Characteristics: Fipronil is an insecticide and acaricide belonging to the phenylpyrazole group. It inhibits the GABA complex by binding to chloride channels, thereby blocking the pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. This results in uncoordinated activity of the central nervous system and the death of insects and mites. Fipronil shows insecticidal and acaricidal activity against fleas (Ctenocephalides spp), ticks (Rhipicephalus spp, Dermacentor spp., Ixodes spp. including Ixodes ricinus) and lice (Trichodectes spp. and Felicola spp.) in dogs and cats.

Indications:

Target animal species: dogs and cats. Treatment of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides spp.) in dogs and cats. Treatment of tick infestations (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus) in dogs and cats. Treatment of louse infestations in dogs (Trichodectes canis) and cats (Felicola subrostratus). The product may be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea bite allergy (FAD). Insecticidal efficacy against new infestations by adult fleas persists for up to 6 weeks in cats and up to 3 months in dogs, depending on the level of environmental infestation. The product has a persistent acaricidal effect against ticks for up to 4 weeks, depending on the level of environmental infestation.

Contraindications:

Do not use on sick animals (i.e. systemic illness, fever) or on convalescing animals. Do not use on rabbits because of the risk of adverse reactions up to death. Do not use in the case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipient.

Adverse effects:

If licked off, short-term hypersalivation may occur due to the nature of the vehicle. Among the very rarely expected adverse effects reported after use of the product were transient skin reactions at the application site (discolouration and loss of hair, itching, reddening of the skin) and general itching or hair loss. Hypersalivation, reversible neurological symptoms (hyperaesthesia, depression, nervousness), vomiting or respiratory symptoms were observed exceptionally.

Dosage:

Route of administration and dosage: Spray with a mechanical pump for external use only. The pump dispenses 0.5 ml (100 ml bottle) or 1.5 ml (250 ml bottle) or 3 ml (500 ml bottle) per press.

Dosage: To moisten the coat right down to the skin, apply 3-6 ml per kg of body weight (7.5-15 mg of active substance per kg of body weight) depending on the length of the coat. The dose can be achieved with 6-12 pump presses per kg of body weight for the 100 ml pack, or 2-4 pump presses for the 250 ml pack, or 1-2 pump presses for the 500 ml pack. The 100 ml pack allows 4-8 treatments of a 4 kg cat or up to 3 treatments of a 10 kg dog, the 250 ml pack allows 2-4 treatments of a 20 kg dog, the 500 ml pack allows 2-4 treatments of a 40 kg dog.

Method of administration:

For the 250 ml and 500 ml packs, set the nozzle to "spray". Spray onto the animal's body from a distance of about 10-20 cm. Spray against the direction of hair growth and make sure that all the coat is moistened. Ruffle the coat, especially in long-haired animals, so that the product can penetrate right down to the skin. To treat the head and to treat young and restless animals, spray the product onto a glove and gently rub it into the coat. Leave to dry naturally. Do not dry by rubbing with a towel. Set the nozzle. Spray against the direction of hair growth while holding the dog. A wide spray onto the rear part of the body and the flanks, with the animal standing. A wide spray onto the chest and belly, with the animal sitting or lying down. A narrow spray onto the paws and skin folds, with the animal standing. For the muzzle area, spray the product onto a glove.

Properties:

The product contains a component that forms a film on the coat and the coat may become shiny. The treatment programme should be based on the local epidemiological situation in order to control flea and/or tick infestations most appropriately. Owing to the absence of studies on the safety of the product, the minimum interval between applications is 4 weeks. Puppies and kittens from 2 days of age can be safely treated. The product is not suitable for direct treatment of the environment.