Novartis Capstar Information

Capstar, manufactured by Novartis Animal Health Inc., is an oral treatment that rids cats and dogs of fleas. Fleas are a common parasite found on these household pets and often carry other illnesses as well.

Effectiveness

• Capstar Tablets are more than 90 percent effective against fleas within four hours in dogs and six hours in cats, according to Novartis clinical trials. The tablets begin to work within 30 minutes of ingesting.

Active Ingredients

• The tablets contain 11.4 mg or 57.0 mg of nitenpyram, which is a chemical that kills adult fleas.

Pet Behavior

• Cats and dogs may begin to scratch themselves as the fleas die off, but this is temporary, as it is a reaction to the fleas biting as they die, not a reaction to the drug.

Side Effects

• Novartis Animal Health clinical studies show Capstar is safe for cats and dogs. However, pets with known sensitivity or allergies to nitenpyram (the active ingredient in Capstar), should not take the drug, reports Pet Place veterinarians. In very rare cases in cats, the scratching caused by the fleas dying off may lead to panting, hyperactivity, vocalization and excessive grooming.

Warning

• Capstar is for cats and dogs only. It is not for human use. Kittens and puppies should weigh at least 2 lbs. before giving them this drug, so weigh your pet before the treatment.