptionally, hypersalivation, reversible neurological symptoms (hyperaesthesia, depression, nervous symptoms) or vomiting have been observed.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The product can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
