CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,

Medication: Lotilaner
Medication: Lotilaner
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient lotilaner to treat and control flea and tick infestations.
Key points:
• Ectoparasiticide.
• Must be given with food.
• Wash hands after handling the tablets.
• Do not use in puppies less than 8 weeks old or in dogs weighing less than 2 kg (4.4. lbs) (US) or less than 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) (Europe & UK).
• Beef flavoring may be problematic in beef-sensitive dogs.
• Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.
• Dosage: every 30 days.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Lotilaner (loe-tih-LAN-er).
Brand name
- Credelio®.
Class of medication
- Ectoparasiticide.
- Insecticide and acaricide belonging to the isoxazoline family.
Storage
- Chewable tablets should be stored at 15°C-25°C (59°F-77°F).
- Shelf life: 2 years.
Why has my dog been prescribed lotilaner?
Your veterinarian has prescribed lotilaner for the treatment of the following fleas and ticks:
Europe & UK
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis) and ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus and Dermacentor reticulatus) infestation in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 1 month.
USA
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum) infestation in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 1 month.
Lotilaner can be used as part of a treatment strategy for control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
How is the medication given?
Lotilaner is given orally. The beef-flavored chewable tablets should be given with a meal or within 30 minutes after feeding. Dogs that are sensitive to beef may better tolerate the feline chewable tablets that are flavored with vanilla and yeast. Tell your veterinarian if your dog is sensitive to beef products.
There are five sizes of tablets available to be administered to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Make sure your dog consumes the complete dose. If you suspect that part of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The following side-effects have been reported: weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, increased urination, and diarrhea.
Lotilaner is an isoxazoline and potential side-effects of this class of drug are neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, incoordination, and seizures. Therefore, lotilaner should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
There are no known interactions of lotilaner with other drugs.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Lotilaner is given at monthly intervals throughout the flea and/or tick seasons. Your veterinarian may recommend a different schedule based on local or regional circumstances and risk factors.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused lotilaner safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save lotilaner for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of administration, re-dose with another full dose. If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period. However, no adverse reactions were observed following oral administration to puppies aged 8-9 weeks and weighing 1.3-3.6 kg treated with overdoses of up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose on eight occasions at monthly intervals.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Lotilaner should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not give to puppies less than 8 weeks of age or less than 1.3 kg of body weight (Europe & UK)
- Do not give to puppies less than 8 weeks of age or dogs weighing less than 2 kg (4.4 lbs) (US)
- Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures
- Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on lotilaner?
No specific tests are required while your dog is taking lotilaner.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on lotilaner can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- European Medicines Agency. Summary of Product Characteristics Credelio®. Website: ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/2018/20180709141258/anx_141258_en.pdf
- European Medicines Agency. European Public Assessment Report (2017). Website: www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/assessment-report/credelio-epar-public-assessment-report_en.pdf
USA
- Food and Drugs Administration. Freedom of Information Summary. Credelio® chewable tablets for dogs (2018). Website: www.animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov
- Elanco Credelio®. Website: https://www.elanco.us/products-services/dogs/credelio
- Credelio® Package insert. Website: https://www.elancolabels.com/us/credelio
- Credelio®. Website: www.credelio.com/about-credelio
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.