Fipronil, Topical (Cats)
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Fipronil, Topical (Cats) during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Fipronil, Topical (Cats) in Perth
(fip-roe-nil)
Description:
This is a product used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and lice.
Other Names for this Medication:
- Frontline® Top Spot
- Parastar®
- PetArmor® for Cats
- (Important: each product must clearly say it is for cats and kittens; products meant for other animals can be poisonous to cats.)
Common Dosage Forms:
- Veterinary: 9.7% liquid used on the skin (0.5 mL).
- Human: None.
Key Information
- For cats, this is used for fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. The label is for use once a month.
- Do not use this on rabbits or other small pets, because fipronil can poison them.
- If you use it exactly as the label says, side effects are not expected.
- Throw away empty packages and any leftover product in a careful way.
- It is approved for cats that are used for breeding, and for cats that are pregnant or nursing.
How is this medication useful?
Fipronil, Topical (Cats) used on the skin is approved to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks old. It may keep fleas under control for as long as 6 weeks after you apply it. However, to control ticks and lice, it needs to be used monthly. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this option is the best choice.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this product works for your pet. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together on the best plan.
- Some medicines can interact with this product. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your pet receives, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also include how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- If your pet has been treated before for the same problem, or a similar one, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your pet has ever had side effects from medicines before. Examples listed include allergic reactions, not wanting to eat, diarrhea, itching, or hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
- Fleas usually start dying within 4 to 8 hours.
- Ticks may take 12 hours or more to die and drop off.
- After that, the signs you see in your pet should start to get better.
This product has long-lasting effects. It may keep working for several weeks (for example, 4 to 6 weeks). The effect may last longer if your pet has reduced kidney and/or liver function.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any concerns that apply to your pet.
This drug SHOULD NOT be used in:
- Cats that have an allergy to fipronil.
- Kittens younger than 8 weeks.
- Rabbits or other small mammals (for example, hamsters or gerbils).
This drug should be used WITH CAUTION in cats that are:
- Weak or frail
- Old. The Frontline® Top Spot label says: Ask your veterinarian before using this product on cats that are on other medicines, are weakened, or are older.
If your pet fits any of the situations above, discuss the possible risks and benefits with your veterinarian.
What are the side effects of this medication?
When you follow the label directions, cats usually handle this product well.
Side effects that are usually not serious include:
- Skin irritation where the product was applied.
If this becomes severe, gets worse, or does not go away, contact your veterinarian.
The Frontline® Top Spot label says: If any unusual reaction happens after applying it, do not apply it again until you have spoken with a veterinarian.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you see, or think, that too much was used (either too much put on the skin or your pet swallowed it), contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away for instructions.
Animal poison control centers that are open 24 hours a day include:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)
- Pet Poison HELPLINE (855-764-7661)
A consultation fee is charged for these services.
How should this medication be given?
For this product to work, use it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed. It is also important to read the prescription label each time so you give it correctly.
- Do not put it on skin that is already irritated.
- Take the applicator out of the child-resistant package. Keep the applicator upright. Snap the tip off, pointing it away from your face and body. Part your cat’s hair so you can see the skin, and place the applicator tip down to the skin between the shoulder blades and near the base of the neck. Squeeze the applicator so the full amount goes onto the skin in one spot. If you only get it on the hair and not the skin, it may not work. Use one applicator for each treatment. (This is adapted from the Frontline® Top Spot label.)
- Do not touch the treated area until it is dry.
- Your veterinarian may want this used for different lengths of time depending on the situation. Make sure you understand how often to apply it and for how long you should keep using it. You may need refills before the full treatment period is finished.
- Do not let this product get into your cat’s mouth or eyes. Do not allow your cat to lick the application area for 30 minutes. Applying it at the base of the head helps reduce the chance your cat can swallow it while grooming.
- If you have more than one pet in the home, keep them apart so they cannot lick the application area on each other.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Then wait the usual time between doses that your veterinarian recommended before applying the next one. Do not apply extra or apply two doses close together unless your veterinarian tells you to.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep unused pipettes in the original child-resistant container and the outer box.
- Do not store or use it near heat or an open flame.
- Keep it out of reach of children and animals.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
The Frontline® label states: Harmful if swallowed. Causes eye irritation. Avoid getting it on your skin, in your eyes, or on clothing. Wash your hands well with soap and water after you handle it, and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco.
- IF SWALLOWED: Call a poison control center or a doctor immediately for treatment advice. If the person can swallow, have them sip a glass of water. Do not make the person vomit unless a poison control center or doctor tells you to. Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is unconscious.
- IF IN EYES: Keep the eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15–20 minutes. If the person wears contact lenses, remove them after the first 5 minutes, then keep rinsing. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice.
- IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Get medical help if irritation continues.
Disposable gloves are not required (the label does not mention them), but you may consider using them when applying this product.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Dispose of this product carefully because it can be poisonous to fish, turtles, and other wildlife.
- Never pour unused product into any drain, whether indoors or outdoors.
- It is recommended to place the empty container into a sealed plastic bag before putting it in the trash, or recycle it if recycling is available.
- Do not keep leftover product to use later, and do not give it to anyone else to use.
What other information is important for this medication?
- After you apply it, do not apply it again for 30 days unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.
- After 24 hours, it continues to work even if your pet is bathed, goes into water, or is exposed to sunlight.
- If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”