Frontline Spot On

Frontline Spot On Flea Treatment

The introduction of Frontline revolutionised the treatment of fleas and ticks on dogs and cats in this country and much of the world. It was originally only available as a spray. When a spot-on formulation came out, this just about swept away every other flea treatment on the market at that time. Since then many 'copy' type products have come onto the market. Some are inferior, some contain the exact same ingredient and can be presumed to be similar both in terms of safety and efficacy. Frontline is also available as a spray. In some circumstances this can be the best form of treatment, but it is more difficult to apply and is not available without prescription.

How does it work?

Frontline Spot-on is supplied in small plastic pipettes. A pipette is opened and the contents are tipped onto the dog or cat's skin at the top of the neck. From here the active ingredient (fipronil) spreads over the surface of the skin and binds to the surface of the skin and hair. Almost none of the drug is absorbed into the body, making it very safe to use. Within about 24 hours it will have spread over the entire body surface, killing fleas wherever they are. Because it binds to the surface it is alright to shampoo an animal, or for it to go swimming, and Frontline will still work. However this should not happen within the first 2 days, and then not more often than once per week, or the duration of effect might be reduced. Normally Frontline lasts for about a month on cats, and two months on dogs. After this length of time much of the treated skin/hair will have been shed and another dose has to be applied.

How effective is it?

Fleas which come into contact with Frontline will die after about 24 hours. This appears to be a reliable and consistent fact. Any fleas living on an animal will be dead within two days of Frontline being applied. However it is important to know that fleas spend much of their life not on the animal at all. This means that treating your cat or dog will not get rid of all the fleas. Many will be living in the pet's bedding, in carpets, or in any nooks and crannies they can find. Female fleas lay eggs as they wander through the fur. These eggs drop to the ground where they hatch and develop. This can happen very quickly in warm, muggy weather. But if it is cold (or very dry), they can remain dormant for a long time, becoming active when it warms up. These new fleas will jump onto your pets (or sometimes even you) when they develop. This is why people often discover a flea problem when they switch the central heating on in late autumn. Dormant fleas (in the form of pupae) are stimulated into activity by the warmth. Therefore if you are aware of fleas on your pets, you can be pretty sure that you are seeing a small fraction of the total population. (It is often claimed that there will be up to 100 fleas living in the environment of our pets, for every one found on a pet!) Therefore if fleas are being seen, it is very important to treat the whole house with an insecticide, to vacuum carpets frequently, and to wash any bedding if possible. If you are not seeing fleas, and are using Frontline as a precaution, then this is less important. The environmental infestation will not occur if your pets are treated with Frontline all the time. But if you let the fleas get a 'head start', then just treating the pets will be a slow way of getting rid of the entire flea population. As soon as you see fleas, it normally means there are lots, and you need to treat the house as well as the pets to get rid of them. If there is a very heavy flea burden in the environment before you start treating your pets, it can take quite a while to get rid of them all, even with a product as effective as Frontline. This does not mean there is any resistance developing, which seems not to be the case. It is just a feature of flea populations. It is always best to treat as a preventative, rather than waiting for a real problem to develop.

Does Frontline have any side effects?

Frontline is extremely safe when used on cats and dogs in the recommended way. Very little of the drug is absorbed into the body at all. Occasionally there will be a localised skin reaction at the site of application. This is more commonly seen on cats and is usually a small patch of inflamed skin with some hair loss. It normally clears up without treatment after a few weeks, but if this does occur, it might be best to avoid using Frontline Spot-on in future. There is some evidence that Frontline can be dangerous to rabbits, so avoid using Frontline on them.

The difference between Frontline Spot On & Frontline Combo?

• Frontline Spot On
  • This contains one ingredient.
  • It coats the skin and hair after being applied and kills off fleas.
  • It persists on the coat even if the animal swims or is shampooed, as long as there is at least a 24 hour gap before and after applying the Frontline.


• Frontline Combo (Prescription required)
  • This contains 2 ingredients.
  • The first one is exactly the same as in normal Spot-on.
  • The second one also coats the skin and coat, but does not kill fleas at all. Instead it sterilises fleas, so that they cannot breed.
  • The idea of it is that it persists longer on the coat than the killing ingredient.
  • Hence if people do not re-apply the frontline as often as they should, then the killing ingredient will no longer be effective (especially on animals at the top of the weight range of the product used). The other ingredient works for about twice as long as the main ingredient. The idea behind this is that if fleas cannot breed, you only get very small numbers of them and they are unlikely to be noticed or do any harm.

Frontline Spot On Cat 10% w/v Spot On Solution

Presentation

Spot-on solution containing 10% w/v fipronil. Each pipette contains 0.5 ml (50 mg fipronil). Also contains butylhydroxyanisole (E320) and butylhydroxytoluene (E321).

Uses

The treatment and prevention of infestations by fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.), ticks (Rhipicephalus spp., Dermacentor spp. and Ixodes spp.) in cats, and as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis, where this has been previously diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon. The product controls infestations with Felicola subrostratus biting lice on cats. FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat can be used in kittens from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 1kg.

Dosage and administration

Route of administration

By topical application to the skin.

Dosage

1 pipette of 0.5 ml per cat (approximately 7.5 - 15 mg/kg).

Method of administration

Hold upright. Tap the narrow part of the pipette to ensure that the contents are within the main body of the pipette. Break back the snap-off top of the spot-on pipette along the scored line. Part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze gently to empty its contents onto the skin, preferably at two spots, one at the base of the skull and a second 2-3 cms further back.

Care should be taken to avoid excessive wetting of the hair with the product since this will cause a sticky appearance of hairs at the treatment spot. However, should this occur, it will disappear within 24 hours post application.

In the absence of safety studies, the minimum treatment interval is 4 weeks.

It is important to apply the dose to an area where the animal cannot lick off and to make sure that animals do not lick each other after treatment. If licking does occur, a brief period of hypersalivation may be observed, due mainly to the nature of the carrier. Ensure that treated animals do not groom each other after treatment until dry.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

For animal treatment only.

For external use only.

Animals should be weighed accurately prior to treatment.

Do not use in rabbits, as adverse reactions and even death could occur.

Flammable.

Animals or operators with a known hypersensitivity to insecticides or alcohol should avoid contact with FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat.

In the absence of available data, the product should not be used on kittens less than 8 weeks old and/or weighing less than 1kg.

Do not use on sick (systemic diseases, fever...) or convalescent animals.

Among the extremely rare suspected adverse reactions, transient cutaneous reactions at the application site (scaling, local alopecia, pruritis, erythema) and general pruritis or alopecia have been reported after use.

Exceptionally, hypersalivation, reversible neurological signs (hyperaesthesia, depression, nervous signs) or vomiting have been observed after use.

Do not overdose.

Avoid contact with the animals eyes.

Fipronil may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the product or empty containers. Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Operator Warnings

The product can cause mucous membrane and eye irritation and so contact with the mouth and eyes should be avoided.

Avoid contents coming into contact with the fingers. If this occurs, wash hands with soap and water. After accidental ocular exposure the eye should be rinsed carefully with plain water.

Wash hands after use.

Do not smoke, eat or drink during application.

Treated animals should not be handled until the application site is dry, and children should not be allowed to play with treated animals until the application site is dry. It is therefore recommended that animals are not treated during the day, but should be treated during the early evening, and that recently treated animals should not be allowed to sleep with owners, especially children.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Store in the original package.

Store in a dry place.

Do not store above 30oC.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Flammable.

Legal category

NFA-VPS

Packaging Quantities

Blister packs containing 3 or 6 pipettes of 0.5 ml.

Further information

Fipronil is a member of the phenylpyrazole family of non-systemic insecticides/acaricides, which acts by blocking the GABA receptor to kill the target parasite on contact.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat is effective against fleas for up to 5 weeks in cats and prevents re-infestation with all stages of Rhipicephalus spp., Dermacentor spp., and Ixodes spp. ticks for up to one month, depending on the level of environmental challenge. Newly arriving fleas are killed within 24 hours of landing on the animal. Re-treatment may safely be carried out at one month intervals.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat is licensed for use as part of a strategy for the treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis. For this condition, monthly application to the allergic patient and to other cats in the household is recommended.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat does not prevent ticks attaching to the animal, but ticks will be killed in the first 24-48 hours after attachment. Once dead, ticks will often drop off the animal, but any remaining ticks may easily be removed by a gently pull, preferably using tweezers. There may be an attachment of single ticks. For this reason transmission of infectious diseases cannot be completed excluded if conditions are unfavourable.

For optimum control of flea problems in a multi-pet household, all dogs and cats in the household should be treated with a suitable insecticide. Fleas from pets often infest the animal's basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings which should be treated, in case of massive infestation and at the beginning of the control measures, with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly.

When treating infestations of lice, all in-contact cats should be treated with an appropriate product at the same time.

Laboratory studies using fipronil have not shown any teratogenic or embryotoxic effect.

The safety of the product was demonstrated in breeding, pregnant and lactating queens treated with multiple consecutive doses with up to 3 times the maximum recommended dose. FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat can be used in breeding, pregnant and lactating queens.

No adverse effects have been seen in cats and kittens aged 8 weeks or older and weighing about 1kg treated monthly with five times the recommended dose for six consecutive months. However, the risk of adverse effects may increase with overdosing. Itching may occur following treatment.

After the topical application of FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat, the products will spread from the site of treatment to cover the entire surface of the animal within 24 hours. After application, absorption of fipronil through the skin is negligible.

No known incompatibilities exist for the use of other insecticides or flea control products concurrently with FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat.

There are no data available on the effect of bathing and shampooing on the efficacy of FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat in cats. However, based on information available for dogs shampooed from 2 days after application of the product, it is not recommended to bath animals within 2 days after application of FRONTLINE Spot-On Cat.

The alcohol carrier may have adverse effects on painted, varnished or other household surfaces or furnishings.

Marketing authorisation number

Vm 08327/4133.

Frontline Spot On Dog 10% w/v Spot On Solution

Presentation

Spot-on solution containing 10% w/v fipronil. Presented in plastic pipettes, each containing 0.67 ml (67 mg fipronil), 1.34 ml (134 mg fipronil), 2.68 ml (268 mg fipronil) or 4.02ml (402 mg fipronil). Also contains butylhydroxyanisole (E320) and butylhydroxytoluene (E321).

Uses

The treatment and prevention of infestations by fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.) and ticks (Rhipicephalus spp., Dermacentor spp. and Ixodes spp.) and as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis where this has been previously diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon. The product controls infestations with Trichodectes canis biting lice on dogs. FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing over 2kg.

Dosage and administration

Route of administration

By topical application to the skin.

Dosage

1 pipette of 0.67 ml per dog weighing over 2 kg and up to 10 kg bodyweight (approximately 7.5 - 15 mg/kg).

1 pipette of 1.34 ml per dog weighing over 10 kg and up to 20 kg bodyweight (approximately 7.5 - 15 mg/kg).

1 pipette of 2.68 ml per dog weighing over 20 kg and up to 40 kg bodyweight (approximately 7.5 - 15 mg/kg).

1 pipette of 4.02 ml per dog weighing over 40 kg and up to 60 kg bodyweight (approximately 7.5 – 15 mg/kg).

For dogs over 60 kg bodyweight, use two pipettes of 2.68 ml.

Method of administration

Hold upright. Tap the narrow part of the pipette to ensure the contents are within the main body of the pipette. Break back the snap-off top of the spot-on pipette along the scored line. Part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze gently at one or two spots to empty its contents onto the skin.

Care should be taken to avoid excessive wetting of the hair with the product since this will cause a sticky appearance of hairs at the treatment spot. However, should this occur, it will disappear within 24 hours post application.

In the absence of safety studies, the minimum treatment interval is 4 weeks.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

For animal treatment only.

For external use only.

Animals should be weighed accurately prior to treatment.

Do not use in rabbits, as adverse reactions and even death could occur.

Flammable.

Animals or operators with a known hypersensitivity to insecticides or alcohol should avoid contact with FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog.

In the absence of available data, the product should not be used on puppies less than 8 weeks old and/or weighing less than 2kg.

Do not use on sick (systemic diseases, fever....) or convalescent animals.

This product is specifically developed for dogs. Do not use in cats as this could lead to overdosing.

Do not overdose.

It is important to apply the dose to an area where the animal cannot lick it off, and to make sure that animals do not lick each other following treatment. If licking occurs, a brief period of hypersalivation may occur, due mainly to the nature of the carrier.

Among the extremely rare suspected adverse reactions, transient cutaneous reactions at the application site (skin discolouration, local alopecia, pruritis, erythema) and general pruritis or alopecia have been reported after use. Exceptionally, hypersalivation, reversible neurological signs (hyperaesthesia, depression, nervous signs) or vomiting or respiratory signs have been observed after use.

Dogs should not be allowed to swim in watercourses for 2 days after application.

Operator warnings

The product can cause mucous membrane and eye irritation and so contact with the mouth and eyes should be avoided.

Avoid contents coming into contact with the fingers. If this occurs, wash hands with soap and water.

After accidental ocular exposure the eye should be rinsed carefully with plain water.

Avoid contact with the animal's eyes.

Wash hands after use.

Do not smoke, eat or drink during application .

Treated animals should not be handled until the application site is dry, and children should not be allowed to play with treated animals until the application site is dry. It is therefore recommended that animals are not treated during the day, but should be treated during the early evening, and that recently treated animals should not be allowed to sleep with owners, especially children.

Ensure that treated animals do not groom each other after treatment until dry.

Fipronil may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the product or empty containers. Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Store in the original package.

Store in a dry place.

Do not store above 30oC.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Flammable.

Legal category

NFA-VPS

Packaging Quantities

Blister packs containing 3 or 6 pipettes of either 0.67 ml, 1.34 ml, 2.68 ml or 4.02 ml.

Further information

Fipronil is a member of the phenylpyrazole family of non-systemic insecticides/acaricides, which acts by blocking the GABA receptor to kill the target parasite on contact.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog is effective against flea infestation for approximately two months and against tick infestation for up to one month, depending on the level of environmental challenge. Newly arriving fleas are killed within 24 hours of landing on the animal. Re-treatment may safely be carried out at one month intervals.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog is licensed for use as part of a strategy for the treatment of Flea Allergy Dermatitis. For this condition, monthly application to the allergic patient and to other dogs in the household is recommended.

FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog does not prevent all ticks attaching to the animal, but ticks will be killed in the first 24 - 48 hours after attachment, prior to full engorgement and therefore minimising the risk of transmission of disease. Once dead, ticks will often drop off the animal, but any remaining ticks may easily be removed by a gentle pull, preferably using tweezers. There may be an attachment of single ticks. For this reason transmission of infectious diseases cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavourable.

Fleas from pets often infest the animal's basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings which should be treated, in case of massive infestation and at the beginning of the control measures, with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly.

When treating infestations of lice, all in-contact dogs should be treated with an appropriate product at the same time.

Laboratory studies using fipronil have not shown any teratogenic or embryotoxic effect. The safety of the product was demonstrated in breeding, pregnant and lactating bitches treated with multiple consecutive doses with up to 3 times the maximum recommended dose. FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog can be used in breeding, pregnant and lactating bitches.

No adverse effects were seen in 8-week old puppies, growing dogs and dogs weighing about 2 kg treated once at five times the recommended dose. The risk of adverse effects may increase when overdosing, so animals should always be treated with the correct pipette size according to bodyweight. Safety data are not available for use of the product in animals less than 8 weeks of age.

After the topical application of FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog, the product will spread from the site of treatment to cover the entire surface of the animal within 24 hours. After application, absorption of fipronil through the skin is slight.

No known incompatibilities exist for the use of other insecticides or flea control products concurrently with FRONTLINE Spot-On Dog.

Bathing or shampooing the animal up to one hour prior to treatment does not affect the efficacy of the product. Bathing/immersion in water within 2 days after application of the product and more frequent bathing than once a week should be avoided, as no study has been performed to investigate how this affects the efficacy of the product. Emollient shampoos can be used prior to treatment, but reduce the duration of protection against fleas to approximately 5 weeks when used weekly after application of the product. Weekly bathing with a 2% chlorhexidine medicated shampoo did not affect efficacy against fleas during a 6 week long study.

The alcohol carrier may have adverse effects on painted, varnished or other household surfaces or furnishings.

Marketing authorisation number

Vm 08327/4132.