Capstar (Nitenpyram) 11.4 mg Main Uses
Immediate Flea Kill: Indicated for the rapid elimination of adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats and dogs weighing between 1 kg and 11 kg.
Short-Term Treatment: Designed as a "knockdown" treatment to kill existing adult fleas rather than a long-term preventative for eggs or larvae.
 
Capstar (Nitenpyram) 11.4 mg Active Ingredients
Nitenpyram (11.4 mg): The sole active ingredient, belonging to the neonicotinoid chemical class.
Mechanism: Nitenpyram acts as a systemic flea adulticide. It is absorbed into the pet's bloodstream and ingested by fleas during a blood meal.
Neurotoxicity to Parasites: It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the flea’s central nervous system, causing overstimulation of the nerves, paralysis, and rapid death of the insect.
Speed of Action: In both dogs and cats, it begins working within 30 minutes, achieved greater than 90% effectiveness against adult fleas on dogs within 4 hours and cats within 6 hours.
 
Capstar (Nitenpyram) 11.4 mg Dosage & Administration
Weight-Based Dosing: One 11.4 mg tablet is the standard dose for both cats and dogs weighing between 1 kg and 11 kg (approx. 2 lbs to 25 lbs).
Frequency: A single dose kills the adult fleas currently on the pet. If the pet is re-infested from the environment, it is safe to administer as often as one dose per day.
Administration Method: The tablet can be placed directly into the pet’s mouth or hidden in a small amount of food. Absorption is not affected by feeding.
Important: Treat all pets in the household to prevent reinfestation, as fleas can continue to reproduce on untreated animals.
 
Capstar (Nitenpyram) 11.4 mg Side Effects & Safety
Common Physical Reactions: Pets may exhibit temporary itching or scratching shortly after administration; this is typically a reaction to the fleas dying and becoming hyperactive on the skin rather than a reaction to the drug itself.
Side Effects: Temporary hyperactivity, scratching, panting, or vocalization may occur.
Safety Profile: Capstar has a wide margin of safety and is safe for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs and cats.
Duration: Safe for daily use while an active infestation is present, though owners are encouraged to transition to a long-term preventative (like a monthly topical or chewable) once the immediate infestation is controlled.
Restrictions: Safe for use in dogs and cats, puppies and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater.
 
Capstar (Nitenpyram) 11.4 mg Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer: Elanco Canada Limited.
Official Website: https://www.elanco.com/en-ca
Brand Introduction: Elanco is a global leader in animal health, providing a wide range of pharmaceutical products and pet care solutions. Capstar is registered with Health Canada as an over-the-counter (OTC) veterinary drug.