Description
Frontline Plus for Dogs 89–132 Lbs (40–60 Kg) is the largest weight-band formulation in the Frontline Plus canine range, packaging 402 mg of fipronil and 361.80 mg of (S)-methoprene into a single 4.02 ml spot-on pipette. This formulation addresses the ectoparasitic treatment needs of extra-large breeds, where insufficient dosing is a frequent cause of product failure. Fipronil, classified within the phenylpyrazole chemical family, interferes with ligand-gated chloride channels in parasite neurons, while (S)-methoprene acts as a juvenile hormone analogue that arrests flea development before adult emergence.
Recommended for
Dogs weighing 89 to 132 lbs (over 40 kg up to 60 kg), from 8 weeks of age.
Indication/Coverage
For dogs weighing 89 to 132 lbs (over 40 kg up to 60 kg) suffer from, or at risk from, mixed ectoparasitic infestations:
- Treatment of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides spp.), adults: Fipronil reaches fleas through direct contact with the treated skin and coat surface, causing neurotoxic paralysis and death within 24 hours. Residual insecticidal potency against newly arriving adult fleas is sustained for eight weeks following one application.
- Prevention of flea lifecycle progression, eggs/larvae/pupae: (S)-methoprene penetrates freshly deposited flea eggshells or enters through the cuticle of adult fleas already on the host, arresting development at every pre-adult stage for eight weeks and preventing viable offspring from accumulating in the household environment.
- Treatment of tick infestations (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, Ixodes scapularis): A single application controls all life stages of ticks. Attachment of individual ticks remains possible, and transmission of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, haemobartonellosis, and anaplasmosis , cannot be entirely ruled out under unfavorable conditions.
- Treatment of biting lice infestations (Trichodectes canis), adults: Fipronil blocks pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across louse cell membranes, producing uncontrolled central nervous system activity and death within 48 hours of contact.
Key Benefits
The following attributes define the X-Large formulation within the Frontline Plus product line:
- Extra-large breed calibration: The 4.02 ml pipette is the largest available dose unit, calibrated specifically for breeds exceeding 40 kg such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs at mature weight.
- Parallel adulticidal and developmental control: Fipronil addresses the existing adult ectoparasite population on contact, while (S)-methoprene independently neutralizes the next generation at the egg, larval, and pupal stages, disrupting two separate biological targets per application.
- Surface-level contact kill: Fipronil migrates across the skin via natural sebaceous secretion without entering systemic circulation. Ectoparasites encounter the compound through physical contact with the treated skin and coat, eliminating the need for a host blood meal to trigger exposure.
- 24-hour flea elimination: Adult fleas contacting the treated surface are killed within 24 hours; ticks and biting lice within 48 hours of exposure.
- Eight-week flea suppression cycle: Ovicidal and larvicidal activity from (S)-methoprene persists for up to eight weeks, substantially diminishing the reservoir of immature flea stages in kennels, bedding, carpet fibers, and soft furnishing fabrics.
- Four-week tick defense: Acaricidal efficacy against all four labeled tick species covers the full monthly retreatment interval.
- Topical bypass of oral administration: Spot-on delivery eliminates reliance on gastrointestinal absorption. For extra-large dogs that resist chewable tablets or experience emesis following oral dosing, this route offers a viable alternative that does not depend on voluntary ingestion.
Caution
Hazards to Humans
This product irritates mucous membranes, skin, and eyes upon contact. Prevent exposure to the mouth, skin, and eyes throughout the application procedure. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately and present the packaging insert to the treating physician. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products during administration. Children should not touch or handle treated animals until the application area is entirely dry.
Hazards to Domestic Animals
Frontline Plus is formulated exclusively for external topical use on dogs. Do not apply to puppies under 8 weeks of age or to animals presenting with systemic illness, elevated body temperature, or during convalescence. This dog-specific product should never be administered to cats, ferrets, or rabbits; rabbits in particular face documented mortality risk from fipronil exposure at canine concentrations. Dogs or operators with known hypersensitivity to insecticides or alcohol-based excipients should avoid all contact. Consult a veterinarian before treating debilitated, elderly, pregnant, or lactating animals. Do not use concurrently with any other topical ectoparasiticide applied directly to the animal, as no safety data for combined topical use exists.
Possible Side Effects
Monitor your dog in the hours following each application for any alterations in behavior, appetite, or skin appearance both at and away from the treated site. Based on post-market pharmacovigilance data, adverse reactions to Frontline Plus are classified as very rare.
Reported reactions categorized by organ system include:
- Dermal reactions: Localized skin changes at the application point, encompassing transient discoloration, temporary hair loss, itching, and redness. On isolated occasions, generalized pruritus or diffuse alopecia in regions distant from the application area has been documented.
- Gastrointestinal signs: Brief episodes of hypersalivation may arise if the dog contacts the wet application site with its tongue, driven predominantly by the taste of the carrier excipient. Vomiting has been reported on an infrequent basis.
- Systemic signs: Very rarely, reversible neurological manifestations have been observed, including amplified sensitivity to stimuli, behavioral depression, additional nervous system signs, and respiratory irregularities. These typically resolve without therapeutic intervention.
If any reaction persists or worsens after 48 hours, withdraw treatment and seek veterinary assessment. Adverse events should be reported to Boehringer Ingelheim’s veterinary pharmacovigilance service.















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