Lufenuron

Major Uses

Lufenuron is a treatment for fleas on cats and dogs. It is not effective against ticks, but it may be used at higher doses to treat ringworm. Lufenuron belongs to the group of drugs called insect development inhibitors or insect growth regulators.

Lufenuron works by inhibiting production of chitin, which is the material that makes up the hard exoskeleton that protects insects. While adult fleas already have the chitin they need, flea larvae must make chitin in order to hatch and survive. Adult female fleas treated with lufenuron will pass it on to their eggs, thereby preventing their larvae from making chitin and hatching.

Common Precautions

Oral lufenuron does not typically cause side effects when used as directed. Rarely, itchy skin, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting may occur.

Lufenuron will not prevent flea bites from living fleas, and it may not be a good choice for animals with a flea bite allergy. This drug is not for use in animals under 6 weeks of age. Lufenuron does not interact with other medications or affect the treated animal's system. It is compatible with other treatments. To help prevent resistance to flea control products, lufenuron should be used in combination with other topical treatments for fleas.

Lufenuron should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Any known or suspected overdose should be reported to a veterinarian right away.

Storage

This drug should be stored at room temperature, in its original packaging, and out of reach of pets and children. It should not be kept in a bathroom or above a kitchen sink.

Administration

Lufenuron is available in tablet form and as an oral suspension for dogs and cats. It is also available as an injectable for cats.

The typical dose of lufenuron in dogs is 5 mg/lb (10 mg/kg) once monthly. In cats, the drug is typically dosed at 15 mg/lb (30 mg/kg) once monthly or 5 mg/lb (10 mg/kg) injectable every six months.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

Oral lufenuron must be administered on a full stomach for proper absorption by the body. In the event a dose of lufenuron is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and a normal schedule should be resumed. It is important not to give two doses of this drug at the same time.