Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Afoxolaner is an orally administered chewable tablet that is specifically designed to prevent and treat flea and certain tick infestations in dogs. Specifically, afoxolaner is indicated for the control and treatment of the American dog tick, black-legged tick, lone star tick, and brown dog tick for tick prevention purposes.
In addition to its approved use, afoxolaner is also prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites in dogs in an extra-label capacity. In some cases, the medication has also been used extra-label in cats to treat ear mites and fleas, in pigs for the treatment of scabies, and in birds for the treatment of bird lice.
Uses and Dosage
Afoxolaner is an orally administered medication that should be given to dogs once a month. The minimum dosage is 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). It can be given with or without food, but it is important to ensure that the complete dose is consumed.
After administration, the animal should be observed for a few minutes to ensure that the entire dose is not lost or refused. If vomiting occurs within two hours of administration or if there is suspicion that any of the dose has been lost, another full dose should be administered.
If a dose of afoxolaner is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible, and the monthly dosing schedule should be resumed.
Treatment with afoxolaner for flea prevention can begin at any time of the year. In areas where fleas are common throughout the year, administer afoxolaner monthly without interruption.
To minimize the risk of flea reinfestation, all animals in the household should be treated with an approved flea control product.
Treatment with afoxolaner for tick control and treatment can also begin at any time of the year.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- vomiting
- dry or itchy skin
- lethargy
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- hives or facial swelling
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- muscle tremors
- lack of coordination
- seizures
Caution
Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of drugs, which has been linked to adverse neurological reactions such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures in dogs. Even dogs without a history of seizures have been reported to experience seizures after receiving medications from the isoxazoline class. Exercise caution when administering these drugs to dogs with a history of seizures or other neurological disorders.
The safety of afoxolaner in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Its use in such cases should be done with caution and only under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Form and Strength
Nexgard is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Nexgard chewable tablet:
- 11mg
- 68mg
FAQ
Is Nexgard available only as a prescription medication?
Nexgard is available by prescription only.
How fast does Nexgard kill fleas?
Nexgard works within the first few hours after administration to kill fleas present on your pet.
Resources
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a668d223-47a3-46b7-b642-f2de0dca6ab5&type=display
- https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/nexgard
- https://www.1800petmeds.com/NexGard+Chewables-prod10356.html
- https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/afoxolaner#:~:text=Afoxolaner%20(NexGard%C2%AE)%20is%20used,killed%20during%20their%20blood%20meal
