Name
FRONTLINE SPRAY (FIPRONIL 0.25%)
Pharmacotherapeutic Category
Ectoparasiticides for topical use, including insecticides.
Active Ingredients
Active ingredient: fipronil 0.25 g. Excipients: isopropanol 80 ml; copolyvidone 2 g; deionised water q.s. to 100 ml.
Indications
Treatment and prevention of tick, flea and lice infestations in dogs and cats aged 2 days or older. Fipronil rapidly exerts its lethal action on ticks, preventing the development of the parasite and the possible transmission of infections carried by ticks. 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 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 dogs and cats is caused by the sensitising action of antigens contained in the saliva of these parasites. In addition, with a single treatment, fipronil rapidly and definitively controls and resolves lice infestations in dogs and cats, in particular those caused by Trichodectes canis, the chewing louse of dogs, and Felicola subrostratus, the chewing louse of cats.
Contraindications/Side Effects
Do not use on animals with extensive skin lesions. Do not use on sick animals (systemic diseases, with fever) or convalescent animals. Do not use on rabbits, as potentially fatal adverse reactions may occur.
Safety in Target Species
The risk of side effects (see section 5.4) may increase in case of overdose, so animals should always be treated with the dosage corresponding to their body weight. Do not exceed the recommended doses.
Dosage
Dosage: depending on coat length, spray 3 to 6 ml of product/kg of body weight. This volume corresponds to: 2-4 sprays/kg of body weight when using the 250 ml or 500 ml bottle (1 spray = 1.5 ml); 6-12 sprays/kg of body weight when using the 100 ml bottle (1 spray = 0.5 ml). Spray the whole body surface of the animal "against the lie of the coat", from a distance of 10-20 cm, holding the bottle upright. Spray evenly so as to "wet" the coat of the whole body uniformly. After spraying, carefully rub the back, shoulders, flanks, abdomen, legs and neck so that the product comes into direct contact with the skin. For the head and the area around the eyes, apply the product to a glove and gently rub it "against the lie of the coat" on these areas. When finished, allow to dry naturally. A single application of the product protects the animal against new tick, flea and lice infestations, in particular against ticks: up to 1 month after treatment in both dogs and cats; against fleas: * up to 3 months after treatment in dogs. * up to 5 weeks after treatment in cats. For correct ectoparasite prevention, monthly treatments are advisable during the peak seasons. In the absence of safety data, the minimum treatment interval must be 4 weeks.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from flames or heat sources. Shelf life: 36 months.
Warnings
Do not spray the product into the animals' eyes, onto mucous membranes or inside the ears. For external use only. Bathing, rain and shampoos do not affect the duration of the product's activity against ectoparasites. It is important that animals do not lick each other after treatment. Do not allow dogs to swim in watercourses for 2 days after application, as fipronil may be harmful to aquatic organisms. If not correctly applied, individual ticks may attach to the dog or cat. For this reason, in the worst case, the transmission of infectious diseases cannot be completely excluded. Fleas on animals often infest the animal's basket, blankets and the areas where the animal lives, in particular carpets, curtains and soft furnishings; in case of massive infestations and at the start of antiparasitic treatment, these can be treated with a suitable insecticide and regularly vacuumed. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the product to animals: keep out of reach of children. Store away from flames or heat sources; store away from food, feed and drinks; during use, do not contaminate food, feed, drinks or containers intended for them; ventilate the room adequately while spraying the product; protect hands with gloves when spraying the product; do not inhale, do not swallow or allow to be swallowed; avoid contact with pregnant women and young children; in case of accidental ingestion, consult a doctor. The product may cause irritation to mucous membranes and eyes. Therefore avoid contact with the mouth and eyes. Avoid contact with Frontline Spray for animals or people with known sensitivity to insecticides or alcohol. Avoid the contents coming into contact with the hands. If this happens, wash hands with soap and water. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Wash hands after use. Do not touch the animals and do not let children play with treated animals until the coat is dry. It is therefore advisable not to treat animals during the day but in the evening and, once treated, not to let them sleep with their owners, especially children. Do not smoke, drink or eat during application. The risk of side effects (see section 5.4) may increase in case of overdose, so animals should always be treated with the dosage corresponding to their body weight. Do not exceed the recommended doses. Incompatibilities: none known.
Withdrawal Period
Not applicable.
Target Species
Dog - Cat.
Interactions
No known interactions.
Side Effects
If animals lick themselves, transient hypersalivation may be observed, mainly due to the excipients of the product. Among the extremely rare suspected adverse reactions, transient skin reactions such as erythema, itching or alopecia after application have been reported. Exceptionally, hypersalivation, reversible neurological symptoms (hyperaesthesia, depression, nervous symptoms), vomiting or respiratory symptoms have been observed. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The product can be used in bitches and queens both during pregnancy and lactation. Frontline Spray is well tolerated by puppies and kittens after treatment of the mothers during lactation. Puppies and kittens aged 2 days can be treated without any risk.
