Spinosad (Comfortis™)
By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Overview

Comfortis™ is a drug that provides flea control for dogs. It contains antiparasitic agents used to kill and prevent fleas.

Comfortis™ is the first FDA approved chewable beef-flavored tablet for treatment and prevention of flea infestations. The active ingredient in Comfortis™ is spinosad. Spinosad is a member of the spinosyns class of insecticides.

Comfortis™ is a beef flavored oral tablet.

The effects last about 30 days against fleas. It is documented to begin killing fleas within 30 minutes.

Comfortis™ is a Prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is Registered for use in dogsonly.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Comfortis™ (Lilly)

Uses of Comfortis™

Comfortis™ is used in the control and treatment of adult flea infestations in puppies and dogs. For more information on flea infestations, please see Flea Infestation in Dogs.

Comfortis™ may benefit pets with Flea Allergy Dermatitis.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Comfortis™ can cause side effects in some animals.

Comfortis™ should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Comfortis™ is approved for use in dogs and puppies over 14 weeks of age. It should be used with caution in breeding females and in dogs with epilepsy.

Comfortis™ may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss using other medications when your pet is on Comfortis™. One interaction of note is when used with high doses of ivermectin – have resulted in signs of ivermectin toxicity in some dogs.

Comfortis™ is an oral agent. The most common side effect noted was vomiting. Other adverse reactions included decreased appetite, lethargy, redness of the skin, hyperactivity and excessive salivation.

How Comfortis™ is Supplied

Comfortis™ is available as an oral chewable tablet. IT is dosed by body weight. Available sizes include:

5 – 10 pounds – 140 mg tablet
10.1 – 20 pounds – 270 mg tablet
20.1 to 40 pounds – 560 mg tablet
40.1 to 60 pounds – 810 mg tablet
60.1 to 120 pounds – 1620 mg tablet

Dogs over 120 ponds should be given the appropriate combination of tablets.

Dosing Information for Comfortis™

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

The dose of Comfortis™ for preventative flea control is administration of the product every 4 weeks throughout the flea season.

Treatment can begin any time of year but should ideally begin 1 month prior to flea season.

Comfortis™ should be administered with food to maximize effectiveness.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. The manufacturer suggests monthly treatments to protect against flea re-infestation. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.

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