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Brand

Advantage
(OTC, spot-on medication for lice and flea control)
Active ingredient: Imidacloprid

Availability

Advantage (orange label-4 pack) for cats/kittens 9 pounds and under.
*Warning notice for pet rat owners! K9 Advantix for Dogs (containing pymethrin) should not be used. Check to ensure that the product you are purchasing is Advantage (orange label) for cats/kittens 9 pounds and under.

Pharmacology

Advantage is a topical/”spot-on” insecticide medication for the control of lice and fleas. Its active ingredient is the parasiticide imidacloprid. Its mode of action interferes with the transmission of impulses in the nerve system of insects.

Imidacloprid will kill both the adult and the larval stage of flea. Upon application, imidacloprid spreads over the body with the body oils collecting in hair follicles where it is released over time (up to 1 month) onto the skin. It will remain on even if the rat is bathed, although it will diminish with each subsequent bath.

Imidacloprid is not appreciably absorbed into the body, and although it is reported to have a wide margin of safety some animals may develop hypersensitivity.

Studies indicate that imidacloprid is not teratogenic. However it is reportedly not recommended for use in pregnant animals. Nor should it be used on rats younger than 5 weeks old.

Indications

Used to treat lice (on rats) and flea infestation.

Drug Interactions or Contraindications

Do not allow to be taken internally or apply to eyes.

Do not use in combination with other insecticides.

*Note: supported recommendation of Vanessa Pisano DVM  ²¹
“Do not use Advantage on sick or malnutritioned rats, or on rats that are under 5 weeks old. For smaller sized rats greater than 5 weeks and under 4 months reduce dosage by half.”*

Adverse Reactions

CNS:  twitching or muscle weakness

GI:  Taste is bitter in the event the animal licks or ingests it may cause drooling.

Other:  hypersensitivity allergic reactions.

Dosage Recommendations

Advantage Topical Application:
Apply 1 drop for rat weighing less than 1 pound. For a larger rat greater than 1 pound, apply 2 drops.
Apply once per month or based on veterinary assessment.

To Administer:
Hold applicator tube in an upright position. Pull the cap from off the tube. Turn the cap around and place other end of the cap back on the tube. Twist the cap to break the seal and then remove the cap from the tube.
Squeeze tube till a tiny bead is on the tip of tube. Part the rats fur at the base of the neck behind the head (an area difficult for the rat to clean off) and touch the tube with the tiny bead of liquid to the skin.
Do not massage liquid into skin. Allow the area to dry before returning the rat to his cage.
If too much liquid is accidentally applied, wash the rat immediately and wait 1 week before reapplying.  ²¹
When application is completed, discard empty tube by securely wrapping in several layers of newspaper and discarding in trash.

Considerations

• *Note for humans: can cause eye irritation. Do not get in eyes and avoid direct contact with skin. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after skin contact with product. In the event of eye contact flush eyes copiously with water. Keep out of reach of children and do not contaminate feed or food.
• Store in a dry cool area.

Posted on January 29, 2009, 13:57, Last updated on February 3, 2009, 17:10 | Anti-Infectives