Capstar

Product Info

CAP2 Capstar, offered by Norvartis Animal Health US, Inc., is a pesticide taken internally to temporarily terminate adult stage fleas.

What the product cures

The formulation of CAP2 Capstar is designed to kill adult staged fleas, in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens which are greater than four weeks of age.

Pet Symptoms

Fleas are a highly irritating pest to canines and felines, as pet owners will be able to easily note. These fleas live both indoors and out, following the pet and infecting said pet at different stages of life. There are four stages in a flea’s life: egg, larva or caterpillar, cocoon, and adult. The larvae grow and form a cocoon around them which is highly resistant to the environment, making them difficult to terminate. This larva can survive quite a long time in their cocoons and only hatch with the presence of carbon dioxide is present, which is the exhalant gas, produced from the body. Fleas attach themselves to pets in order to consume their blood. As these tiny pests take their blood meals, the skin inflames causing pets to itch and scratch excessively. Pet owners may not be able to view the fleas themselves but will be able to view a product known as flea dander. Flea dander appears as black dirt within the pet’s hair, this so called dirt is in fact digested blood defecated by the flea.

Pet Ailments

Fleas are a difficult parasite to eliminate, therefore time and dedication is highly necessary. An infected pet may develop aliments of itching, depression, a decreased appetite, weight loss, and loss in hair coat luster, anemia, skin lesions, and depression. Additional ailments include allergies developed from produced flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis) and flea dander. 

Capstar Dogs & Cats Blue 2-25lbs 6 pk Flea Treatment

Capstar Dogs & Cats Blue 2-25lbs 6 pk Flea Treatment

Pets with Ailments

Flea Dander within hair

 Flea allergy Dermatitis

Relative info on breed most associated with this ailment

Two common fleas infest our pets; the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). Adult fleas are tiny, just 1-5 mm in size having flat bodies and feed on animals’ blood. Though fleas affect all breeds of dogs and cats, fleas are found to be prevalent among beagles, a dog breed having a white, tan, and black coat with long drooping ears, often used for hunting.

Questions for the vet & product

Any pesticide medication can cause adverse reactions in cats and dogs. Stop use and ask your veterinarian if reactions occur. Adverse reactions include; hyperactivity, panting, vocalization or excessive grooming yet, you may ask:

1. How would I be able to identify poisoning due to medicated overdose?

1. Symptoms of poisoning caused by treatments relating to flea/tick include dilated pupils, salivating, vomiting, tremors, shivering, hiding and skin irritation.

2. Can fleas cause any disease to my pet?

1. Fleas could cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), also known as flea bite hypersensitivity. This disease is very prevalent among domestic dogs. It frequently occurs during summer time as warm weather facilitates breeding of fleas.
2. Fleas also act as a host for roundworm of dogs and the regular intestinal flatworm of dogs and cats

3. Can fleas affect humans too?
   1. Among humans, fleas can also cause flea allergy or inflammation of skin.

4. Will using this product alone rid my pet of flea infestation?

   1. No, Capstar is a fast acting, adult flea killer. Additional topical medications, monthly preventatives, or products used for the environment will ensure proper termination.

5. How often can I use Capstar on my pet?
   1. Capstar can be administered daily if flea infestation in severe.

6. How long does the treatment last?
   1. Capstar repels adult fleas for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours new adult fleas can attach themselves and re-infect your pet.

7. Do I need a prescription to purchase Capstar?
   1. No, most products can be purchased at pet stores, online, and with your local veterinarian.

8. Can I use Capstar with other preventative medications such as medications used to treat internal parasites?
   1. Capstar can be given along with your pet’s routine preventatives. Speak with your veterinarian if your pet is taking other medications to treat disease or illness.

Directions for use

The Federal Drug Administration prohibits this product from being used in any other way than directed upon the label. If you do not understand the directed label entirely, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to further explain directions.

Dosage and administration: CAPSTAR Tablets begin working within 30 minutes. Capstar remain effective against adult fleas on dogs within 4 hours and cats within 6 hours.

Dogs and cats:

• Capstar is administered by mouth.
• Open the pet’s mouth by placed thumb and index finger at the hinges of the jaw, gently squeeze.
• Place the pill into the pet’s mouth past the tongue, hold the mouth closed to ensure swallow.

Pets do not enjoy taking pills therefore administration attempts may take practice. This product maybe given within a food or pill pocket to ease the administration of said pill. Pet must take full tablet for full effect. Partially swallowed, spit up, or chewed up pills should be noted.

Dosage and administration: Pets are to be weighed prior to dosage. Administer CAPSTAR

Tablets according to chart:

Recommended Dosage Schedule
Species	Body Weight	Dose	Nitenpyram Per Tablet
Dog or Cat	2-25 lbs.	One tablet	11.4 mg
Dog	25.1-125 lbs.	One tablet	57.0 mg

Ingredients

Capstar tablets contain nitenpyram, which belongs to the chemical class of neonicotinoids. Each tablet contains approximately 11.4 mg in cats and 27.0mg for dogs.

Product Cautions

The product must not be accessible to children or other animals.

This product is meant to be used for puppies, dogs, kittens and cats only. Puppies and kittens must be 4 weeks of age and over 2 pounds.

Product label must be read thoroughly before use.

Capstar is safe for pregnant or lactating animals.

Capstar is designed to kill adult staged fleas pets will require secondary medication to kill larvae and pupae.

Animals: This product is meant to be used for puppies, dogs, kittens and cats only. Puppies and kittens must be 4 weeks of age and over 2 pounds. Pets may scratch at themselves as adult fleas are dying, but this condition is temporary. In rare cases, cats develop adverse reactions to this product such as; hyperactivity, panting, vocalization or excessive grooming.

Humans: Capstar is labeled for use in animals only. Contact poison control immediately if ingestion is suspected. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by poison control personnel.

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:

FIRST AID

If Swallowed: Contact a poison control center immediately as emergency care may be needed. Do not encourage personnel to vomit substance unless directed by poison control center representative. If the affected individual becomes unconscious, locate the nearest emergency medical center immediately.

Storage & Disposal

Storage: Tablets should be stored in an air tight container, away from light and moisture. Do not store medication among food or drink. The contents should not be transferred to other containers.

Disposal: Empty containers should be disposed of as directed and never re-used. Recycling or garbage disposal is viable as directed upon product label. Consult a medical waste agency for directions to depose of remaining drug and container. Contact 1-800-CLEANUP for additional information.

Brand vs. generic comparison: The generic form of Capstar is Flea Killer Capsules, used in both cats and dogs. These capsules contain the same active ingredient as Capstar but cost less and contain more tablets per container. Generic forms of Capstar however are not issued by veterinarian and storage regulations are variable. Capstar has a higher reliance rate and are veterinarian recommended.