Simparica 20 mg
Sarolaner 20 mg/6 mL
What it does
Sarolaner is a medication used to treat specific parasite infestations in pets.
Commonly used for: flea infestations (flea control), tick infestations (tick control)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:51:49 · updated 2026-09-17 03:00:44
About this medicine
Sarolaner is a medication used to treat specific parasite infestations in pets.
What it treats
- flea infestations (flea control)
- tick infestations (tick control)
How it works
It works by disrupting the nervous system of the parasites, effectively killing them.
Who it's for
Sarolaner is intended for use in dogs and cats to help manage and prevent parasite infestations.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: sarolaner
BNF-referencedSarolaner is an insecticide and acaricide used in veterinary medicine, primarily for the treatment and prevention of flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It belongs to the isoxazoline class of compounds, which act by disrupting the nervous system of parasites, leading to their death. Sarolaner is administered orally and is well-absorbed, providing a long duration of action against ectoparasites.
Indications
- Treatment of flea infestations in dogs and cats
- Treatment of tick infestations in dogs and cats
- Prevention of flea and tick infestations
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations for paediatric patients.
Adults: For dogs, the recommended dosage is 2 to 4 mg/kg body weight, administered once monthly. For cats, the dosage is similar, with emphasis on accurate weight measurement to ensure proper dosing.
Mechanism of action
Sarolaner exerts its effects by inhibiting the function of ligand-gated chloride channels, specifically the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated chloride channels in arthropods. This inhibition leads to hyperexcitation of the nervous system, paralysis, and ultimately death of the fleas and ticks.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic profile of sarolaner indicates that it is highly effective against various ectoparasites. It demonstrates a rapid onset of action, killing fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours of administration. The drug's efficacy is primarily due to its strong binding affinity for the target ion channels, which results in prolonged neurotoxicity in susceptible parasites.
Pharmacokinetics
Sarolaner is well-absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 4 to 6 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 18 to 21 days, allowing for sustained efficacy with monthly dosing. The drug is predominantly metabolized in the liver, with excretion occurring mainly through feces and urine. Its bioavailability is affected by food intake, with higher absorption noted when given with a meal.
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Ataxia
- Lethargy
Precautions
- Use with caution in animals with a history of hypersensitivity to sarolaner
- Not recommended for use in dogs less than 6 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg
Pregnancy
The safety of sarolaner in pregnant dogs has not been established. Use only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
The safety of sarolaner in lactating dogs has not been established. Use only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Chewable tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: sarolaner
PubChem CID 73169092Molecular formula: C23H18Cl2F4N2O5S
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.