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

Medication: Sarolaner

Medication: Sarolaner

Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient sarolaner to treat and control flea and tick infestations.

Key points:
• Ectoparasiticide.
• Can be used in puppies >8 weeks of age and dogs >1.3 kg (2.8 lbs).
• Use with caution in dogs with a history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
• Wash hands after handling tablets.
• 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
  • Sarolaner (SAR-oh-LAN-er).
Brand name
  • Simparica.
  • Simparica TRIO (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel).
Class of medication
  • Systemic acaricide and insecticide belonging to the isoxazoline group.
Storage
  • Store at or below 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F).
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Why has my dog been prescribed sarolaner?

Your veterinarian has prescribed sarolaner for the treatment of fleas and ticks:

  • UK/EU:
    • Flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis and Ccanis) ​
      • Can be used as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
      • Treatment of tick infestations (Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes hexagonusIxodes ricinus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
      • Treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei
      • Treatment of ear mite infestations (Otodectes cynotis)
      • Treatment of demodicosis (Demodex canis).
  • US:
    • Flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis)
    • Treatment and control of tick infestations:
      • Amblyomma americanum (Lone star tick)
      • Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick)
      • Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)
      • Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick)
      • Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown dog tick).

Fleas and ticks must attach to the host and commence feeding in order to be exposed to the active substance. There is a 35 day efficacy against fleas and ticks, intended for monthly administration.

How is the medication given?

Sarolaner is given orally once a month at the recommended dosage of 2-4 mg/kg (0.91 mg/lb). The flavored tablets are available in a range of sizes (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, (120 mg US only). It can be given with or without food. Do not break or split the tablets. 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.

Dogs weighing >40 kg (UK/EU) or >132 lb (US) should be administered the appropriate combination of available strengths to achieve the recommended dose of 2-4 mg/kg.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Sarolaner may cause transient and self-limiting abnormal neurologic signs such as tremors, decreased conscious proprioception, ataxia, decreased or absent menace, and/or seizures. All dogs recovered without treatment. Tell your veterinarian if your dog has a history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders. Other reported side-effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and inappetence.

No treatment-related clinical signs were observed in Collies (MDR1 -/-) following a single oral administration at 5 times the recommended dose.

There are no known drug interactions while using sarolaner. Sarolaner has been used safely in dogs treated with commonly prescribed vaccines, parasiticides and other medications.

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Sarolaner is given at monthly intervals and protection lasts for 35 days. Treatment can begin at any time of the year.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused sarolaner safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save sarolaner 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.

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?

Sarolaner should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household
  • Should not be used in dogs less than 8 weeks of age
  • Use in puppies <8 weeks of age and/or <1.3 kg should be based on a benefit-risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian
  • Use with caution in dogs with a history of epilepsy or neurological disorders.
  • Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
  • Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice
  • Wash your hands after handling the medication.

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 sarolaner?

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking sarolaner.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on sarolaner can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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