Dealing with a flea infestation can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. Fortunately, effective solutions are available to quickly address the problem. CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) stands out as a rapidly acting oral flea treatment designed for dogs and cats, offering swift relief by eliminating adult fleas before they can establish a widespread infestation. This guide explores how CAPSTAR® works, its applications, and how to use it effectively.
CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) begins its action within a remarkably short timeframe, starting to kill fleas in just 30 minutes. This rapid onset provides almost immediate relief for pets suffering from flea bites. For dogs, a single oral tablet is highly effective, capable of eliminating over 90% of fleas within a mere 4 hours. This makes it an excellent choice for immediate control when an infestation is detected. Unlike some other treatments, CAPSTAR® does not require a veterinary prescription, making it readily accessible for purchase online and at various retail locations.
How CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) Works
The primary function of CAPSTAR® is to target and eliminate adult fleas. Its active ingredient, nitenpyram, works by disrupting the fleas’ nervous system, leading to their rapid demise. It’s important to understand that CAPSTAR® specifically targets adult fleas, preventing them from reproducing and exacerbating the infestation. However, it does not address flea larvae or eggs. Therefore, while CAPSTAR® is highly effective for immediate knockdown of adult fleas, a comprehensive flea control strategy may necessitate the use of additional products to manage different life stages of the flea, such as ongoing preventives that target larvae and eggs.
Dosage and Administration
CAPSTAR® is conveniently administered as an oral tablet. Pet owners have a couple of options for giving the medication to their pets. The tablet can be placed directly into the pet’s mouth. Alternatively, for pets that may be hesitant to take medication directly, the tablet can be hidden within a small amount of food. If choosing to administer it with food, it is crucial to closely monitor your pet to ensure they consume the entire tablet. In the event that you are uncertain whether your pet swallowed the pill, it is safe to administer a second dose.
Frequency of Administration
A single dose of CAPSTAR® is designed to effectively eliminate the adult fleas present on your pet at the time of administration. However, pets can easily become re-infested, especially in environments where fleas are prevalent. If re-infestation occurs, CAPSTAR® can be safely administered again, up to once per day, to manage the recurring adult flea population.
Combining CAPSTAR® with Other Treatments
CAPSTAR® is designed to be a versatile treatment that can be safely integrated into existing flea and tick control routines. If your pet is currently undergoing treatment with other veterinary-approved products, such as monthly topical flea and tick preventives, flea shampoos, heartworm preventives, antibiotics, or deworming medications, you can still administer CAPSTAR® oral flea tablets daily as directed by the product label. This flexibility allows for immediate relief from adult fleas without interfering with long-term prevention or other necessary medical treatments.
Using CAPSTAR® on Both Dogs and Cats
A significant advantage of CAPSTAR® is its usability across different species and age groups within certain parameters. The CAPSTAR® for Small Dogs (11.4 mg) or CAPSTAR® for Cats (11.4 mg) formulations can be given to both dogs and cats, as well as puppies and kittens. The crucial requirements are that the pet must be at least 4 weeks of age and weigh between 2 and 25 pounds. It is essential to administer the tablets according to the specific dosing schedule outlined on the product label. Always weigh your pet before administration to ensure they receive the correct dosage. It is important to note that the CAPSTAR® product specifically formulated for large dogs should not be administered to cats or small dogs.
Shelf Life
CAPSTAR® tablets maintain their efficacy for a considerable period. The shelf life for CAPSTAR® tablets is 3 years from the date of manufacture, providing ample time for storage and use.
