Spinosad (Comfortis™)

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.


     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 How to Control and Prevent Fleas on Your Dog

      The flea is a small, brown, wingless insect that utilizes specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and siphon blood; the bite of a single flea can cause severe itching, scratching and the most common...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Flea Control and Prevention in Dogs

      The flea is a small, wingless insect that uses specialized mouth parts to pierce the skin and siphon blood. It may be small but it's big on driving you nuts. Here's how to curtail this blood-sucking, irritating...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    • Related Articles
    • 1Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2How to Control and Prevent Fleas on Your Dog

      The flea is a small, brown, wingless insect that utilizes specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and siphon blood; the bite of a single flea can cause severe itching, scratching and the most common...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Flea Control and Prevention in Dogs

      The flea is a small, wingless insect that uses specialized mouth parts to pierce the skin and siphon blood. It may be small but it's big on driving you nuts. Here's how to curtail this blood-sucking, irritating...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2How to Control and Prevent Fleas on Your Dog

      The flea is a small, brown, wingless insect that utilizes specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and siphon blood; the bite of a single flea can cause severe itching, scratching and the most common...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Flea Control and Prevention in Dogs

      The flea is a small, wingless insect that uses specialized mouth parts to pierce the skin and siphon blood. It may be small but it's big on driving you nuts. Here's how to curtail this blood-sucking, irritating...

      Read MoreRead More