Capstar® Flea Tablets for Dogs

What Capstar® Is and How It Works

Capstar® is an oral flea tablet for dogs that kills adult fleas fast. Capstar for Dog refers to the canine dosing and pack options offered here. The active ingredient is nitenpyram, a fast-acting flea adulticide. It targets the nervous system of adult fleas and causes rapid paralysis. It starts working within 30 minutes in dogs and reaches high efficacy within hours.

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This product is indicated for the treatment of adult flea infestations in dogs. It is an oral tablet available in strengths sized by weight range. It may be used as a single dose for rapid knockdown, and can be given daily when fleas are seen. Capstar does not provide long-term protection against reinfestation. Pair it with ongoing flea control and home hygiene to reduce re-exposure.

Dosage and Usage

• Choose the strength by weight: 11.4 mg for 2–25 lb (small dogs) and 57 mg for 25–125 lb (large dogs).
• Administer one tablet by mouth once. Give with or without food.
• Tablets may be hidden in a small amount of food if needed.
• Minimum age and weight: at least 4 weeks of age and 2 lb body weight.
• Onset is rapid. Increased scratching may occur as fleas die and move.
• Repeat one tablet per day if fleas are seen. Use until the environment is controlled.
• Do not split tablets to dose outside labeled weight ranges.
• If a dose is missed and fleas are present, give as soon as remembered.
• If vomiting occurs within a short time after dosing, redose may be needed.
• Safe to use alongside many monthly preventives. Confirm compatibility for specific products if unsure.
• For households with multiple pets, treat all dogs and cats appropriately to reduce recurrence.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original blister until use to protect from moisture.
• Protect from excessive heat and humidity during storage and travel.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• When you travel, pack in carry-on luggage and avoid leaving in a hot car.
• When you receive your order, check the strength and expiry before use.

Benefits and Savings

This fast acting oral flea treatment for dogs provides rapid relief. Most dogs see visible effects within hours. A single dose kills adult fleas quickly, which helps reduce bites and discomfort. It can be used for both Capstar for small dogs and Capstar for large dogs with weight-based strengths. It complements long-term flea control plans and grooming.

Capstar flea tablets for dogs offer convenient, mess-free dosing. No topical residue or bathing restrictions are needed. Tablets can be given with food for ease. The product is suitable for multi-pet homes when used by species and weight. Boxes are available in practical sizes, including Capstar 6 tablets, for flexible use during peak flea season.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. See our promotions page for current offers, including any discount capstar for dogs if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: increased scratching, transient hyperactivity, panting, or agitation as fleas die.
• Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or decreased appetite.
• Neurologic (uncommon): lethargy, incoordination; seizures have been reported rarely.
• Hypersensitivity reactions are possible in pets with known sensitivity to nitenpyram.
• Use the correct tablet for species; dog tablets are for dogs only.

Serious reactions are uncommon. Dogs with a seizure history or severe illness may require added caution. Capstar kills adult fleas but does not kill eggs or larvae, so environmental control remains important. Report unexpected reactions to a veterinarian and discontinue dosing until advised.

Onset Time

Nitenpyram begins killing adult fleas within 30 minutes of dosing in dogs. Significant reductions are typically seen within 4 hours. Many dogs show relief from biting as adult fleas die and fall off. Because the drug clears quickly, ongoing monthly preventives are needed to maintain control. Repeat Capstar dosing daily if adult fleas reappear while environmental measures take effect.

Compare With Alternatives

Capstar flea medicine for dogs provides rapid knockdown but short duration. Monthly oral options such as spinosad tablets or isoxazoline chews (e.g., afoxolaner or fluralaner) offer sustained protection against fleas, with some products also covering ticks. These alternatives act longer but may not deliver Capstar’s speed of kill in the first hours.

Topical flea control for dogs, including fipronil or imidacloprid-based spot-ons, provides month-long protection when applied correctly. These products can be paired with Capstar for immediate relief at the start of therapy or after grooming. Selection depends on desired spectrum (fleas only vs fleas and ticks), dosing frequency, and household needs.

Combination Therapy

• Use Capstar for rapid adult flea knockdown while starting a monthly preventive.
• Combine with an insect growth regulator (e.g., lufenuron or pyriproxyfen in the home) to reduce immature stages.
• Pair with topical or oral monthly products to maintain protection after the first day.
• Apply home hygiene: frequent vacuuming, hot washing of bedding, and environmental sprays if advised.
• Treat all pets in the household with species-appropriate products to reduce reinfestation.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Capstar flea treatment for dogs suits households needing fast relief from biting fleas. Candidates include dogs at least 4 weeks old and 2 lb or more. It is often used at the start of a flea plan, before grooming, after travel, or when returning from boarding. It may be used for Capstar for dogs under 25 lbs or for larger dogs using the higher strength.

Do not use in dogs under the minimum age or weight. Use the canine version for dogs; choose the feline product for cats. Take care in dogs with a seizure history or known hypersensitivity to nitenpyram. Monitor closely during the first use when flea burdens are heavy, as itching can increase temporarily.

Cost-saving tips:

• Consider multi-box purchases during peak seasons to reduce per-tablet cost.
• Plan ahead for travel or boarding and add needed quantities to your order.
• Bundle items in one shipment when possible to reduce overall fees.
• Set a reminder to reorder before warm weather or regional flea spikes.
• Choose the correct strength to avoid waste and ensure effective dosing.

Authoritative Sources

Capstar manufacturer product information (Elanco)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine: Capstar listings

Order Capstar® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always follow the label directions and your veterinarian’s guidance for your pet.