Capstar® Tablets for Dogs

Capstar is an oral flea adulticide for dogs. It kills adult fleas fast and helps reduce biting discomfort. This page explains how to use it correctly, compare options, and check access with US delivery from Canada, even if you are paying without insurance.

What Capstar Is and How It Works

Capstar® contains nitenpyram, a fast-acting flea adulticide for dogs. It targets the nervous system of adult fleas, which may lead to rapid flea death and relief from biting. The medicine is oral, so there is no residue on the coat. It can be given with or without food.

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

After dosing, you may see fleas fall off or become more visible as they react. This medicine does not persist in the body for a month; it controls the adult stage only. For ongoing control, many pet owners pair it with a monthly preventive recommended by a veterinarian.

Learn more pet options across our Pet Medications category. Nitenpyram for dogs is the active ingredient used in this oral therapy.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for dogs and puppies that need quick adult flea removal. It is suitable for dogs 4 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 pounds. Capstar for puppies can be used when they meet the labeled age and weight thresholds. It may be given to pregnant or nursing dogs; speak with your veterinarian if your dog has any health conditions or is taking other treatments. Do not use in animals with a known hypersensitivity to nitenpyram. For cats, use feline-labeled products only.

Dosage and Usage

Give one tablet by mouth, based on your dog’s weight, as directed on the label. It may be administered directly by hand or hidden in a small portion of food. Ensure the full tablet is consumed. If fleas are seen again, you may give another dose; do not give more than once per day unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Nitenpyram 11.4 mg for dogs is typically used for smaller dogs per label weight ranges; larger dogs use the higher strength per label directions.

Provide fresh water, and monitor your dog for a short time after administration. If your dog is on other parasite control products, ask your veterinarian how to combine this fast-acting adulticide with monthly preventives for comprehensive control of the life cycle.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as oral tablets in child-resistant packaging. Common presentations include:

• 11.4 mg tablets for small dogs by label weight range
• 57 mg tablets for larger dogs by label weight range

Availability may vary by pack count. Color-coding may differ by market. Capstar for small dogs 2-25 lbs is distinct from the larger-dog presentation; always select the version that matches your dog’s weight.

Missed Dose and Timing

This product is used as needed for adult fleas rather than on a strict calendar. If you intended to give a dose and forgot, administer it when you remember, as long as your dog has not already received a dose within the past 24 hours. If fleas are seen again later, a new dose can be given, observing the once-daily maximum. If you are unsure about timing, follow the label or ask your veterinarian. Do not split tablets or combine different strengths unless directed by a professional.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the Capstar flea pill for dogs in the original blister pack until use. Keep at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture and sunlight. Protect from children and other animals. For travel, carry the labeled package, and keep tablets in a secure container in your hand luggage. Do not store tablets in hot vehicles. Dispose of unused tablets in accordance with local regulations, and never flush into wastewater systems.

Benefits

This oral therapy offers practical advantages for flea control in dogs:

• Fast adult flea kill for quick relief
• Oral dosing with no oily residue
• Can be given with or without food
• Usable alongside monthly preventives when advised
• Flexible, as-needed daily administration during heavy exposure

Side Effects and Safety

Many dogs tolerate this medicine well. When side effects occur, they are often brief. Commonly reported effects include:

• Vomiting or reduced appetite
• Lethargy or hyperactivity
• Itching, pawing, or grooming
• Diarrhea or soft stool
• Panting or salivation

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include tremors or seizures, especially in dogs with a seizure history. Stop the medicine and contact a veterinarian if severe or unusual signs occur. Keep all poisons, chemicals, and other pet treatments away from this oral therapy to prevent accidental ingestion or interactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all products your dog receives, including preventives, antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, and supplements. Nitenpyram for dogs is often used with monthly preventives, but your veterinarian can advise on appropriate combinations and timing. For background on common pet therapies, see Explore Doxycycline and How Reliable Is Azithromycin. Use caution in dogs with neurological conditions. Do not give to animals with known nitenpyram allergy.

What to Expect Over Time

After dosing, adult fleas on the dog may die quickly. New fleas can jump on from the environment until the surroundings are treated and monthly preventives are in place. This medicine can be given once daily during heavy exposure periods under label guidance. Continue environmental control measures such as washing bedding, vacuuming, and using veterinarian-recommended premise treatments where appropriate. Work with your veterinarian on a long-term plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Some pet owners prefer a broader monthly preventive. Two options we offer include:

• Simparica chewable tablets for dogs, a monthly isoxazoline preventive per label.
• Revolution For Dog topical solution with monthly use per label.

These products provide longer coverage intervals. Your veterinarian can help choose between a rapid adulticide and a monthly preventive, or advise on combining them appropriately.

Pricing and Access

Check Canadian pricing on this treatment, with US shipping from Canada. See our Where To Buy Pet Medications guide for practical steps on ordering pet therapies online. At checkout, you can pay cash and see estimated costs before placing an order. We support encrypted checkout. For coupon updates, visit our Promotions page. If you pay out of pocket, you may compare options for Nitenpyram without insurance at different pack sizes.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and pack size. If a specific strength or pack is unavailable, a veterinarian may recommend a comparable alternative or a different preventive. We cannot guarantee restock dates. Always follow the labeled product for your dog’s weight.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy suits dogs needing rapid adult flea kill, including during sudden infestations or after exposure to flea-dense environments. It may not suit dogs under 2 pounds, under 4 weeks of age, or dogs with known hypersensitivity to nitenpyram. Discuss seizure history with your veterinarian before use. To save, consider multi-pack orders and set refill reminders so you have tablets available when needed. For broader pet-care reading, see Understanding Arthritis In Dogs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Right product: Which oral adulticide and monthly preventive fit my dog’s needs?
• Weight-based choice: Which strength matches my dog’s current weight?
• Use with preventives: How should I time doses with my monthly control?
• Safety factors: Is this appropriate for pregnant or nursing dogs?
• Side effects: What signs should I watch for after a dose?
• Environment: What steps reduce re-infestation from my home or yard?
• Refills: How many tablets should I keep on hand for peak seasons?

Authoritative Sources

Capstar Official Site

Elanco (Manufacturer)

FDA Animal Drugs Database

To get this medicine to your door with Ships from Canada to US and prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required, place your request at CanadianInsulin. Information here is educational and not a substitute for veterinary advice.