Frontline Spray Generic

Description

Frontline Spray is a topical antiparasitic medication used to control and prevent infestations of fleas, ticks, and biting lice on cats and dogs. It contains fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide that attacks the nervous system of these pests and kills them. You can use Frontline Spray on puppies and kittens as young as 2 days old. Both veterinarians and pet owners use it to treat pets that already have fleas or ticks, and to help manage problems like Flea Allergy Dermatitis, which is a skin reaction some pets get from flea bites.

Directions

Frontline Spray should be applied to your pet’s skin using the spray bottle set to "spray," holding it about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) away and spraying against the direction of their fur. Ruffle the coat to help the spray reach the skin. For the head or sensitive pets, spray onto a gloved hand and rub it in, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Use enough spray to dampen the fur to the skin, or around 6 to 12 pumps per kg for a 100 mL bottle or 2 to 4 pumps per kg for a 250 mL bottle. Let your pet air dry naturally without towel drying, and wear gloves while applying. Do not bathe your pet for at least 48 hours after treatment, and wait at least 4 weeks before using the spray again.

Ingredients

Frontline Spray contains the active ingredient Fipronil.

Contraindications

Avoid giving this medication in dogs and cats in which the following apply:

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to the active substance or any excipients
• Sick animals (including those with systemic diseases or fever)
• Animals recovering from illness (convalescent animals)
• Rabbits (risk of severe adverse reactions or death)

Cautions

• Before giving this medication, you may want to consult a veterinarian about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

• Do not use more Frontline Spray than directed. Make sure pets don’t lick each other after treatment, and don’t let dogs swim in rivers or lakes for two days after application.
• A few ticks may still attach even after treatment, so there’s a small chance of disease transmission in some situations. Keep pets away from open flames, heat sources, or delicate surfaces for at least 30 minutes or until their fur is completely dry.
• Puppies and kittens can be safely treated starting at 2 days old. Avoid spraying near flames or hot objects, and never spray directly on a flame.
• Avoid getting the product in your eyes or mouth. People with allergies to insecticides or alcohol should not handle the spray.
• If it touches your skin or eyes, rinse with water and wash hands with soap. If irritation or asthma symptoms occur, seek medical help and avoid future use.
• Don’t touch treated animals until their fur is fully dry, and keep children from playing with them until then. It’s best to treat pets in the evening and not let them sleep in your bed right afterward.
• Always spray pets outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing in the spray.
• Don’t eat, drink, or smoke while applying the product. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.
• Wear gloves and a waterproof apron while applying the spray. If your clothes get soaked, remove and wash them before wearing them again.
• When treating multiple pets, make sure there’s good airflow. Let each pet dry in a ventilated area and avoid placing several freshly treated animals in the same enclosed space.

Side Effects

Side effects with Frontline Spray are very rare but may include temporary redness, itching, or hair loss at the application site. These reactions are usually mild and resolve on their own without treatment.

Occasionally, animals may experience vomiting or excessive salivation, especially if they lick the product. Rare respiratory or neurological signs such as increased sensitivity or depression have also been reported, but these are typically reversible. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if any serious side effects occur after use.

References

1. Frontline Spray Summary of Product Characteristics. Ingelheim, Germany: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....