Capstar (nitenpyram) Tablets are an FDA approved over the counter oral medication indicated for the treatment of flea infestations on dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens weighing 2 pounds or more and 4 weeks of age or older.
Capstar begins killing adult fleas within 30 minutes. A single dose achieves greater than 90% effectiveness against adult fleas within 4 hours in dogs and within 6 hours in cats.
The tablet can be given directly by mouth or hidden in a small amount of food. If the pet becomes reinfested with fleas, another dose may be administered as often as once daily.
Capstar contains nitenpyram, a neonicotinoid that acts on the nervous system of adult fleas. This activity causes paralysis and death of the fleas.
Because Capstar targets adult fleas currently on the pet, reinfestation can occur from fleas developing in the surrounding environment. Treating all infested pets in the household and using an appropriate flea management program can help address ongoing flea exposure.
Capstar Tablets are indicated for the treatment of flea infestations on:
Pets must be at least 4 weeks of age and weigh 2 pounds or more.
Capstar kills adult fleas. It does not provide extended residual flea protection after administration.
Active Ingredients:
Nitenpyram
Available tablet strengths:
Inactive Ingredients:
Refer to the manufacturer label for complete inactive ingredient information.
Weigh the pet before administration to ensure the appropriate tablet strength is selected.
Give the tablet directly by mouth or hide it in a small amount of food. When administering the tablet with food, observe the pet closely to make sure the entire tablet is swallowed.
If you are uncertain whether the pet swallowed the tablet, the product label states that it is safe to administer a second tablet.
A single dose should kill the adult fleas currently on the pet. If the pet becomes reinfested with fleas, another dose may be administered as often as once daily.
Treat all infested pets in the household. Fleas can reproduce on untreated animals and allow an infestation to continue.
Weight / Dosage
| Species | Body Weight | Dose | Tablet Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs or Cats | 2–25 lb | 1 tablet | 11.4 mg |
| Dogs | 25.1–125 lb | 1 tablet | 57 mg |
Do not administer to dogs or cats weighing less than 2 pounds.
For dogs weighing more than 125 pounds, consult the current product label or your veterinarian for appropriate dosing.
Temporary scratching may occur as fleas begin to die. This is generally associated with flea activity during the rapid onset of the medication rather than a reaction to the tablet itself.
Post approval adverse event reports have included the following:
Dogs:
Cats:
Post approval reports do not necessarily establish that Capstar caused the reported event.
Contact a veterinarian if your pet experiences a severe, persistent, or concerning reaction.
Capstar is intended to kill adult fleas present on the pet. It does not provide long term residual flea control, so additional flea management may be necessary to address immature flea stages and continued environmental exposure.
Treat all infested dogs and cats in the household as appropriate to help reduce continued flea reproduction and reinfestation.
Consult a veterinarian before use if your pet has a significant medical condition or if you have questions about combining Capstar with other flea control products or medications.
Store at controlled room temperature between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C). Keep the product in its original packaging and protect it from inappropriate heat, moisture, and access by children or animals.
Disposal
Dispose of unused or expired tablets and empty packaging according to applicable local requirements. Keep discarded medication where children and animals cannot access it.