Capstar® Tablets for Dogs

Capstar is an oral flea tablet used in dogs and puppies. It targets adult fleas and provides rapid, short-term relief. This page explains how it works, who can use it, and how to give it safely.

What Capstar Is and How It Works

Capstar® contains nitenpyram, a fast-acting neonicotinoid that targets flea nerve receptors. It begins to work within 30 minutes and can reduce adult fleas the same day. Order with confidence for US delivery from Canada, and compare options even if you are paying without insurance. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

When given by mouth, the tablet is absorbed quickly. It binds flea nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to paralysis and death. Many dogs start scratching more soon after dosing as fleas are killed and fall off. Use capstar for fleas as an on-demand rescue option, then pair with a monthly preventive for continued protection.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for dogs and puppies at least 4 weeks of age and weighing 2 pounds or more. It may be given with or without food. Use capstar for puppies only when they meet the age and weight criteria.

Do not use in animals with known hypersensitivity to nitenpyram. Talk to a veterinarian before use in dogs with a history of seizures or significant neurologic disease. If your household includes cats, choose a feline-appropriate product for them.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the product label for weight-based dosing. Give one tablet by mouth when adult fleas are seen. You can offer the tablet directly, hide it in food, or place it in a small treat. Use capstar flea tablets for dogs as a same-day rescue, and continue daily if fleas persist, per label directions.

If reinfestation occurs, you may repeat once daily until the environment is addressed. This treatment does not provide residual protection after 24 hours. Combine with environmental control and a monthly flea preventive as advised by your veterinarian.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are available for small and larger dogs. Common presentations include 11.4 mg for smaller dogs and 57 mg for larger dogs. Availability can vary by supplier and pack size. Confirm current stock before you place your order. Some owners search for nitenpyram 57mg for clarity on the higher-strength option.

Missed Dose and Timing

This product is given as needed when fleas are present. If you intended to dose and forgot, give the tablet when you remember. Do not exceed one dose in a 24-hour period unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise.

If fleas return, repeat dosing on a new day. For long-term control, add a monthly preventive and continue cleaning the pet’s environment.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original blister until use. Keep dry, out of direct light, and away from children and other animals. Do not use tablets that are damaged or past the labeled expiry date.

When traveling, carry the box or a copy of the label for identification. Keep doses in your hand luggage to avoid extreme temperatures. If you cross borders with your pet’s medication, bring a note with your pet’s name, your veterinarian’s details, and the product name for smooth screening.

Benefits

This medicine offers rapid relief from adult fleas with an oral, easy-to-give format. It avoids the mess of topical treatments and can be used alongside many monthly preventives. Many owners value a fast acting oral flea treatment for dogs during peak flea season.

It can be given with a meal, which helps with acceptance. Because it targets adult fleas only, it fits well into an integrated plan that also addresses the environment and ongoing prevention.

Side Effects and Safety

• Increased scratching or grooming as fleas die off
• Transient lethargy or restlessness
• Vomiting or soft stool
• Decreased appetite
• Rare neurologic signs in predisposed dogs

Serious reactions are uncommon. Seek veterinary care for persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, tremors, or seizures. Use caution in dogs with a seizure history. Pregnant and lactating dogs have been included in safety evaluations, but you should consult your veterinarian before use in breeding animals.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Nitenpyram has minimal cytochrome P450 involvement and few known drug interactions. Discuss all flea and tick products your dog receives to avoid duplication. Using multiple adulticidal products at once may increase side-effect risk without added benefit.

Ask your veterinarian before combining with other insecticides in sensitive dogs. Use nitenpyram for dogs within a broader flea control program that includes environmental treatment and routine preventives.

What to Expect Over Time

Most dogs experience rapid reduction in live adult fleas after dosing. Fleas living in carpets, bedding, and outdoor areas can jump back on your pet, so repeat dosing may be needed while you address the environment. This medicine is designed for quick knockdown, not month-long protection.

Owners of larger breeds often reach for capstar for large dogs to match weight needs. Pairing same-day relief with a monthly preventive usually provides steadier control across seasons. Consistency with cleaning and preventives helps reduce reinfestation pressure.

Compare With Alternatives

For monthly protection that covers fleas and ticks, some veterinarians recommend oral isoxazolines. You can review options like Simparica for dogs. If you prefer a broad-spectrum topical that also addresses heartworm prevention, consider Revolution for Dog. Ask your veterinarian which approach fits your dog’s age, weight, and health profile.

Pricing and Access

See current pricing and compare strengths before you add to cart. Many customers value Canadian pricing with transparent checkout and US delivery options. Ships from Canada to US with reliable fulfilment. If you are looking for seasonal deals, check our Promotions page for current offers.

For multi-pet households, review category options to find products that fit each animal. Browse our Canine Flea Infestation page to see related treatments. You can also explore our broader Pet Medications catalogue for additional choices.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can change based on supplier stock. If a specific strength is unavailable, your veterinarian may suggest a suitable alternative or an interim plan using other approved flea control products. Do not substitute tablets meant for other species without veterinary guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This product suits dogs needing rapid knockdown of adult fleas, including during unexpected flare-ups. It may not be ideal if you want continuous, month-long protection without additional steps. Dogs under 4 weeks of age or under 2 pounds should not receive this medicine.

To save, consider ordering multiple packs for all eligible pets in the home. Set reminders for reorders before peak flea months. Align refills with your monthly preventive schedule to avoid gaps. Our encrypted checkout helps keep your purchase secure.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right on-demand flea option for my dog?
• How should I combine it with a monthly preventive?
• What environmental steps will reduce reinfestation?
• Are there cautions for dogs with seizure history?
• How long should I continue daily dosing?
• What signs should prompt a veterinary exam?

Authoritative Sources

For detailed labeling and safety data, see the manufacturer’s site and regulatory resources: review the Capstar product information from Elanco and veterinary drug listings.

• Elanco Capstar product details and label
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine FOI summaries portal
• Health Canada Drug Product Database search page

Order today from CanadianInsulin for US shipping from Canada and prompt, express 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.