What is lotilaner?
Lotilaner (brand name Credelio® and Credelio Cat®) is used to treat and prevent flea infestations and treat and control tick infestations in dogs and cats. Specific ticks treated are Amblyomma Americanum (lone star tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick). After being administered to a pet, lotilaner is distributed throughout the body. When fleas or ticks bite the dog or cat, they are exposed to the drug and killed during their blood meal.
Sometimes, lotilaner is used for the treatment of sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, or ear mites in dogs or cats. When lotilaner is prescribed for these treatments, it is referred to as off-label use. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully, as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
How quickly does it kill fleas and ticks?
Most fleas will be killed within hours of biting a lotilaner-treated pet. Keep in mind that you will likely continue to see fleas on a treated pet for some time, especially if you have a flea infestation in your home. Fleas continue to hatch and climb onto your pet in search of a blood meal. The fleas’ death prevents reproduction and new eggs being laid in the home. The more fleas that climb onto your pet and are killed, the faster the infestation will be eliminated.
Lotilaner begins to kill ticks as early as 4 hours in dogs and 12 hours in cats; improvement in clinical signs should follow.
How do I give lotilaner to my pet?
Lotilaner is given by mouth in the form of a chewable tablet. The tablet should always be given as directed by your veterinarian. To be effective, it should be given with a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal. Be sure your pet consumes the entire dose.
If your pet vomits within three hours of receiving the chewable tablet, check with your veterinarian before you give another dose. If 4 or more hours have passed before the vomiting occurs, it is likely that the medication has been absorbed and the dog is protected. Lotilaner should be given once a month unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What if I forget to give my pet a scheduled dose?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember and start a new dosing schedule. For example, if you forgot to give your pet their dose on June 1, and remember on June 18, give the dose on June 18 and schedule the next dose for July 18. Do not give your pet 2doses at once.
Are there any potential side effects from lotilaner?
Most pets have very few side effects from lotilaner, provided it is given according to label recommendations and at the prescribed interval (or for off-label use, according to your veterinarian’s directions). Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or flaky skin. More serious side effects include muscle tremors, seizures, incoordination, or severe upset stomach.
If you observe any abnormal signs, contact your veterinarian. At that time, make sure your veterinarian is aware of any other medications or supplements that you are giving to your pet.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
As lotilaner is an isoxazoline, this medication should be used cautiously in pets with neurologic conditions, including seizures.
Lotilaner should not be used in kittens younger than 8 weeks or weighing less than 0.9 kg (2 lb), or in puppies younger than 8 weeks or weighing less than 2 kg (4.4 lb). Lotilaner will not be effective against ticks in kittens less than 6 months of age. Use cautiously in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals.
Are there any drug interactions that I should be aware of?
At this time, there are no known drug interactions reported with lotilaner. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
There is no specific monitoring required for pets receiving lotilaner. Monitor for efficacy and for side effects. If it is used for demodectic mange, your veterinarian will likely monitor skin scrapings.
How do I store lotilaner?
Store lotilaner in the original packaging at room temperature at 15-25°C (59-77°F), but it can withstand short periods at 5-40°C (41-104°F).
What should I do in case of an emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
