Simparica and Simparica Trio

Simparica® and Simparica Trio® are two highly effective, monthly chewable tablets designed to protect dogs from a range of parasites. Simparica® contains sarolaner, which targets fleas and various types of ticks, while Simparica Trio® combines sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel to offer broader protection against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms in addition to fleas and ticks. Both products work by disrupting the nervous systems of parasites, providing rapid and long-lasting protection, but Simparica Trio® offers a more comprehensive approach by addressing both external and internal parasites. Additionally, both treatments are safe for dogs over a certain age and weight, but Simparica Trio® offers protection for puppies as young as 8 weeks old, making it a versatile option for pet owners. While these medications are trusted by veterinarians for both labeled and off-label uses, it’s important to consult your vet, especially if your dog has a history of neurological disorders.

To fully understand how these products work, their benefits, and the proper dosing guidelines, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Simparica® and Simparica Trio® and how they can provide year-round protection for your dog.

Key Takeaways:

• Simparica® effectively treats fleas and specific ticks in dogs over 2.8 lbs and older than six months.
• Simparica Trio® offers comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms in a single chewable tablet.
• Both medications require monthly dosing, with the correct dosage based on the dog’s weight.
• Common side effects may include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and neurologic effects like tremors.
• Regular veterinary consultations and heartworm testing are recommended to ensure safe and effective use.

What is Simparica®?

Simparica® is a monthly oral chewable tablet containing the active ingredient sarolaner, designed to treat and prevent fleas and a variety of ticks in dogs. This includes protection against the Gulf Coast tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, lone star tick, and brown dog tick. Simparica® provides continuous protection and is approved for use in dogs and puppies weighing more than 2.8 pounds and over 6 months of age.

In addition to its labeled uses, Simparica® is also commonly prescribed by veterinarians for off-label or extra-label purposes, such as the treatment of demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites in dogs. Off-label use means that the medication is being used in a way not explicitly specified on the label. While this is a common practice among veterinarians, it’s important to consult your vet to determine if Simparica® is the right option for your dog’s specific needs.

Learn more about Simparia®.

What Is Simparica Trio®?

Simparica Trio® is a monthly chewable tablet that combines three active ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. This powerful combination provides comprehensive protection against a wide range of parasites. Simparica Trio® works to prevent heartworm disease, treat and prevent flea infestations, and control tick infestations. Additionally, it is effective in treating and controlling roundworms and hookworms, making it an all-in-one solution for parasite prevention.

Simparica Trio® is safe for use in dogs and puppies weighing more than 2.8 pounds and older than 8 weeks of age. By offering protection against multiple parasites in one convenient chewable, Simparica Trio® simplifies parasite management and ensures that your dog remains protected against a variety of harmful conditions.

Learn more about Simparica Trio®.

How Simparica® & Simparica Trio® Works

The key active ingredient in Simparica® is sarolaner, which belongs to the isoxazoline class of flea and tick preventatives. After ingestion, sarolaner enters your dog’s bloodstream, binding to plasma proteins and traveling to tissue fluids just below the skin. When a flea or tick bites, it ingests the sarolaner, which disrupts the parasite’s nervous systemby altering the function of GABA and glutamate receptors. This leads to uncontrolled nerve transmission, causing paralysis and death. Simparica® begins killing fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours, making it faster than many other treatments.

Simparica’s effects last for up to 35 days, offering a 5-day margin of effectiveness if you forget to administer the next dose on time. This extended protection ensures that fleas and ticks are continually killed, preventing new infestations and stopping existing ones. Simparica® is proven to be 96.9% effective at eliminating fleas and ticks, making it a trusted option for both prevention and treatment.

Simparica Trio®, in addition to sarolaner, contains two other active ingredients: moxidectin and pyrantel, making it an all-in-one solution for broader parasite protection. Moxidectin works by shifting chloride ions across cell membranes in heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms, disrupting their nervous systems and leading to paralysis and death. This makes Simparica Trio® effective not only against fleas and ticks but also as a heartworm prevention and a treatment for common intestinal parasites.

Pyrantel, the third active ingredient, targets roundworms and hookworms by paralyzing these parasites, allowing them to be expelled from the body via feces. Unlike sarolaner and moxidectin, pyrantel remains within the gastrointestinal tract, effectively targeting parasites located there without entering the bloodstream.

Both Simparica® and Simparica Trio® provide quick and comprehensive protection. Their active ingredients are designed to kill fleas and ticks at multiple stages, ensuring that your dog is protected from infestations and tick-borne diseases. Additionally, Simparica® has been shown to relieve and prevent ear mites and mange, adding to its overall benefits.

By disrupting the nervous systems of fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites, these products offer a safe and effective solution for your dog’s year-round parasite control.

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.

Missed a Dose?

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

Simparica® and Simparica Trio® should be stored at temperatures of 30°C (86°F) or lower. Temporary exposure to temperatures up to 104°F is acceptable. To protect the medication from moisture and light, keep it in its original blister packaging until you’re ready to use it. Always check the product label for specific storage instructions. Ensure the medication is kept out of reach of children and pets.

Possible Misconception

A common misconception is that flea and tick prevention is only necessary during the warmer months. However, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), year-round coverage using a broad-spectrum preventative is strongly recommended. When it comes to ticks, the CAPC highlights that some tick species remain active well into the winter months. The best approach for protection includes year-round tick control, combined with the Lyme vaccine and regular testing (as noted by www.petsandparasites.org).

Simparica® provides a preventative that meets these guidelines. It not only protects against fleas but also offers defense against five different types of ticks, while many competitors only cover four. Lyme disease isn’t the only threat from ticks—other tick-borne diseases like Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis can also be transmitted through a tick bite (www.cdc.gov). This is another strong reason to ensure consistent, year-round coverage for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Simparica® and Simparica Trio® Be Used in Pregnant or Lactating Dogs?

Consult your vet before using Simparica® or Simparica Trio® in pregnant or lactating dogs. Safety guidelines and dosage can differ, so your vet’s advice is crucial. Discuss potential side effects and alternative treatments to ensure the best care for your dog.

Does Simparica kill all stages of fleas?

Yes, Simparica—and particularly Simparica Trio—effectively kills fleas at all stages, including flea eggs. One of its key advantages is its ability to disrupt the flea life cycle by preventing egg production, helping to stop infestations before they spread.

Within just 30 minutes of administration, Simparica begins killing fleas in all stages: adults, eggs, and larvae. This rapid action ensures that the infestation is controlled quickly and prevents further spreading of fleas on your dog.

Why can I still see fleas on my dog after giving Simparica?

Because fleas can come from various outdoor environments or from other dogs your pet may come into contact with. Simparica offers quick and long-lasting protection, effectively killing any newly arrived fleas. If you still notice fleas on your dog after treatment, rest assured that there’s no need to reapply—Simparica will continue to work until the next scheduled dose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Simparica® and Simparica Trio® are highly effective monthly chewable tablets that provide comprehensive protection for dogs against a wide range of parasites. Simparica® targets fleas and multiple tick species, while Simparica Trio® offers additional protection against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Both medications work by disrupting the parasites’ nervous systems, ensuring quick, long-lasting results.

With proven efficacy, ease of use, and broad-spectrum parasite control, these treatments are ideal for safeguarding your dog’s health year-round. However, always consult your veterinarian for proper dosing and to discuss any potential risks, especially if your dog has neurological conditions. For full parasite prevention, consider Simparica or Simparica Trio to keep your dog safe and healthy.