Credelio for Dogs 6.1-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg)

Description

Credelio for Dogs 6.1-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg) is a beef-flavored chewable tablet manufactured by Elanco that delivers monthly systemic flea and tick control via isoxazoline-class activity. Each tablet in this variant contains 112.5 mg of lotilaner, meeting the minimum labeled dosage of 9 mg/lb (20 mg/kg) across the full weight band.

Recommended for

Dogs weighing 6.1 to 12.0 lbs (2.5 to 5.5 kg), 8 weeks of age and older.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs suffering from, or at risk from, flea and tick infestations, Credelio 6.1–12.0 lbs covers the following indications:

• Treatment of flea infestation: Kills adult Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) on the dog, reducing the active flea burden on the animal within hours of ingestion.
• Prevention of flea infestation: Eliminates fleas before oviposition occurs, blocking the reproductive cycle and preventing household flea establishment for 30 days from the start of treatment.
• Treatment and control of lone star tick: Targets Amblyomma americanum with greater than 97% effectiveness at 48 hours post-administration or infestation, sustained for 30 days.
• Treatment and control of American dog tick: Targets Dermacentor variabilis at greater than 97% effectiveness in controlled laboratory conditions at 48 hours.
• Treatment and control of black-legged tick: Targets Ixodes scapularis, the principal vector of Lyme disease in the U.S., with onset of killing activity demonstrated within four hours using the related species Ixodes ricinus in European studies.
• Treatment and control of brown dog tick: Targets Rhipicephalus sanguineus at greater than 97% effectiveness at 48 hours post-administration or infestation.
• Treatment and control of longhorned tick: Targets Haemaphysalis longicornis, an invasive tick species with expanding geographic distribution across the eastern U.S.
• Prevention of Lyme disease: Credelio is indicated for the prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infections as a direct consequence of eliminating Ixodes scapularis vector ticks before pathogen transmission can occur.

Key Benefits

• Eligible from 8 weeks: Dogs in this weight range qualify for Credelio from 8 weeks of age, permitting early-life ectoparasite protection for small and medium-breed puppies.
• Five-tick species coverage: A single monthly dose addresses five distinct tick species alongside flea infestations, covering the primary ectoparasite threats found across the contiguous U.S.
• Systemic GABA inhibition: Lotilaner blocks GABA-gated chloride channels in insects and acarines, generating uncontrolled neuromuscular activity that kills parasites upon feeding without requiring contact with the treated coat.
• Flea kill from 4 hours: In European laboratory studies, Credelio began eliminating fleas within four hours of administration. Greater than 99% of fleas were killed within eight hours; U.S. laboratory data recorded 100% effectiveness at 12 hours.
• 30-day single-dose protection: One 112.5 mg tablet maintains efficacy against fleas and all five listed tick species for the full monthly dosing interval, with no supplemental application required.
• Egg-laying disruption: In controlled laboratory conditions, Credelio eliminated fleas before they could deposit eggs, preventing the emergence of a subsequent flea generation for 30 days following treatment initiation.
• Oral format for resistant dogs: The beef-flavored tablet is accepted voluntarily by the majority of dogs. In the U.S. field study, 80.4% consumed Credelio when offered by hand or in an empty bowl, and a further 13.6% accepted it when offered with food.
• Lyme disease risk reduction: By eliminating Ixodes scapularis ticks, Credelio reduces Borrelia burgdorferi transmission risk in endemic regions, a claim supported by two separate controlled laboratory studies.

Caution

Hazards to Humans

Credelio is for animal use only and must be kept out of reach of children. Do not allow unsupervised handling by children. Wash hands thoroughly after administering each dose. Store tablets away from food, beverages, and food-preparation surfaces at all times.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

Credelio is approved for oral administration in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 6.1 lbs. Do not administer this tablet to dogs below the minimum weight threshold for this variant. Consult a veterinarian before use in debilitated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals, as the safety of lotilaner in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been formally evaluated by Elanco. Individual sensitivity reactions, while uncommon, are possible in any dog. No adverse interactions were identified in the U.S. field study when Credelio was used alongside vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDs, anesthetics, and antihistamines; seek veterinary advice for any concurrent medications not included in that list.

Possible Side Effects:

Monitor your dog closely following each monthly administration of Credelio, particularly after the first dose. Lotilaner belongs to the isoxazoline class, which carries a regulatory precaution for neurologic adverse reactions across all member drugs.

The following adverse events have been identified in clinical studies and through post-approval surveillance, presented in decreasing order of reporting frequency:

• Gastrointestinal reactions: Vomiting, diarrhea (with and without blood), and anorexia appear in post-approval adverse drug experience reports. In the controlled U.S. field study, diarrhea was recorded in 1.0% of Credelio-treated dogs over 90 days.
• Neurologic reactions: Seizures, muscle tremor, and ataxia are documented in post-approval data. The isoxazoline class precaution applies to all dogs, including those with no prior seizure history. One dog with pre-existing seizure disorder in an Australian field study experienced tremors and glazed eyes six days after administration; the animal recovered without treatment.
• Renal and metabolic signs: Two geriatric dogs in the U.S. field study developed mildly elevated blood urea nitrogen during the 90-day observation period. One also showed elevated creatinine, potassium, and phosphorous; the other developed concurrent polyuria.
• Urinary signs: Polyuria, polydipsia, urinary incontinence, and inappropriate urination have been reported post-approval.
• Systemic signs: Lethargy and pruritus are noted in post-approval adverse event data.
• Weight changes: Weight loss occurred in 1.5% of Credelio-treated dogs in the U.S. field study, compared to 2.3% in the active control group.

Dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders should be assessed by a veterinarian before starting Credelio or any isoxazoline-class medication. If adverse signs develop after administration, contact your veterinarian.