How does Simparica work?

Simparica is a fast-acting monthly chewable tablet designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks by targeting their nervous systems. Its active ingredient, sarolaner, begins working within hours of ingestion, quickly eliminating fleas and ticks while preventing infestations. By disrupting the parasites’ nerve function, Simparica ensures rapid eradication without affecting your dog’s health, providing consistent and effective protection. To fully understand how Simparica works, including its mechanism of action, the parasites it targets, and its fast-acting effectiveness, keep reading to explore how this innovative treatment can provide comprehensive protection for your dog.

What is Simparica?

Simparica (sarolaner) is a monthly, chewable tablet designed to protect dogs against fleas, ticks, and the diseases these parasites may carry. This highly effective, easy-to-administer treatment ensures your furry companion is safeguarded from the discomfort and health risks associated with infestations. With its fast-acting formula, Simparica begins killing fleas within hours and continues to provide robust protection for a full 30 days.

Unlike topical treatments or collars, Simparica’s palatable chewable form is ideal for dogs that dislike other methods of parasite control. Its broad-spectrum action effectively targets multiple tick species, including the lone star tick, black-legged tick, American dog tick, and Gulf Coast tick, which are known carriers of diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Simparica not only eliminates existing pests but also prevents re-infestation, offering long-lasting peace of mind for pet owners.

The active ingredient, sarolaner, works by interfering with the nervous systems of parasites, ensuring rapid eradication without affecting your pet’s health. Simparica’s vet-recommended formulation is safe for use in dogs as young as six months old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds, making it a versatile choice for pets of various sizes and life stages.

For pet owners seeking a convenient, reliable solution to protect their canine companions, Simparica offers a balance of efficacy and ease of use, ensuring your dog remains happy, healthy, and pest-free.

How does Simparica work?

Simparica is a highly effective once-a-month flea and tick treatment designed to provide fast and long-lasting protection for dogs. The treatment comes in a palatable chewable tablet containing the active ingredient sarolaner, which starts working immediately upon ingestion to defend against parasites. Once ingested, sarolaner enters the bloodstream and binds to plasma proteins, circulating through the body and concentrating in tissue fluids just beneath the skin. This allows it to attack fleas and ticks as soon as they bite, effectively eliminating them. Within just three hours, Simparica begins killing fleas, and it targets ticks within eight hours, offering faster results than many competing treatments.

Sarolaner works by disrupting the nerve function of parasites. It alters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors, which regulate nerve transmissions in invertebrates. By causing an influx of nerve signals, sarolaner overwhelms the parasite’s system, leading to paralysis and death. This mechanism is highly selective for invertebrates, ensuring the safety of dogs while effectively targeting fleas and ticks. Simparica offers protection against five tick species, including the lone star tick, black-legged tick (deer tick), brown dog tick, American dog tick, and Gulf Coast tick. This broad-spectrum coverage makes it superior to many alternatives that protect against fewer tick species.

One of the key advantages of Simparica is its long-lasting efficacy. Each dose provides protection for up to 35 days, giving pet owners a 5-day margin of safety beyond the standard 30-day period. This flexibility ensures continuous coverage, even if the next dose is slightly delayed. This extended protection is particularly valuable in preventing diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks. Simparica has been proven 98.8% effective in killing ticks before they can transmit Lyme disease, which typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment to spread. Additionally, it offers protection against other tick-borne illnesses such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis. By eliminating parasites quickly, it helps to minimize the risk of these diseases.

Simparica also addresses common infestations like ear mites and mange, making it a comprehensive solution for parasite control. The treatment is safe for dogs as young as six months old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Its chewable form eliminates the need for messy topical applications or bathing restrictions, adding to its convenience. However, it has not been evaluated for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs, so veterinarians should be consulted for alternative options in such cases. While adverse effects are rare, some dogs may experience mild symptoms like vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, or softened stools. In rare cases, more serious effects like tremors or seizures have been observed, particularly in dogs with a history of seizure disorders.

The importance of year-round protection against fleas and ticks cannot be overstated. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) emphasizes that certain tick species remain active during colder months, making consistent prevention essential. Simparica’s ability to work quickly and its broad-spectrum protection make it an ideal choice for safeguarding dogs throughout the year. Its efficiency in eradicating fleas and ticks and preventing infestations ensures that both pets and their families remain safe from the risks associated with these parasites. With its fast-acting, long-lasting formula, Simparica delivers a reliable and convenient solution for keeping dogs healthy and parasite-free.

What happens to tick after Simparica?

Simparica works by targeting ticks after they bite, effectively killing them before they can take a full blood meal. Once a tick bites and ingests blood containing the active ingredient sarolaner, its nervous system is overwhelmed, leading to paralysis and death. This process happens quickly enough to prevent the transmission of most tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, as these typically require 24-48 hours of feeding to spread.

While Simparica doesn’t repel ticks, it ensures that any ticks attached to your dog die before they can pose a significant health risk. Even if a tick is missed during grooming, it won’t remain attached long enough to cause harm. However, because Simparica doesn’t prevent ticks from initially attaching, owners may still find ticks on their pets. For those seeking repellents to keep ticks from attaching at all, alternatives like topicals or tick collars may be more suitable.

Simparica’s approach to tick control is highly effective at minimizing the risks associated with tick bites, offering peace of mind that any attached tick will not live long enough to make your dog sick. If you want a solution that both repels ticks and eliminates them before they attach, consider using a topical treatment or a high-quality tick collar.

What Are the Benefits of Simparica Products in Dogs?

Simparica products offer comprehensive protection for dogs, addressing a range of common parasites that can affect their health and well-being. These products contain sarolaner, a highly effective ingredient that targets fleas and ticks, with additional formulations offering broader coverage against other parasites.

• Rapid and Effective Flea Control: Sarolaner, a key component of Simparica products, begins killing fleas within just three hours of administration. By 24 hours, it achieves 100% flea elimination, providing quick relief from infestations and preventing further flea-related issues such as skin irritation, allergies, and transmission of diseases.
• Powerful Tick Protection: Simparica products demonstrate exceptional efficacy against ticks, with 99% effectiveness within the first 48 hours of use. This rapid action helps prevent tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, which are major concerns for dog owners.
• Broad-Spectrum Parasite Control with Simparica Trio: For even broader protection, Simparica Trio combines sarolaner with moxidectin and pyrantel. This enhanced formula not only defends against fleas and ticks but also protects against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. This makes it a convenient, all-in-one solution for dogs at risk of multiple parasite infections.
• Safety and Accessibility: Simparica products are approved for use in dogs and puppies weighing as little as 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms), ensuring their suitability for pets of various sizes and breeds. The formulations are easy to administer and provide consistent monthly protection, giving owners peace of mind.
• Improved Quality of Life: By eliminating and preventing harmful parasites, Simparica products contribute to a healthier, more comfortable life for dogs. They reduce the risk of parasite-related illnesses, improve skin and coat health, and enhance overall well-being.

In summary, Simparica products are a trusted choice for protecting dogs against fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Their rapid effectiveness, broad-spectrum protection, and ease of use make them invaluable for maintaining your dog’s health and comfort.

Do Simparica Products Interact With Other Medicines?

When using Simparica products for your dog, it’s essential to be aware of potential drug interactions to ensure their safety and well-being. Although Simparica products are generally safe and well-tolerated when used as directed, combining medications can sometimes alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is crucial to inform your veterinarian about all the medicines your pet is taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) products, vitamins, herbal supplements, or any other treatments. Open communication helps your veterinarian assess and manage potential risks effectively.

Sarolaner, the primary active ingredient in Simparica products, has not shown significant drug interactions when administered at recommended dosages. This makes it a reliable option for flea and tick prevention, even for dogs that may be on other medications. However, Simparica Trio, which combines sarolaner with moxidectin and pyrantel for broader parasite protection, requires additional consideration. Moxidectin, in particular, can interact with specific drugs, such as benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam or diazepam), levamisole, and piperazine. Other medications, such as spironolactone, “azole” antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), cyclosporine, diltiazem, and erythromycin, should also be used cautiously alongside Simparica Trio.

Because this may not be a complete list of potential interactions, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before starting Simparica products, especially if your dog is on other treatments. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s specific medical needs, adjust dosages if necessary, or recommend alternative therapies to ensure compatibility. Providing a comprehensive list of your dog’s medications and supplements helps minimize risks and ensures effective parasite protection.

In summary, while Simparica products are generally safe and do not have widespread interactions, some caution is advised, particularly with Simparica Trio. By working closely with your veterinarian and maintaining transparency about your pet’s health regimen, you can maximize the benefits of Simparica products while ensuring your dog’s safety and overall health.

Simparica® & Simparica Trio® Directions

Simparica® and Simparica Trio® are administered orally once a month to provide ongoing protection against fleas, ticks, and other parasites. These chewable tablets can be given with or without food, making them convenient for regular dosing. It’s important to follow the exact dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian or found on the drug label to ensure effectiveness.

For Simparica Trio®, the recommended minimum dose includes 0.54 mg/lb (1.2 mg/kg) of sarolaner, 0.011 mg/lb (24 μg/kg) of moxidectin, and 2.27 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) of pyrantel (as pamoate salt). Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate dosage based on your dog’s weight.

If you forget to give a dose, contact your veterinarian for guidance. In most cases, they will recommend administering the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continuing with the regular monthly schedule. However, do not give extra or double doses. If a significant amount of time has passed since the last dose, you may notice fleas reappearing temporarily. If you’re using Simparica Trio®, your vet may advise a heartworm test to ensure your dog remains free from heartworms.

By maintaining the proper dosing schedule and speaking with your vet if a dose is missed, you can ensure that your dog stays protected against harmful parasites year-round.

Simparica® & Simparica Trio® Possible Side Effects

Common side effects observed during clinical trials include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. While these reactions are typically mild and temporary, pet owners should monitor their dog closely for any changes in behavior.

In rare cases, neurologic side effects have been reported after using medications in this class, particularly in dogs with a history of seizures or other neurological conditions. These side effects may include:

• Muscle tremors
• Lack of coordination
• Seizures

It’s important to inform your veterinarian if your dog has a history of neurologic disorders before starting Simparica® or Simparica Trio®. Though neurologic side effects are uncommon, dogs with pre-existing conditions may be at a higher risk.

Digestive and Neurologic Reactions

During a three-month field trial, some dogs experienced digestive-related side effects, such as vomiting, softened stools, and decreased appetite. In a few isolated cases, more serious reactions were observed, including tremors, muscle twitching, and seizures. These more severe side effects highlight the importance of monitoring your dog after administering the medication, especially if they have a history of seizures.

Human Side Effects

Simparica® and Simparica Trio® are intended for dogs only and should not be ingested by humans. If you accidentally ingest the medication, contact your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222. Additionally, always wash your hands after handling the medication to avoid accidental ingestion.

Monitoring and Precautions

It is recommended that all pets be tested for heartworm before starting Simparica Trio®, as this medication is not effective against adult heartworms. If your dog has a current heartworm infection, it should be treated before resuming the medication. For pets with a history of neurological issues, careful monitoring and consultation with your vet are crucial to prevent complications.

Call Your Veterinarian If:

• Severe side effects, such as seizures or tremors, are observed.
• Your dog’s condition worsens or fails to improve.
• You suspect an overdose.
• You have any additional questions or concerns regarding the use of Simparica® or Simparica Trio®.

Simparica® & Simparica Trio® Storage

Proper storage of Simparica® and Simparica Trio® is essential to maintain their effectiveness and ensure the safety of your dog. Both medications should be stored at or below 86°F to preserve their integrity. While brief exposure to temperatures up to 104°F is acceptable, extended exposure to heat should be avoided.

To protect the tablets from moisture and light, keep them in the original blister packaging until ready for use. This not only preserves the medication’s potency but also ensures accurate dosing. Always check the product label for specific storage instructions, as maintaining the recommended conditions is key to the medication’s effectiveness. By following these guidelines, you can be confident that Simparica® and Simparica Trio® will provide optimal protection for your pet.

FAQs

How often do you give Simparica?

Simparica should be given to your dog once a month to ensure consistent protection against fleas and ticks. This monthly dosing schedule provides 30 days of continuous efficacy with a single chewable tablet, simplifying parasite prevention. Sticking to this routine helps prevent infestations and protects your dog from flea- and tick-borne diseases. To maintain effectiveness, administer Simparica on the same day each month, using reminders or calendar notes if needed.

How Long Does Simparica Protection Last?

Simparica provides protection for your dog that begins within hours of administration and lasts for a full 35 days. This extended duration ensures consistent flea and tick prevention, even if you’re slightly late with the next dose. While Simparica is designed as a monthly chewable, the additional days of coverage offer flexibility, giving you peace of mind in maintaining your dog’s protection. By adhering to the recommended dosing schedule of one tablet every 30 days, you ensure uninterrupted efficacy and safeguard your dog from parasites year-round.

What Types of Ticks Does Simparica Kill?

Simparica is highly effective against five types of ticks, offering comprehensive protection for your dog. Among the ticks it targets are the Gulf Coast tick, which is known for transmitting diseases like canine hepatozoonosis, and the brown dog tick, a common indoor pest that can cause infestations in homes. It also kills the deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, which is responsible for spreading Lyme disease.

Additionally, Simparica is effective against the American dog tick, a carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the Lone Star tick, which is known to cause irritation and transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis. This broad spectrum of efficacy ensures your dog is protected from a wide range of tick-borne illnesses. By providing this level of protection, Simparica helps safeguard your pet’s health, making it a vital tool in tick prevention and control.

What If I’m Late with a Simparica Dose?

If you’re late giving your dog a dose of Simparica, administer it as soon as you remember. Simparica provides protection for up to 35 days, offering some flexibility if a dose is delayed. However, it’s important to resume the monthly schedule to maintain consistent protection against fleas and ticks. Missing or delaying doses increases the risk of infestations and exposure to parasite-borne diseases. Setting reminders or using a calendar can help ensure timely dosing, keeping your dog protected year-round. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, consult your veterinarian for guidance.