Credelio Main Uses
Flea Treatment and Prevention: Indicated for the immediate treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis).
Tick Control: Treats and controls infestations of four major tick species: the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
Lyme Disease Prevention: Indicated for the prevention of Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): Used as part of a management strategy to reduce the signs of FAD by rapidly eliminating biting fleas.
 
Credelio Active Ingredients
Lotilaner: A member of the isoxazoline class of parasiticides.
Mechanism of Action: Lotilaner acts as an antagonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels. It blocks the transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes in the parasite’s nervous system, causing uncontrolled neuromuscular activity, spastic paralysis, and rapid death.
Contact Requirement: Parasites must bite the dog and begin feeding to be exposed to the active ingredient.
 
Credelio Dosage & Administration
Recommended Dosage: Administered orally once a month at a minimum dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight.
Weight Categories (Canada):
Yellow (1.4–2.7 kg): 56.25 mg tablet.
Pink (2.8–5.5 kg): 112.5 mg tablet.
Orange (5.6–11.0 kg): 225 mg tablet.
Green (11.1–22.0 kg): 450 mg tablet.
Blue (22.1–45.0 kg): 900 mg tablet.
Administration Timing: Must be administered with food or within 30 minutes of a meal. Food significantly increases the absorption (bioavailability) of the drug from 24% (fasted) to 82% (fed).
Adjustments: For dogs over 45 kg, a combination of whole tablets should be used to reach the appropriate weight-based dose.
 
Credelio Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated. Reported reactions in less than 1% of dogs include weight loss, elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), increased urination, or mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting/diarrhea).
Neurological Warning: As with all isoxazolines, this product has been associated with neurological adverse reactions such as tremors, ataxia (loss of balance), and seizures.
Contraindications: Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or other neurological disorders.
Age/Weight: Safe for puppies 8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs).
Species Safety: This formulation is for dogs only. A separate Credelio product is available specifically for cats.
 
Credelio Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer: Elanco Canada Limited.
Official Website: https://www.elanco.com/en-ca
Brand Introduction: Elanco is a global leader in animal health, known for its "Credelio" family of brands. In Canada, Credelio is a prescription-only medication, ensuring that a veterinarian evaluates the pet’s health and local parasite risks before use.