Credelio Plus for Dogs 6.1-12 lbs (2.8-5.5 kg)

Description

Credelio Plus for Dogs 6.1-12 lbs (2.8-5.5 kg) combines lotilaner and milbemycin oxime in a single monthly chewable tablet, covering fleas, ticks, heartworm larvae, and three intestinal nematode genera simultaneously. This variant is formulated for small-breed dogs and puppies that have outgrown the 4.4–6 lbs band, delivering weight-appropriate dosing without requiring separate ectoparasiticide and endoparasiticide products.

Recommended for

Dogs weighing 6.1–12 lbs (2.8–5.5 kg) from 8 weeks of age.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections, the following indications apply to this variant:

• Flea treatment and prevention (Ctenocephalides felis, adults): lotilaner inhibits GABA-gated chloride channels in the flea nervous system, achieving kill within hours of systemic absorption.
• Flea allergy dermatitis prevention: sustained adult flea elimination interrupts repeated allergen exposure in sensitised dogs, reducing the frequency and severity of allergic skin responses.
• Tick treatment and prevention (Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes holocyclus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, adults): lotilaner reaches ticks systemically following attachment and feeding initiation.
• Heartworm disease prevention (Dirofilaria immitis, L3/L4 larvae): milbemycin oxime eliminates infective larvae deposited by mosquitoes within the preceding 30-day dosing interval.
• Roundworm treatment (Toxocara canis, immature adults and adults): milbemycin oxime disrupts neuromuscular transmission across multiple Toxocara canis life stages at the labeled dose.
• Hookworm treatment (Ancylostoma caninum, immature adults and adults): effective against both immature and mature Ancylostoma caninum at the standard monthly dose for this weight band.
• Whipworm treatment (Trichuris vulpis, adults): milbemycin oxime eliminates adult Trichuris vulpis as part of the monthly dosing cycle.

Key Benefits

The benefits listed below reflect labeled performance data for Credelio Plus for Dogs 6.1–12 lbs:

• Early-life eligibility: Labeled for puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 6.1 lbs (2.8 kg), this tablet fits small-breed dogs transitioning out of the lowest weight band.
• Combined parasite control: A single monthly tablet addresses both ectoparasites and intestinal nematodes, removing the need to co-administer a separate heartworm or deworming product.
• Rapid flea elimination: Lotilaner achieves greater than 98% flea kill within 12 hours of oral administration in fed dogs, reducing flea burden before the next exposure cycle.
• Systemic delivery: Both active compounds act via systemic absorption following ingestion, meaning ectoparasite kill does not depend on coat coverage or topical residue integrity.
• Monthly heartworm prophylaxis: Milbemycin oxime eliminates Dirofilaria immitis L3 and L4 larvae acquired during the preceding month, maintaining continuous protection when dosed on schedule.
• Broad nematode spectrum: A single dose addresses Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, and Trichuris vulpis concurrently, covering the three most clinically significant intestinal worm genera in U.S. dogs.
• Oral chewable form: The flavored tablet is appropriate for dogs that resist spot-on application or for owners who find coat parting and topical placement difficult to execute correctly on small or dense-coated breeds.
• 30-day duration: Each tablet sustains protection across all labeled parasites for a full calendar month, provided dosing intervals do not exceed 30 days.

Caution

Hazards to Humans

Keep out of reach of children. Avoid ingestion and direct eye contact; if eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product. Do not allow the tablet or packaging to contact food preparation surfaces or food for human consumption.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

Administer orally to dogs only; not for use in cats. This variant is indicated for dogs weighing 6.1–12 lbs (2.8–5.5 kg) from 8 weeks of age. Consult a veterinarian before use in debilitated, aged, pregnant, or lactating animals. The isoxazoline class, which includes lotilaner, has been associated with neurological adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs; dogs with a prior seizure history require veterinary clearance before administration. Rare individual sensitivity reactions may occur. Use with caution when co-administering with drugs that are P-glycoprotein substrates.

Possible Side Effects:

Monitor your dog closely after each administration of Credelio Plus, particularly following the first dose in treatment-naive animals.

Gastrointestinal reactions:

• Vomiting: The most frequently reported post-dose reaction; typically occurs within a few hours of administration and resolves without intervention in most cases.
• Diarrhea: Reported in a subset of clinical trial subjects; generally self-limiting and does not require cessation of treatment in uncomplicated cases.
• Reduced appetite: Transient decrease in food intake observed in some dogs during the initial dosing cycle.

Systemic reactions:

• Lethargy: Temporary reduction in activity level reported post-administration; typically resolves within 24 hours.
• Pruritus: Skin irritation or scratching not attributable to active parasite infestation; resolves spontaneously in most cases.

Neurological reactions (isoxazoline class alert):

• Tremors, ataxia, or seizures: The FDA has issued a class-wide alert for isoxazoline compounds, which includes lotilaner. These reactions are rare but documented; dogs with pre-existing neurological conditions carry elevated risk.

Consult a veterinarian promptly if any reaction persists, worsens, or involves neurological signs.