Nitenpyram

What is this medication for?

• Rapid flea adulticide knockdown (kills >99% fleas in 3–6 h); maggot (myiasis) treatment (crushed tablet by mouth/wound/enema — reptile/exotic source)

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• None commonly reported; call your clinic with any concern.

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Occasional vomiting/low energy/tiredness/hyperactivity (Rare label events)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Transient itching/scratching as fleas die (Commonly noted behavior)

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Not effective against eggs/larvae/ticks — never a standalone flea program; pair with IGR (lufenuron) or monthly adulticide

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Lufenuron
  • Other flea products

Storage and handling

OTC tablets; room temperature.

Good to know

• The 24-hour assassin: fastest kill in the flea arsenal — ideal for new infestations, shelter intake, pre-adoption, or bridging to a monthly product; useless for prevention alone (1–2 day coverage).
• Weight-banded tablets (11.4 mg / 57 mg) = dosing by count, not calculation — the OTC-friendly design.
• Neonicotinoid selectivity (insect nAChR) is why a cat can eat a tablet that empties its flea load — memorize the 3,500× selectivity line as the species-safety story.