Description
Simparica TRIO (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel) is a triple-action oral chewable manufactured by Zoetis, formulated to cover fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites within a single monthly dose. Each tablet in this variant delivers 3 mg sarolaner, 0.06 mg moxidectin, and 12.5 mg pyrantel, calibrated specifically for dogs at the lower end of the weight spectrum.
Recommended for:
Dogs weighing 2.8 to 5.5 lbs (1.25 to 2.5 kg) from 8 weeks of age and older.
Indication/Coverage
For dogs susceptible to, or at risk of, mixed parasitic infections, Simparica TRIO addresses the following conditions:
- Heartworm prevention: Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis through elimination of susceptible L3/L4 larval stages.
- Flea treatment and prevention: Elimination of adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis); prevents re-infestation on a monthly cycle.
- Tapeworm prevention: Prevents Dipylidium caninum infections as a direct consequence of killing Ctenocephalides felis vector fleas on the treated dog.
- Tick treatment and control: Treatment and control of infestations with Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), and Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick).
- Lyme disease prevention: Prevents Borrelia burgdorferi infection as a direct result of killing Ixodes scapularis vector ticks.
- Roundworm treatment and control: Treatment and control of Toxocara canis (immature adults and adults) and Toxascaris leonina (adults).
- Hookworm treatment and control: Treatment and control of Ancylostoma caninum (L4 larvae, immature adults, and adults) and Uncinaria stenocephala (adults).
Key Benefits
The following characteristics distinguish Simparica TRIO for dogs in the 2.8 to 5.5 lb range from single-indication alternatives:
- Appropriate for small puppies: Labeled for dogs from 8 weeks and 2.8 lbs, making this the correct choice for newly weaned puppies entering their first parasite prevention cycle.
- Triple-active formulation: Three pharmacologically distinct compounds, sarolaner (isoxazoline), moxidectin (macrocyclic lactone), and pyrantel (tetrahydropyrimidine), address ectoparasites and endoparasites in a single monthly administration.
- Rapid flea kill onset: Laboratory data show Simparica TRIO begins killing fleas at 4 hours post-administration, reaching 100% efficacy at 8 hours after initial dosing.
- Sustained tick control: Efficacy against major tick species, including I. scapularis and A. americanum, is maintained through 28 days per monthly dosing cycle, reducing the window during which ticks can transmit pathogens.
- Heartworm larval elimination: Moxidectin targets D. immitis L3/L4 larvae acquired in the preceding 30 days, confirmed at 100% efficacy in two well-controlled laboratory studies.
- Intestinal nematode clearance: Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker in susceptible nematodes, achieving clearance of hookworm (multiple life stages) and roundworm populations alongside the monthly ectoparasiticide dose.
- Oral palatability for small dogs: The flavored chewable format bypasses topical application entirely, which is advantageous for dogs in this weight class where precise spot-on volume placement on small body areas presents practical difficulty.
- Flea egg interruption: Simparica TRIO kills fleas before egg deposition can occur, breaking the reproductive cycle and reducing environmental contamination for up to 35 days in controlled studies.
Caution
Hazards to Humans
Keep out of reach of children. Simparica TRIO is formulated for oral administration to dogs; direct ingestion by humans warrants immediate medical attention. Wash hands thoroughly after handling chewable tablets and before any food contact. Avoid transferring fragments to eyes or open cuts.
Hazards to Domestic Animals
Simparica TRIO is for oral use in dogs only. This 2.8 to 5.5 lb variant should not be given to dogs below 2.8 lbs (1.25 kg) or younger than 8 weeks of age. Sarolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures; use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders. The safety of Simparica TRIO has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs; consult a veterinarian before administering to animals in these categories. Dogs that are debilitated, underweight, or receiving concurrent medications should also be assessed by a veterinarian prior to use.
Possible Side Effects
Monitor your dog after the first administration of Simparica TRIO, particularly within the initial 24 to 48 hours.
The following adverse reactions were recorded in field safety studies conducted by Zoetis across 272 dogs receiving Simparica TRIO monthly for up to 11 treatment cycles:
- Vomiting: Reported in 14.3% of treated dogs across the 330-day field study; this was the most frequently observed gastrointestinal reaction.
- Diarrhea: Recorded in 13.2% of treated dogs, with or without blood in post-approval reporting; incidence was higher in dogs concurrently infected with roundworms at the time of treatment.
- Lethargy: Observed in 8.5% of treated dogs; generally transient and self-resolving.
- Anorexia: Reported in 5.1% of treated dogs, comparable to the active control group.
- Polyuria: Observed in 3.7% of treated dogs in the primary field study.
- Hyperactivity: Reported at 2.2% in the Simparica TRIO group, compared to 0.7% in the active control group.
- Seizures: Documented in one dog in a well-controlled laboratory study 16 days post-administration; post-approval adverse drug experience reports include seizure as a known risk across the isoxazoline class.
- Muscle tremors and ataxia: Listed in post-approval FDA/CVM adverse event data; frequency cannot be reliably estimated from spontaneous reports alone.

















Heartworm prevention has never been easier.
The convenience of a chewable tablet that covers fleas, ticks, and heartworms is unbeatable. Our dog loves it, and so do we.
Living in Alberta, we trust this product to protect our dog from heartworms.
Peace of mind knowing my furry friend is protected from those nasty parasites.
Finally, a flea and tick treatment that my picky dog will actually eat!