Frontline Product Information

Frontline Plus Questions

What conditions does Frontline Plus treat?

There is a separate dog and cat Frontline Plus which treats fleas (for 8 weeks), ticks (for 4 weeks) and biting lice once applied, in dogs, and fleas for 4 weeks and ticks for 2 weeks and biting lice. The cat Frontline Plus can be used in ferrets and kills fleas and ticks for 4 weeks.

How does Frontline Plus work for dogs and cats?

It contains Fipronil and S-methoprene which kills ticks, lice and fleas and prevents the multiplication of fleas by inhibiting the development of eggs (ovicidal activity) and larvae and pupae.

Fipronil is an insecticide and acaricide belonging to the phenylpyrazole family. It acts by interacting with ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby blocking pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. This results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system and death of insects or acarines. Fipronil kills fleas within 24 hours and ticks (Dermacentor reticulatus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis campanulata) and lice within 48 hours post-exposure.

(S)-Methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR) of the class of compounds known as juvenile hormone analogues that inhibit the development of immature stages of insects. This compound mimics the action of juvenile hormone and causes impaired development and death of the developing stages of fleas. The on-animal ovicidal activity of (S)-methoprene results from either direct penetration of the eggshell of newly laid eggs or from absorption through the cuticle of the adult fleas. (S)-methoprene is also effective in preventing flea larvae and pupae from developing, which prevents contamination of the environment of treated animals with the immature stages of fleas.

There may be an attachment of a few ticks. For this reason a transmission of infectious diseases by ticks cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavourable.
Fleas from pets often infest the animal's basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings which should be treated, in case of massive infestation and at the beginning of the control measures, with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly.

When treating infestations of parasites, all in-contact animals should be treated with an appropriate product at the same time.

How should I administer Frontline Plus to my pet?

It is a spot on solution applied to the skin at the back of the neck between the shoulders, by parting the hair.

Hold the pipette upright. Tap the narrow part of the pipette to ensure the contents remain within the main body of the pipette. Snap back the tip. Part the coat on the back of the animal at the base of the neck in front of the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze the pipette several times to empty its contents completely and directly onto the skin in one spot.

Bathing/immersion in water within 2 days after application of the product and more frequent bathing than once a week should be avoided.

Avoid contact with the animal's eyes.

It is important to make sure that the product is applied to an area where the animal cannot lick it off and to make sure that animals do not lick each other following treatment.

This product can cause mucous membrane, skin and eye irritation. Therefore, contact of the product with mouth, skin and eyes should be avoided.

If the product is accidentally swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet to the physician.

People with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to insecticides or alcohol should avoid contact with this product. Avoid contents coming into contact with the fingers. If this occurs, wash hands with soap and water.

After accidental ocular exposure the eye should be rinsed carefully with pure water.

Wash hands after use.

Treated animals should not be handled until the application site is dry, and children should not be allowed to play with treated animals until the application site is dry. It is therefore recommended that animals are not treated during the day, but should be treated during the early evening, and that recently treated animals are not allowed to sleep with owners, especially children.

Do not smoke, drink or eat during application.

What is the correct dosage of Frontline Plus for my animal's weight and species?

The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.

How long should I continue with Frontline Plus for?

You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Frontline Plus?

If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.

Where can I buy Frontline Plus?

You can purchase Frontline Plus cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk

Does Frontline Plus need a prescription?

No, as it is classified as a AVM-GSL (Authorised Veterinary Medicine – General Sales List).

How can I buy Frontline Plus from Vets4u?

You can buy Frontline Plus via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.

Manufacturer’s Link to Frontline Plus

Boehringer - Frontline Plus

NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Frontline Plus

Frontline Datasheet Dogs

Frontline Datasheet Cats

Are there any side-effects of Frontline Plus?
Among the very rare suspected adverse reactions, transient skin reactions on the application site (skin discoloration, local hair loss, itching, redness) and general itching or hair loss have been reported after use. Excessive salivation, reversible nervous signs (increased sensitivity to stimulation, depression, other nervous signs), vomiting or respiratory symptoms have also been observed after use.

If licking occurs, a brief period of excessive salivation may be observed due mainly to the nature of the carrier.

Do not overdose.

The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

Is Frontline Plus any good?
It is licensed to treat fleas and ticks and lice in cats and fleas, ticks and lice in dogs and fleas and ticks in ferrets. Controlling fleas also involves using a good product to treat eggs and larvae in the home.

How long does Frontline Plus take to work?
It takes 24 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks and lice.

Is Frontline Plus safe for dogs?
It is licensed for use in dogs over 8 weeks of age and over 2 kg in weight. It should not be used on sick dogs or convalescing dogs.

Avoid the eyes and apply where it can’t be licked off.

The dog should be weighed accurately to make sure the correct strength product is applied.

Occasional very rare adverse reactions include a transient skin reaction, itching or hair loss where the product is applied. Other rare adverse reactions include vomiting, respiratory symptoms, salivation, and some reversible nervous signs such as increased sensitivity to stimulation, depression and other nervous symptoms.

Very rare is more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000.

It can be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Is Frontline Plus safe for puppies?
Yes, if they are over 8 weeks and over 2kg in weight.

Can Frontline Plus for cats be used on dogs?
No, it is licensed for cats.

Can Frontline Plus be used more than once a month?
No.

Can you use Frontline Plus on kittens?
They need to be 8 weeks old and weigh 1kg or more.

Do you need a prescription for Frontline Plus?
No, it is an ‘over the counter ‘medication but a responsible approach by the supplier is expected.

Does Frontline Plus kill worms?
No.

How does Frontline Plus for cat’s work?
One of the drugs it contains affects the central nervous system of the parasite, the other inhibits growth of the immature stages and kills the eggs they lay.

How effective is Frontline Plus for cats?
It is licensed to treat fleas and ticks and lice in cats. To eliminate fleas a good household spray is also advised to use alongside flea treatment.

How long does Frontline Plus take to work on cats?
It kills fleas within 24 hours and ticks and lice within 48 hours.

How much is Frontline Plus for cats?
Prices vary by supplier. Contact vets4u.uk to check our price.

How often can you use Frontline Plus on dogs?
The frequency is risk dependent, on lifestyle, where you live and how many animals you have in your household.  It can be used monthly if there is a high risk or parasite infestation.

How soon can I re-apply Frontline Plus?
After a month.

How to administer Frontline Plus for dogs?
It should be applied topically to the skin, avoid your pet or other pets licking the area and avoid the eyes.

Hold the pipette upright, snap back the tip.

Part the hair above the shoulders at the back of the neck so you can see the skin and apply to the skin. 

Don’t bath your dog for at least 2 days after application or allow it to swim after application.

What's the difference between Frontline and Frontline Plus?
FRONTLINE^® is indicated for the treatment and prevention of fleas, ticks and chewing lice in dogs and cats.

FRONTLINE PLUS^® / FRONTLINE COMBO^® is indicated for the treatment and prevention of fleas, ticks and chewing lice in dogs and cats. Also breaks the flea life cycle by preventing the development of immature stages.

Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.