Side Effects of Frontline Tick Medicine
Frontline products are effective for killing fleas and ticks within 18 to 48 hours of application, but owners of animals that are treated using Frontline should be aware that there are known side effects that can occur with the use of the topical pesticide.
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Active Ingredient
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The active ingredient used in Merial's Frontline brand products, including Frontline TopSpray, Frontline Plus and Frontline TopSpot, is fipronil.
Uses
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Fipronil is a pesticide used topically in the control of parasites on dogs and cats, as well as an ingredient in pesticides used in bait systems for cockroaches, fire ants, termites, ticks and other insects.
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Side Effects
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The most commonly reported side effect of fipronil is irritation or hair loss at the application site, but it can also cause drowsiness, muscle tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, excess salivation, changes in heart rate, loss of appetite or rapid breathing.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Dobozy of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reports that when an animal is treated with pesticides containing fipronil, the drug can be subsequently found in significant amounts in the body's organs and fat cells, urine and feces, and that it is systemically absorbed.
Considerations
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The risks of side effects are increased when treating elderly or sick animals, and animals younger than 8 weeks. There are warnings against using fipronil to treat animals that are pregnant, nursing or are within 30 days of planned breeding (see Resources).
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Resources
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Comments
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Putting pesticides in my dogs blood sytem has come to an end.All natural is the way to go!
