Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats

Fipronil, Pyriproxyfen

Last verified

Veterinary medicinal product: spot-on solution. Distribution category: NFA-VPS (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Fipronil, Pyriproxyfen.1

In short: questions and answers

Does Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats need a prescription?
Over the counter. As stated in the registration decision.1
Which animals is Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats for?
Cats.1
What is the active substance in Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats?
Fipronil, Pyriproxyfen. ATCvet code: QP53AX65.13
What is the withdrawal period of Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats according to the leaflet?
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Dispensing
Over the counter1

NFA-VPS: Non-Food Animal - Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Suitably Qualified Person. For animals not kept for food. No prescription is needed, but it is supplied only by a veterinary surgeon, a pharmacist or a suitably qualified person (SQP).12

Supplied without a prescription. As stated in the registration decision.

Animal species
Cats1
Active substance
Fipronil, Pyriproxyfen
ATCvet code
QP53AX653
Manufacturer
Marketing authorisation holder: Virbac

Withdrawal period

No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3

Summary of product characteristics

Composition

Each 1 ml pipette contains:

Active substances:

Fipronil 100 mg

Pyriproxyfen 120 mg

Excipients:

Butylhydroxyanisole E320 0.2 mg

Butylhydroxytoluene E321 0.1 mg

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

6.1 List of excipients

Butylhydroxyanisole E320

Butylhydroxytoluene E321

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether

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Pharmaceutical form

Spot-on solution.

Clear, colourless to yellowish solution.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ectoparasiticides for topical use, fipronil combinations

ATCvet code: QP53AX65

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Fipronil is an insecticide and acaricide belonging to the phenylpyrazole family. Fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulfone act at ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as well as desensitising (D) and non-desensitising (N) channels gated by glutamate (Glu, unique invertebrate ligand-gated chloride channels), thereby blocking pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. This results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system and death of insects or acari.

Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator (IGR) of the class of compounds known as juvenile hormone analogues. Pyriproxyfen sterilises adult fleas and inhibits the development of immature stages. The molecule prevents, by contact, the emergence of adult insects by blocking the development of eggs (ovicidal effect), larvae and pupae (larvicidal effect), which are subsequently eliminated. Following contact and/or ingestion by adult fleas, the molecule also acts by sterilising eggs during their maturation and before being laid. The molecule prevents contamination of the environment of treated animals with the immature stages of fleas.

Combination of fipronil and pyriproxyfen provides an insecticidal and acaricidal activity against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Ixodes ricinus) in addition to preventing flea eggs developing into adult fleas.

Such combination provides an integrated flea control which can be used against infestations with fleas alone or in association with ticks.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars

Following topical application of the product, under the normal conditions of use, fipronil and pyriproxyfen are well distributed in the haircoat of the cat from the first day post application. The major metabolite of fipronil is the sulfone derivative, which also possesses insecticidal and acaricidal properties.

The concentrations of fipronil and pyriproxyfen in the haircoat decrease over time but both active substances are present for at least 84 days after application (i.e. above the lower limit of quantification (LOQ) 100 ng/g for fipronil and 50 ng/g for pyriproxyfen). Concentrations of fipronil sulfone remained below the lower limit of quantification (LOQ 100 ng/ml) after product application.

The plasmatic peaks of fipronil and pyriproxyfen concentration are rapidly reached 1 day after administration. Concentrations of fipronil are quantifiable in all cats up to 3 days after application (LOQ 1 ng/ml). Concentrations of pyriproxyfen are quantifiable in all cats up to 42 days after application (LOQ 0.2 ng/ml). Concentrations of fipronil sulfone remained below the lower limit of quantification (LOQ 1 ng/ml) after product application.

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Target species

Cats (>6-12 kg).

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Indications

In cats, to be used against infestations with fleas alone or in association with ticks.

Against fleas:

Treatment and prevention of infestations by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). One treatment prevents further infestations for 5 weeks.

Prevention of the multiplication of fleas by preventing flea eggs developing into adult fleas for 12 weeks after application.

The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) where this has been previously diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon.

Against ticks:

Treatment of infestations by ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus turanicus). One treatment provides persistent acaricidal efficacy for one week.

If ticks are present at the time of application, not all ticks may be killed within 48 hours.

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Dosage

Spot-on use.

Dosage:

For a cat weighing more than 6 kg apply one pipette of 1 ml per cat corresponding to the minimum recommended dose of 8.3 mg fipronil/kg b.w. and 10 mg pyriproxyfen/kg b.w..

The recommended dose of 1 ml can also be achieved by applying two 0.5 ml pipettes.

Cat weightPipette volumeFipronil (mg)Pyriproxyfen (mg)
>6-12 kg1 ml100120

Method of administration:

Remove the pipette from the overblister. Hold the pipette upright. Tap the narrow part of the pipette to ensure that the contents are within the main body of the pipette. Break the snap-off top of the spot-on pipette along the scored line.

Part the coat on the back of neck area until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze firmly several times to empty the contents evenly at one or two spots. Ensure the solution is applied to healthy skin only and avoid superficial application to the cat’s hair or run off, especially in large cats (over 6 kg).

Drop stop system (the product is released only by pressing the body of the pipette).

Consult your veterinary surgeon if the product fails to control the flea and tick infestation. However, in the absence of additional safety studies, do not repeat the treatment at intervals of less than 4 weeks (see section 4.10).

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Contraindications

Do not use in rabbits, as adverse reactions and even death could occur.

Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.

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Adverse reactions

Transient cosmetic effects such as wet appearance or slight scaling may occur at the application site.

According to the accumulated experience on these active ingredients within spot on pharmaceutical forms, transient cutaneous reactions at the application site (squamosis (scaling of the skin), local alopecia (hair loss), pruritus (itchiness), erythema (redness of the skin), skin discolouration) and general pruritus or alopecia may be observed after use. In very rare instances, hypersalivation, reversible neurologic symptoms (hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to stimuli), depression, nervous symptoms), respiratory signs or vomiting might occur.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

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Warnings

Special precautions for use in animals:

For external use only. Do not administer orally.

Animals should be weighed accurately prior to treatment.

The safety of the product has not been established in cats younger than 10 weeks of age or in cats weighing less than 1.0 kg.

Avoid contact with the animal’s eyes. In the case of accidental eye contact, flush the eyes with water.

Care should be taken to apply the product correctly as described under section 4.9. Do not apply the product on wounds or damaged skin. It is important to make sure that the veterinary medicinal product is applied directly onto an area of dry skin where the animal cannot lick it off and to make sure that animals do not lick each other following treatment.

The use of the product has not been studied in sick or debilitated cats. Consult your veterinary surgeon before using the product if your cat is unwell or currently receiving any other veterinary treatment.

Inform your veterinary surgeon if you are using this product if s/he provides your cat with any other medication.

Seek veterinary advice if the product is accidentally ingested or comes into contact with your animal’s eyes.

In the absence of additional safety studies, do not repeat the treatment at intervals of less than 4 weeks.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

The product may cause neurotoxicity. The product may be harmful if swallowed. Avoid ingestion including hand to mouth contact.

Do not smoke, drink or eat during application.

In the event of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

This product can cause eye and mucous membrane irritation.

Avoid contact with skin, eye and mouth, including hand to eye contact.

In the case of accidental skin or eye contact, immediately and thoroughly flush with water. If skin or eye irritation persists, seek medical advice and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.

Wash hands after use.

Treated animals should not be handled until the application site is dry, and children should not be allowed to play with treated animals until the application site is dry. It is therefore recommended that animals are not treated during the day, but should be treated during the early evening, and that recently treated animals should not be allowed to sleep with owners, especially children.

Keep the pipettes in the original packaging until ready for use and dispose of used pipettes immediately.

Other precautions

The product may have adverse effects on painted, varnished or other household surfaces or furnishings. Allow the application site to dry before permitting contact with such materials.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Laboratory studies using fipronil and pyriproxyfen have not shown any evidence of teratogenic or embryotoxic effect. Studies have not been carried out with this product in pregnant and lactating queens. Consult your veterinary surgeon before using the product in pregnant or lactating queens.

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Interactions

Do not use simultaneously with other flea or tick products which are applied directly on to the animal.

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Overdose

No serious adverse effects were observed in a target animal safety study in 10-week old kittens treated with up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose 3 times at intervals of 4 weeks and with the maximum recommended dose 6 times at intervals of 4 weeks.

The risk of experiencing adverse reactions (see section 4.6) may however increase with overdosing, so animals should always be treated with correct pipette size according to bodyweight.

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Special warnings

Wetting of the haircoat with water 2 hours before product application and twice during the claimed period of efficacy against fleas (at two week intervals against adult fleas or four week intervals against developing flea stages) was investigated during two laboratory studies. Wetting of the haircoat with water as described did not adversely affect product effectiveness.

The impact of shampooing on product effectiveness has not been investigated. If a cat requires shampooing it is recommended that this is done before applying the veterinary medicinal product.

At the beginning of the control measures, in the case of an infestation, the animal's basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings should be treated, with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly.

To reduce environmental flea challenge, all animals living in the same household should also be treated with a suitable flea control product.

The product does not prevent ticks from attaching to animals. If the animal has been treated prior to exposure to the ticks, the ticks will be killed within 48 hours after attachment. This will usually be prior to engorgement, minimising but not excluding the risk of transmission of diseases.

Once dead, ticks will often drop off the animal. Any remaining ticks should be carefully removed, ensuring that their mouth parts are not left within the skin.

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Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

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Incompatibilities

None known.

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Immediate packaging

Transparent multi-layer plastic single-dose pipettes containing 1 ml obtained by thermoforming a transparent bottom complex (polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate, polypropylene or polyethylene-ethylene vinyl alcohol-polyethylene), cyclic olefin copolymer, polypropylene) and closed by heat sealing with a lid complex (polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate or polyethylene-ethylene vinyl alcohol-polyethylene), aluminium, polyethylene-terephthalate).

The boxes contain individual pipette(s) placed in overblister(s) made from polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, polypropylene and closed with lid made from polyethylene-terephthalate, aluminium, polypropylene.

Boxes of 1, 4, 24 and 60 pipettes (large boxes including envelopes intended for dispensing a reduced number of pipettes). [this sentence will be deleted in case the dispensing envelope cannot be accepted].

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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Storage

Do not store above 30°C.

Store in a dry place.

Keep the blister pack in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

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Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.

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Disposal of unused product

Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal product should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the veterinary medicinal product or empty container as this may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms.

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Additional information

Vm 05653/5035

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

09 December 2015

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

October 2021

Approved 25 October 2021

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Registration holder

VIRBAC

1ère avenue 2065m LID

06516 Carros

France

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Regulations

Sources

  1. VMD Product Information Database: Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats, 05653/5035 UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (OGL v3.0), checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  2. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products) UK Government, legislation.gov.uk, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics: Fipronil Pyriproxyfen Virbac 100 mg/120 mg Spot-on Solution for Very Large Cats UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate, SPC of the marketing authorisation holder, checked 2026-10-04 archived copy from 2026-10-04

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