Capstar® Tablets for Flea Infestation in Cats and Dogs

Capstar® is an oral flea treatment for cats and dogs. This page explains how it works, safety considerations, and how to use it correctly. We provide US delivery from Canada, including options for pet owners without insurance.

What Capstar Is and How It Works

The capstar flea tablet contains nitenpyram, a neonicotinoid insecticide that targets adult fleas. It binds to flea nerve receptors and causes rapid paralysis and death. This medicine is absorbed after a single oral dose and acts on fleas present on your pet at the time of dosing. Environmental control remains important to reduce reinfestation from bedding, carpets, and yards; see our guidance on Flea Infestation for broader care steps.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Who It’s For

Capstar for Cat/Dog is indicated to kill adult fleas on dogs and cats. It may be used in households with both species, which simplifies same-day treatment. Puppies and kittens must meet the minimum age and weight on the label before use. Discuss use in pregnant or nursing animals with a veterinarian.

For very young pets that also need monthly prevention, you may consider age-appropriate topicals; see options for Puppies and Kittens after speaking with your vet.

Dosage and Usage

Give one tablet by mouth as a single dose when live fleas are seen. Tablets can be given with or without food and may be hidden in a small amount of food if needed. Dosing may be repeated once per day if fleas are present or return from the environment. Treat all pets in the home and clean common areas to reduce reinfestation.

Dosing guidance for nitenpyram tablets for cats is the same in principle as for dogs: choose the appropriate product strength by pet size and follow label directions. Do not split or crush tablets unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Provide fresh water and monitor for scratching or grooming shortly after dosing, which may occur as fleas die.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is supplied as oral tablets in two strengths commonly used for dogs and cats: 11.4 mg and 57 mg. Pack sizes vary by market; many pet owners choose capstar 6 tablets for short-term needs or multi-pet households. Availability can differ by location.

Missed Dose and Timing

This product is typically given on days when fleas are observed. If you intended to dose and forgot, you can give the next dose when live fleas are seen again. Do not exceed one dose per day. For ongoing protection, combine with an approved monthly preventive as directed by your veterinarian.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original blister until use. Keep the package dry, away from heat and direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are damaged or past their labeled expiry.

For travel, keep tablets in the labeled carton or blister to help identify the medicine at security checkpoints. Pack enough for the full trip and a small buffer. Place medication in your carry-on to avoid temperature extremes. Carry your veterinarian’s contact details and a copy of any instructions in case questions arise during travel.

Benefits

Many owners value capstar fast acting flea tablets for quick relief of adult fleas. The tablet provides same-day action against live fleas on your pet and can be redosed on consecutive days if re-exposure occurs. It works for both dogs and cats, which simplifies coordination in multi-pet homes. It can also be paired with monthly preventives for comprehensive control.

Side Effects and Safety

Common, usually mild effects can include:

• Temporary itching or increased grooming after dosing, as fleas die
• Vomiting or soft stool in some animals
• Lethargy or restlessness for a short period
• Decreased appetite or drooling in sensitive pets

In dogs, rare events with nitenpyram tablets for dogs may include tremors or seizures, particularly in animals with a prior seizure history. Hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon but possible. If severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, trouble breathing, or neurologic signs occur, seek veterinary care promptly.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Nitenpyram has minimal known drug–drug interactions and is often used alongside monthly preventives. Always inform your veterinarian about other medicines, supplements, or shampoos you are using. Caution is advised in pets with a history of seizures or significant neurologic disease. Follow label weight and age limits; do not give to very small or too-young animals outside labeled use.

For long-term prevention after knockdown of adult fleas, many veterinarians pair a monthly topical. A topical option For Dogs may be considered as part of a complete plan under veterinary guidance.

What to Expect Over Time

After dosing, you may see brief scratching or grooming as fleas die on the coat. The treatment acts on fleas present at the time of dosing; it does not persist long in the body. In environments with heavy infestation, new fleas can jump on from carpets, bedding, or outdoors. Regular cleaning, washing bedding in hot water, and vacuuming can help reduce re-exposure.

Many pet owners use a same-day tablet for quick relief and a monthly preventive for ongoing protection. Discuss a long-term plan with your veterinarian, including environmental control and a monthly topical like a prescription combo; options such as Combo may be appropriate for certain pets.

Compare With Alternatives

For dogs needing month-long protection, a chewable is one option; Simparica provides monthly coverage against fleas and ticks when prescribed by your veterinarian. For cats requiring a broad-spectrum topical, Revolution Plus combines flea, tick, and parasite prevention in a monthly application. Your veterinarian can help decide whether a same-day tablet, a monthly preventive, or both fit your pet’s situation.

Pricing and Access

Pack sizes and availability can influence total out-of-pocket costs. You can review current options and compare pack counts before ordering. We offer transparent Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada, and an encrypted checkout for your peace of mind. If you are looking for broader pet care options, browse our Pet Medications to plan multi-pet orders efficiently.

Looking for seasonal deals or bundle offers? Visit our current Promotions page for updates.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength and pack count. If a specific tablet strength or pack is unavailable, your veterinarian may recommend an alternative product that fits your pet’s age, weight, and parasite risk. Do not substitute products or strengths without professional guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit households needing rapid kill of adult fleas on more than one pet. It may not be appropriate for animals below the labeled age or weight thresholds, or for pets with certain neurologic conditions. Ask your veterinarian about the best approach if your pet has a complex medical history.

To save, consider multi-pet ordering and aligning refills for fewer shipments. Buying a larger pack can reduce per-tablet expense compared to single packs. Set reminders to reorder before peak flea seasons. When traveling, keep a few spare tablets in your pet kit so you can dose on the day fleas are seen.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this flea tablet appropriate for my pet’s age and weight?
• How should I combine a same-day tablet with a monthly preventive?
• What side effects should I watch for after dosing?
• How often can I redose if fleas return from the environment?
• Is it safe to use with my pet’s other medications or supplements?
• What cleaning steps at home help reduce reinfestation?
• Should I treat every pet in the household on the same day?

Authoritative Sources

For official information, review these resources from manufacturers and regulators:

• Manufacturer product information and FAQs for Capstar
• FDA Green Book searchable listings for approved veterinary drugs
• Health Canada Drug Product Database search portal

Ready to order for your pet? Place your request at CanadianInsulin for prompt, express, cold-chain shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.