VetUK Flea & Tick Treatment Plus for Cats 50 mg/60 mg Spot-on Solution (Fipronil and S-Methoprene)

Composition

Each pipette of 0.5 ml contains:

Active substances:

Excipients:

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320) 0.10 mg

Butylhydroxytoluene (E321) 0.05 mg

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

6.1 List of excipients

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320)

Butylhydroxytoluene (E321)

Ethanol, anhydrous

Polysorbate 80 (E433)

Povidone

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether

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Pharmaceutical form

Spot-on solution.

Clear amber solution.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ectoparasiticides for topical use.

ATC vet code: QP53AX65

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Fipronil is an insecticide and acaricide belonging to the phenylpyrazole family. It acts by interacting with ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 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 acarines. Fipronil kills fleas within 24 hours, ticks (Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus) and lice within 48 hours post-exposure.

(S)-Methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR) of the class of compounds known as juvenile hormone analogues that inhibit the development of immature stages of insects. This compound mimics the action of juvenile hormone and causes impaired development and death of the developing stages of fleas. The on-animal ovicidal activity of (S)- methoprene results from either direct penetration of the eggshell of newly laid eggs or from absorption through the cuticle of the adult fleas. (S)-methoprene is also effective in preventing flea larvae and pupae from developing, which prevents contamination of the environment of treated animals with the immature stages of fleas.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Studies of metabolism of fipronil have demonstrated that the major metabolite is the sulfone derivative of fipronil. (S)-methoprene is extensively degraded into carbon dioxide and acetate that are subsequently incorporated into endogenous materials.

The pharmacokinetic profiles after topical application of fipronil and (S)-methoprene in combination were studied in cats in comparison to intravenous dosing of fipronil or (S)-methoprene alone. This established absorption and other pharmacokinetic parameters under conditions mimicking clinical practice. The topical application, with additional potential oral exposure from licking, resulted in overall systemic absorption of fipronil (18%) with a mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of approximately 100 ng/ml fipronil and 13 ng/ml of fipronil sulfone in plasma.

Peak fipronil plasma concentrations are rapidly attained (mean tmax approximately 6 h) and decline with a mean terminal half-life of approximately 25 h.

Fipronil is slightly metabolised to fipronil sulfone in cats.

Plasma concentrations of (S)-methoprene were generally below the limit of quantitation (20 ng/ml) in cats after topical application.

Both (S)-methoprene and fipronil, together with its major metabolite, are well- distributed in the haircoat of cats within one day after application. The concentrations of fipronil, fipronil sulfone and (S)-methoprene in the hair coat decrease with time and are detectable for at least 59 days after dosing. Parasites are killed through contact rather than by systemic exposure.

No pharmacological interaction between fipronil and (S)-methoprene was noted.

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Target species

Cats.

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Indications

- To be used against infestations with fleas, alone or in association with ticks and/or biting lice.

- Elimination of fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.). Insecticidal efficacy against new infestations with adult fleas persists for 4 weeks. Prevention of the multiplication of fleas by inhibiting the development of eggs (ovicidal activity), larvae and pupae (larvicidal activity) originating from eggs laid by adult fleas for six weeks after application.

- Elimination of ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The product has a persistent acaricidal efficacy for up to 2 weeks against ticks (based on experimental data).

- Elimination of biting lice (Felicola subrostratus).

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Dosage

One pipette of 0.5 ml per cat, corresponding to a minimum recommended dose of 5 mg/kg for fipronil and 6 mg/kg for (S)-methoprene, by topical application to the skin. In the absence of safety studies, the minimum treatment interval is 4 weeks.

Method of administration:

Hold the pipette upright. Tap the narrow part of the pipette to ensure the contents remain within the main body of the pipette. Snap back the tip. Part the coat on the back of the animal at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze the pipette several times to empty its contents completely and directly onto the skin in one spot. Do not overdose.

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Contraindications

In the absence of available data, the product should not be used on kittens less than 8 weeks old and/or weighing less than 1 kg.

Do not use on sick (e.g. systemic diseases, fever) or convalescent animals. Do not use in rabbits due to a risk of adverse drug reactions or even death. In absence of studies, the use of the product is not recommended in non-target species.

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

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Adverse reactions

Among the very rare suspected adverse reactions, transient skin reactions on the application site (scaling, local hair loss, itching, redness) and general itching or hair loss have been reported after use.

Excessive salivation, reversible nervous signs (increased sensitivity to stimulation, depression, other nervous signs) or vomiting have also been observed after use. If licking occurs, a brief period of excessive salivation may be observed due mainly to the nature of the carrier.

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Warnings

Special precautions for use in animals

It is important to make sure that the product is applied to an area where the animal cannot lick it off and to make sure that animals do not lick each other following treatment.

No data on the effect of bathing/shampooing on the efficacy of the product in cats is available. However, based on information available for dogs shampooed as from 2 days after application of the product, it is not recommended to bath animals within 2 days after application of the product.

There may be an attachment of single ticks. For this reason a transmission of infectious diseases cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavourable. Fleas from pets often infest the animal's basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings which should be treated, in case of massive infestation and at the beginning of the control measures, with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly.

The potential toxicity of the product for kittens of less than 8 weeks of age in contact with a treated queen is not documented. Special care should be taken in this case.

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

This product can cause mucous membrane, skin and eye irritation. Therefore, contact of the product with mouth, skin and eyes should be avoided.

People with a known hypersensitivity to insecticides or alcohol should avoid contact with the product. Avoid contents coming into contact with the fingers. If this occurs, wash hands with soap and water.

After accidental ocular exposure the eye should be rinsed carefully with clean water. If the product is accidently swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet 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 are not allowed to sleep with owners, especially children.

Keep stored pipettes in the original packaging until ready to use. In order to prevent children from getting access to used pipettes, dispose of used pipettes immediately. Do not smoke, drink or eat during application.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

The product can be used during pregnancy. For treatment during the lactating period, see section 4.5.

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Interactions

None known.

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Overdose

The risk of experiencing adverse effects may increase with overdosing (see section 4.6).

No undesirable effects were observed in target animal safety studies in cats and kittens aged 8 weeks and older and weighing about 1 kg treated once a month at five times the recommended dose for six consecutive months.

Itching may occur following treatment.

Overdose application of the product will cause a sticky appearance of hairs at the treatment spot. However, should this occur, it will disappear within 24 hours post application.

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Special warnings

Avoid contact with the animal’s eyes.

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Withdrawal period

Not applicable.

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Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

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Immediate packaging

A white pipette composed of a heat-formed shell of composed of polypropylene/cyclic olefin copolymer/polypropylene layer and polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol/polyethylene layer.

1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 pipettes in individual foil sachets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

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Storage

Do not store above 30°C.

Store in the original package.

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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.

Fipronil and (S)-methoprene should not enter water courses as this may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms

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Additional information

Vm 39787/5025

9 DATE OF THE FIRST AUTHORISATION

08 August 2018

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

November 2025

Gavin Hall Approved: 24 November 2025

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Registration holder

EU Pharmaceuticals Ltd

37 Geraldine Road

London

SW18 2NR

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