Nexgard Spectra for dogs - instructions for use of tablets against fleas, ticks and worms

General description of the medication

Nexgard Spectra for dogs is a combination medicine with a broad spectrum of antiparasitic action. Produced in France (Lyon) by Merial.

The drug is available in tablet (round or rectangular) form. Each unit of medication is light or dark pink. The package contains 3 doses.

Chewable boluses contain a beef-flavored food additive, so most dogs eat the drug voluntarily, mistaking it for a treat. Available in the following dosages (g):

• 0,5;
• 1,0;
• 2,0;
• 4,0;
• 8,0.

The required dosage is selected based on the dog’s weight. Can be used in an appropriate dose for animals in the weight category from 2 to 60 kg. For larger pets, the appropriate combination of tablets is selected.

A new generation insectoacaricide belongs to the class of low-hazard drugs. If prescribed dosages are observed, it does not have a mutagenic effect on embryos.

Instructions for use

The manufacturer claims, and dog breeders confirm the data that one tablet can ensure that the animal is “clean” from insects for five weeks.

In winter there is no need to use the drug (if there are no fleas). But with the onset of warm spring days, when the tick begins its life activity in the animal’s walking areas, care should be taken to apply it.

Whatever the size of the dog, the manufacturer took care of its health. For the convenience of the owner, the packaging was painted in a different color for each weight category.

• 2-4 kg - orange packaging, 11.3 active ingredients per tablet, round in shape, brown in color;
• 4-10 kg - blue packaging, 28.3 mg, respectively, square in shape;
• 10-25 kg - fuchsia, 68 mg, rectangular tablet;
• 25-50 kg - terracotta, 136 mg, shape - rectangular;
• Above 50 kg - a combination of the above. The calculation is carried out at a dosage of 2.5 mg per kilogram of live weight of the animal.

The manufacturer takes care of puppies from 2 months and dogs from 2 kilograms. You should not break a small tablet into 2 or 4 parts and try to protect your pocket pet up to 2 kg. Before products hit the market, they undergo multiple laboratory and clinical studies.

Other products from the manufacturer

Other antiparasitic products are also produced under the Frontline brand:

• drops Spot On, Combo, Tri-Act;
• Nexgard tablets.

The drops are intended for external use and are not inferior in effectiveness to the tablet form.

Frontline Nexgard differs from Spectra in its medicinal content. The first type of boluses contains only one active ingredient – ​​afoxolaner. In this regard, they have a narrower pharmacological action.

Active and excipients

1 tablet of Frontline Nexgard Spectra contains the following active ingredients:

• 1.87% afoxolaner;
• 0.38% milbemycin oxime.

Afoxolaner exhibits therapeutic activity against ectoparasites such as fleas and ixodid ticks. The active component affects the nervous system of ectoparasites, which inevitably leads to their death.

Female fleas exposed to afoxolaner die before laying eggs. Thus, the drug prevents re-infection of the dog with ectoparasites throughout the entire period of its therapeutic effect.

The insectoacaricide prevents the development of diseases such as piroplasmosis and borreliosis in dogs. The carriers of these infections are ticks. The drug acts quickly: the parasite does not have time to attach itself to the animal and dies under the influence of afoxolaner.

The antiparasitic substance of the isoxazoline group is quickly and easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The component reaches its maximum concentration in plasma 2-4 hours after oral administration. From this moment on, the dog is considered completely protected from ectoparasites.

The active substance leaves the body mainly with bile. Only a small part of the drug enters the urine and is excreted with it. The half-life of the insectoacaricidal component occurs 2 weeks after taking the tablet.

Milbemycin oxime is a fermentation product of the fungus Streptomyces avermitilis. Active against endoparasites: nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria (cause dirofilariasis), hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, toxocaras. Antiparasitic medicine causes paralysis and death of adults, as well as their larvae. The half-life of the active substance is 36 hours.

In addition to the beef-flavored additive, Nexgard Spectra for dogs includes excipients such as glycerol, citric acid, corn starch, soy flour, polyvinylpyrrolidone, triglyceride edible fat (TCF), antioxidant ionol E321, macrogol. The latter component has a laxative effect, which is why the dog may experience loose stools after taking the drug. This side effect of the substance usually goes away on its own.

Frontline Nexgard XL for dogs from 25-50 kg (3 tables)

DESCRIPTION

Frontline Nexgard XL for dogs weighing from 25 to 50 kg is a drug for the treatment and prevention of aphanipterosis, in the complex therapy of allergic dermatitis caused by fleas, as well as acarosis caused by ixodid ticks. Dosage form: tablets for oral use (chewable).

COMPOUND

Tablets weighing 6.0 g contain 2.27% (136 mg) afoxolaner as the active ingredient, as well as excipients: corn starch - 25%, soy protein flour - 20%, additive with the aroma and taste of stewed beef - 20%, povidone K30 - 2.7 %, macrogol 400 – 7.1%, macrogol 4000 – 6.3%, macrogol 15 hydroxystearate – 3.1%, glycerol – 10%, medium triglyceride – 3.1%, potassium sorbate – 0.3%.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Frontline NexgarD is an insectoacaricidal drug with systemic action.

Afoxolaner, which is part of the drug, is an insectoacaricide of the isoxazoline group. The mechanism of action of afoxolaner is to block GABA-dependent arthropod receptors, hyperexcite neurons, disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses, which leads to paralysis and death of parasites.

Frontline Nexgard is active against fleas Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, as well as ixodid ticks Dermacentor variabilis, Dermacentor reticulatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes holocyclus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum.

After oral administration of the drug, afoxolaner is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches the systemic circulation, the maximum plasma concentration is observed 2-4 hours after administration, bioavailability is 74%. Afoxolaner is slowly metabolized to form hydroxylated compounds and is excreted from the body mainly in bile and slightly in urine. The half-life of afoxolaner is 14 days.

The effect of the drug on fleas begins 30 minutes after administration; a single use of the drug ensures the destruction of fleas and ticks on an animal within 6 and 48 hours, respectively; prevents re-infection for 4 weeks. The death of fleas occurs before laying eggs, which prevents contamination of premises with eggs and larvae.

In terms of the degree of impact on the body, Frontline NexgarD is a low-hazard substance (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76), in recommended doses it does not have teratogenic, embryotoxic, mutagenic properties, and does not have a local irritant effect.

With the simultaneous use of Frontline NexgarD with anthelmintic drugs, antibiotics, vaccines, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), no adverse reactions or decreased effectiveness of the drug were detected.

INDICATIONS

The drug is prescribed to dogs for the treatment and prevention of aphanipterosis, in the complex therapy of allergic dermatitis caused by fleas, as well as acarosis caused by ixodid ticks.

APPLICATION

Frontline Nexgard is administered to dogs individually orally once at a minimum dose of 2.5 mg of afoxolaner per 1 kg of animal weight in accordance with the table:

When using the drug in dogs weighing more than 50 kg, a combination of tablets should be used at the rate of 2.5 mg of afoxolaner per 1 kg of weight. Breaking tablets is not allowed.

Frontline Nexgard has an attractive aroma and taste and, as a rule, is readily eaten by dogs; otherwise, the drug is fed mixed with food. Make sure that the dog has completely swallowed the required dose of the drug.

Repeated treatments during the season of greatest ectoparasite activity are carried out monthly.

Violations of the drug use regimen should be avoided, as this may lead to a decrease in its effectiveness. If the next treatment is missed, the use of the drug should be resumed at the same dose and according to the same regimen.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Unused medicinal product is disposed of in accordance with legal requirements.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindications for use are increased individual sensitivity of the animal to the components of the drug, severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys. The drug should not be used by patients with infectious diseases and weakened animals, puppies under 8 weeks of age and/or weighing less than 2 kg, as well as animals of other species. Pregnant and lactating bitches, if necessary, use Frontline NexgarD under the supervision of a doctor.

The drug is not intended for use in food producing animals.

OVERDOSE

In case of an overdose of the drug, the animal may experience a decrease in appetite and body weight gain, as well as skin changes (erythema, peeling) that disappear spontaneously.

SIDE EVENTS

No specific effects of the drug during its first use and discontinuation were identified.

When using the drug in accordance with these instructions, side effects and complications in animals, as a rule, are not observed. With long-term use of the drug, a decrease in appetite and spontaneously disappearing skin changes (erythema, peeling) are possible; rarely - vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness.

If the dog vomits within the first two hours after taking Frontline NexgarD, it is recommended to give the drug again at the same dose.

PRECAUTIONS

Smoking, drinking and eating are prohibited during work. After handling the medicine, you should wash your hands with soap. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with the drug.

It is prohibited to use empty medicinal product packaging for household purposes; it is placed in a plastic bag and disposed of with household waste.

FIRST AID MEASURES

In case of allergic reactions or if Frontline NexgarD accidentally enters the human body, you should immediately contact a medical facility, having with you the label or instructions for use of the drug.

SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE

Store the medicinal product in the manufacturer's sealed packaging, separately from food and feed, in a place protected from direct sunlight, at a temperature from 0°C to 30°C. The shelf life of the medicinal product, subject to storage conditions, is 24 months from the date of manufacture. It is prohibited to use the medicine after the expiration date.

PACKAGE

Frontline Nexgard is released packaged in 3 tablets in blisters made of polyvinyl chloride and aluminum foil on a paper base, packaged individually in a cardboard box.

Mechanism of action

The active components of chewing boluses cause irreversible disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system of ecto- and endoparasites. As a result of this action, paralysis and death of fleas and ticks occurs.

The active substances exert their antiparasitic effect half an hour after taking the chewing bolus. If there are already existing ectoparasites on the animal, their death occurs after 6 hours. The drug completely kills all parasites within 24 hours.

The medicine prevents re-infection of the dog with parasites for 1 month.

Indications

Instructions for use recommend the use of Nexgard Spectra for dogs against fleas and ticks, as well as for the prevention and treatment of the following diseases:

• babesiosis;
• Lyme disease;
• demodicosis;
• aphanipterosis;
• sarcoptic mange (scabies);
• allergic dermatitis;
• helminthiasis

The drug not only helps prevent ticks from sticking, but also allows you to get rid of existing endoparasites on the dog’s skin.

Contraindications

Nexgard Spectra should not be used in animals with allergies to active and auxiliary substances.

Treatment with the drug is not recommended for pets weakened by the disease, puppies under 2 months old and dogs weighing less than 2 kg.

In case of severe disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys and liver, it is advisable to refuse to use the drug. In this case, the use of an insectoacaricide is possible only if the expected benefit outweighs the risk of harm to health.

Analogs

The market for highly effective drugs is constantly changing. Among the analogues, you can consider the following drugs:

Nexguard Spectra

In addition to afloxolaner, the composition includes the anthelmintic drug milbemycin oxime. The drug is also available in chewable tablets and successfully fights roundworms that cause toxocariasis and hookworm.

During experimental infection, 100% effectiveness of the drug against dirofilariasis was revealed.

The drug is packaged for 5 weight categories of dogs, in the same packaging colors. Moreover, the shape of the tablets varies depending on the weight.

Bravecto

Insectoacaricide. It is also available as a chewable tablet in five packages depending on weight. Repeated treatment 12 weeks after the first.

Dosage

Nexgard Spectra tablets are prescribed to dogs in the following dosages (the weight of the animal in kg is indicated on the left, the mass of boluses in g is indicated on the left):

• 2 to 3.5 − 0.5;
• 3.6 to 7.5 – 1.0;
• 7.6 to 15 – 2.0;
• 16 to 30 – 4;
• 31 to 60 – 8.

For animals weighing over 60 kg, a combination of several tablets against fleas and ticks is selected. For example, a dog weighing 70 kg is fed 2 boluses with a dosage of 8 g + 2 g.

With the correct dose selection, the protective effect of Nexgard Spectra is enough for dogs for 1 month.

If the animal refuses the medicine, it is force-fed, wrapping the bolus in a treat (a piece of cheese, meat, etc.). After administering the drug, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap.

For preventive purposes, the first dose of medicine is given in early March. Subsequent applications are carried out at intervals of 1 month. The last time the medicine is given is a month before the end of the tick activity season (in September).

For demodicosis and sarcoptic mange, the drug is given twice with an interval of 30 days between doses.

Application

To prevent diseases caused by bites of ticks and mosquitoes (carriers of heartworms), it is recommended to carry out treatment monthly, from early spring to late autumn.

Tablets with the taste and smell of stewed meat are produced in several types (0.5, as well as 1, 2, 4 and 8 g), which is convenient for use for animals of different weights. The manufacturer recommends the following dosage:

• for dogs weighing 2-3.5 kg – 0.5 g tablets;
• from 3.5 to 7.5 kg – 1.0 g;
• from 7.5 to 12 kg – 2.0 g;
• from 15 to 30 kg – 4.0 g;
• from 30 to 60 kg – 8.0 g.

The drug is given once, along with food or forcibly, placed on the root of the tongue. The meat taste attracts the attention of animals, and dogs rarely refuse the treat.

special instructions

The use of insectoacaricide in collie, bobtail and sheltie dogs is carried out with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The drug can be used in puppies and lactating bitches. However, before administering the medication, it is also recommended to consult a veterinarian.

When using the drug, it should be taken into account that the active components have a toxic effect on bees, fish and other ornamental aquatic inhabitants.

Contraindications and side effects

Like any drug, Frontline Nexgard has a number of restrictions for use:

• Contraindicated in animals prone to allergic reactions;
• cannot be used in dogs with kidney and liver diseases, as well as infectious diseases and weakened individuals;
• prohibited for dogs weighing less than 2 kg;
• prohibited for puppies under 8 weeks of age;
• Pregnant and lactating females should be given the drug only under the supervision of a veterinarian;
• cannot be used if the animal has previously been allergic to drugs containing afoxolaner;
• Contraindicated for dogs with problem skin (open wounds, lichen, suppuration).

  
  Frontline Nexgard is contraindicated in dogs that have skin problems (open wounds, lichen, suppuration)

Side effects, although they occur quite rarely, are possible symptoms in the form of vomiting, itching, peeling, diarrhea, salivation, loss of appetite, and a depressed state of the animal. The most likely occurrence of an allergic reaction is in collie, bobtail, and sheltie breeds.

If itching or peeling occurs, it is necessary to treat the affected area with an external remedy (for example, hydrocortisone ointment), give the pet an antihistamine and consult a veterinarian. It is necessary to monitor your pet’s behavior for two days in order to identify symptoms in time.

Important! Before using the drug for the first time, you must consult a veterinarian and carefully study the instructions.