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Nitenpyram Flea Medication

Nitenpyram Flea Medication

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM

What is it? | How does it work? | How to administer | Dosage | Can it be used with other medications? | Side effects | Storage & Handling

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Fleas can quickly spread through a household, infecting pets and raising the risk of flea-borne diseases. If your pet has fleas, your vet may recommend nitenpyram, sold under the brand names Capstar and Bestguard. 

What is nitenpyram?

Nitenpyram is a fast-acting, over-the-counter treatment for dogs and cats that kills adult fleas. It is also sometimes used extra-label to treat maggots in reptiles.

How does nitenpyram work?

Nitenpyram for cats and dogs is in a class of insecticides known as neonicotinoids. Modeled after natural nicotine, nitenpyram acts on the acetylcholine receptors in fleas, causing paralysis and then death.

When you give your pet a nitenpyram pill, the main ingredients are rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream. Fleas typically begin dying within 20 to 30 minutes. According to clinical studies, a single dose of nitenpyram is strikingly effective, killing more than 90% of adult fleas in dogs within four hours and more than 90% of fleas in cats within six hours. The medication doesn’t stay in your pet’s system for long. When used properly, more than 90% of nitenpyram flea killer leaves a pet’s system within two days .

Are you curious about other flea treatments? Take a look at our guide How Flea Treatments Work.

How to administer nitenpyram

Nitenpyram for dogs and cats comes in an oral tablet. It should be offered with food. Many dogs and cats won’t voluntarily take a pill, so you may need to hide it in their food, inside a treat or with a small amount of peanut butter or cheese. 

Nitenpyram dosage guidelines

Nitenpyram pills are appropriate for dogs and cats 4 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 pounds. 

The right dosage will depend on your pet’s species and weight. Check the medication package or consult your vet for specific instructions. Here are some general guidelines for dosage:

  • Cats 2 to 25 pounds—One 11.4 mg tablet
  • Dogs 2 to 25 pounds—One 11.4 mg tablet
  • Dogs 25.1 to 125 pounds—One 57 mg tablet

A single pill should kill all the adult fleas on your pet, but keep in mind that flea eggs may still exist on your pet’s fur or in the nearby environment, including your home. It can take anywhere from weeks to months for eggs to hatch and then pupate into adult fleas. After giving nitenpyram flea killer to your pet, keep your eyes out for new infestations in the coming weeks. If the fleas return, you can give your pet another round of Bestguard or Capstar nitenpyram as often as once a day.  

Can nitenpyram be used with other medications?

Controlling a flea infestation among your pets can be a complicated process. While nitenpyram for cats and dogs can wipe out adult fleas, it won’t get rid of flea eggs or larvae, which can then lead to another cycle of infestation.

Generally speaking, nitenpyram can be used with other medications, including flea solutions, shampoos, heartworm preventives, corticosteroids, antibiotics, vaccines and de-worming medications. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet nitenpyram in conjunction with other solutions or drugs.

Does nitenpyram cause any side effects?

Clinical studies have found that nitenpyram for dogs and cats is generally safe when given in the correct dosage and your pet is at least 4 weeks old and 2 pounds or heavier.

However, some side effects have been reported. The most common in cats include:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Panting
  • Lethargy
  • Itching
  • Vocalization
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nervousness
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Salivation
  • Incoordination
  • Seizures
  • Pupil dilation
  • Increased heart rate
  • Trembling

You may see the following side effects when providing this medication to canines:

  • Lethargy or depression
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity
  • Incoordination
  • Trembling
  • Seizures
  • Panting
  • Allergic reactions
  • Vocalization
  • Salivation
  • Fever
  • Nervousness

Since nitenpyram is a short-acting medication that leaves your pet’s body quickly, side effects may resolve shortly, though they may last longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Be cautious about giving nitenpyram flea killer to pets between 4 and 8 weeks old and pets who are pregnant or nursing. Capstar nitenpyram has been approved for pregnant or nursing pets, but congenital disabilities and other problems have been reported in some cases post-approval. If you know your pet is allergic to nitenpyram, ask your vet for an alternative flea medication and check out our guide 6 Flea Treatment Options for Your Dog or Cat.

Consult your vet if you have questions about whether your pet is a good candidate for nitenpyram pills.

How to store and handle nitenpyram

Store this medication at room temperature—between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

What else should I know about nitenpyram for cats and dogs?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving nitenpyram to your pets is that this medication won’t kill flea eggs, larvae or pupa and won’t kill adult fleas that are not on your pet.

Your vet can advise you on the right treatment to eliminate a flea infestation in your home. You can also look at our helpful Flea and Tick Control Guide.   

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