Johnson's Insecticidal Flea & Tick Drops 742 mg, Cutaneous Solution
Permethrin (cis:trans 25:75)
Last verified
Veterinary medicinal product: cutaneous solution. Distribution category: AVM-GSL (Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3). Active substance: Permethrin (cis:trans 25:75).1
- Dispensing
- Over the counter1
AVM-GSL: Authorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sale List. No prescription is needed and it may be sold by any retailer.12
Supplied without a prescription. As stated in the registration decision.
- Animal species
- Dogs1
- Active substance
- Permethrin (cis:trans 25:75)
- ATCvet code
- QP53AC043
- Manufacturer
- Marketing authorisation holder: Johnson's Veterinary Products Ltd
Withdrawal period
No withdrawal period is set for this drug: it is not intended for food-producing animals.3
Summary of product characteristics
Composition
Permethrin 25:75 cis:trans pure 742mg per 1ml vial
For full list of excipients, see section 6.1
6.1 List of excipients:
Diethylene glycol methyl ether.
Pharmaceutical form
Cutaneous solution.
Clear pale amber solution.
Pharmacological properties
ATC Vet code: QP53AC04
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties:
Permethrin is a contact ectoparasiticide acting on the sodium channel. It attacks the peripheral nervous system and, in particular, the motor nerve terminals in the central nervous system. Broadly speaking, Permethrin causes knockdown in arthropods, inducing loss of co-ordination, spasms, tremors and ultimately death.
When topically administered, the solution will rapidly disperse across the surface of the skin by virtue of the carrier having a relatively low viscosity and a very low vapour pressure. This mobility of the solution, in combination with capillary action through the coat and across the skin, together with natural movement of the animal, ensures adequate dispersion. Given that a high flea mortality was achieved one day after topical administration of the solution, this indicates good coverage of the individual animals by the insecticide.
If Permethrin is orally administered to mammals it is rapidly metabolised and almost completely excreted via urine or faeces within a short period of time. The trans isomer is eliminated faster than the cis isomer, it being the more susceptible of the two to esterase attack. The major metabolic reactions are ester hydrolysis, ester cleavage, oxidation and conjugation. Permethrin does not have a tendency to accumulate in tissues. None of the metabolites of Permethrin show a higher acute toxicity than the base Permethrin. Given that this product is administered externally, absorption rates are considerably lower than when orally administered.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic particulars:
No other information available.
Target species
Dogs over 8 weeks of age.
Indications
For the control of flea and tick infestations on dogs over 8 weeks of age, for a period of up to 4 weeks.
Dosage
For dogs weighing over 15kg (33lb) and over 8 weeks of age:
i) Only open one vial immediately prior to use, by holding upright and twisting the cap off, taking care not to squeeze the vial.
ii) Part the dog’s coat to expose the skin between the shoulder blades, at the nape of the neck.
iii) Squeeze the entire contents of one vial on to the exposed skin.
iv) Open a second vial and apply by parting the dog’s coat at the base of the tail, then squeeze the entire contents of the second vial on to the exposed skin.
Re-treat after 28 days if any re-infestation is apparent.
If the dog’s coat is subsequently wetted, such as when shampooing, the 4 week period of protection may be reduced.
Not to be applied at intervals of less than 7 days.
Contraindications
Do not use on cats. This product is very poisonous to cats. It is important to ensure that cats do not groom the site of application on a dog which has been treated with this product. Seek veterinary advice immediately if this occurs.
Do not use on dogs less than 8 weeks of age.
Adverse reactions
Potential transient localised irritation at the site of application in a small minority of dogs – should this occur, bathe the dog with shampoo and seek veterinary advice.
If your dog becomes unwell or shows any unusual signs of irritation, then you should consult your veterinary surgeon taking this pack, and if possible the vials, with you.
Warnings
4.5 i) Special precautions for use in animals:
For external use only.
Do not massage into the dog's skin.
Do not apply to the dog's fur.
4.5 ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the medicinal product to animals:
Avoid the drops coming into contact with your fingers.
Wash off any splashes immediately with plenty of clean water.
Avoid contact with eyes. In case of accidental eye contact, rinse with clean, fresh water. If eye irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water after use.
Users making multiple applications, such as in kennels, should wear protective gloves (neoprene or nitrile, 0.3mm minimum thickness).
If you feel unwell as a result of handling this product, you should consult your Doctor.
Do not handle the area of application for 6 hours following treatment. Treated animals should not be allowed to play or sleep with people, particularly children, for 8 hours immediately following treatment.
It is preferable to treat during the evening, when children are in bed. Keep away from food and drink, including animal feeding stuffs.
4.5 iii) Other precautions:
Treated dogs should not be allowed to go swimming for 12 hours following treatment.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Not for use on lactating bitches with puppies less than 2 weeks of age.
Interactions
Do not administer any other flea control products to your dog during the 4 week period of protection.
Overdose
Not applicable given pack size and tolerance in target species.
Special warnings
None.
Withdrawal period
Not applicable.
Incompatibilities
Do not administer other methods of on-animal flea control during treatment.
Immediate packaging
White polypropylene single-use vial, 2ml capacity to give 1ml dose. Filled from base and heat sealed. Batch number and expiry date embossed onto base seal. Twist off cap to administer contents.
Final presentation to be two vials or six vials in a rigid plastic blister.
Secondary packaging: Rigid plastic blister Solid board blister card.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Storage
Do not store above 25ºC.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Do not freeze. Do not refrigerate.
Do not remove the vial from the pack until ready to use.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 2 years.
Disposal of unused product
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to fish and aquatic life. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the product or empty packaging.
Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Additional information
Vm 01759/5010
9 Date of first Authorisation:
10 November 1998
10 Date of revision of the text:
December 2025
Gavin Hall Approved: 15 December 2025
Registration holder
Johnson's Veterinary Products Ltd
5 Reddicap Trading Estate
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B75 7DF
United Kingdom
Regulations
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2033), Schedule 32
Sources
- VMD Product Information Database: Johnson's Insecticidal Flea & Tick Drops 742 mg, Cutaneous Solution, 01759/5010
- The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, Schedule 3 (categories of veterinary medicinal products)
- Summary of Product Characteristics: Johnson's Insecticidal Flea & Tick Drops 742 mg, Cutaneous Solution