Bravecto is the tradename best known of the drug Fluralaner, which must be administered orally, its presentation comes in chewable tablets and pipettes for dorsal anointing, for terrestrial animals such as dogs and cats.
It is an effective insecticide, as well as a long lasting acaricide, providing protection very effective from the first dose, up to 12 weeks, in case of being a dog or cat. However, like any medicine, it has multiple side effects, so it should only be used under the direction of a veterinary professional.
Its price varies according to the country and its presentation, it is found in a range from 20 to 70 dollarsbeing more expensive the one that contains sufficient treatment for 3 months.
Its route of administration is oral or through pipettes for dorsal anointing, in the latter case for its correct application It must be done under the following steps:
- Use of gloves for drug handling.
- Hold the pipette by the base or cap, holding it upright with the tip up.
- The dog must be standing or lying down with the back of horizontal way.
- Rotate the lid until the security seal is broken.
- Apply the pipette between the skin of the scapulaespreading the content in a single point (for small breeds) or in several points along the back in the case of large breeds, reaching the base of the tail.
- Avoid applying more than 1 ml per point to avoid spillage.
- If it is in tablets, it can be combined with a food that the pet likes so that it swallows it without a problem.
What is Bravecto medicine for dogs?
The active substance in Bravecto is the medicine known as Fluralaner, which is part of the Isoxazoline family, all the drugs belonging to this group have a great antiparasitic action. Within this group are recognized drugs such as Afoxolaner (Nextgard) or Sarolaner (Simparica).
It is for veterinary use, it was introduced for the first time in the year 2014 in canadaits most frequent presentation is chewable tablets, however, it can also be obtained in pipettes for dorsal anointing.
This medicine is indicated for the control of infestations of fleas and ticks in dogs and cats, its activity is immediate and quite long-lasting.
What is Bravecto used for?
Bravecto has a function like systemic insecticide and acaricideTherefore, it is used as a treatment for tick and flea infestation in dogs and cats.
Its activity will vary according to the type of ectoparasite that is being treated, in the case of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and ticks of the genus Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and D. variabilis, its action will begin immediately and will remain for 12 weeks.
In the case of ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus sanguineus, its action will also be immediate, but its effect will remain for 8 weeks. It is important to note that to fulfill their action, fleas and ticks must attach to the host and feed on it.
The use of Bravecto for the treatment scheme in case of Allergic Dermatitis to flea bites is also described, as well as its use is described in different schemes such as in the Sarcotopic Scabies and demodicosis.
Also reduces the risk of infection by Babesia Canis Canis, this effect is achieved by an indirect mechanism, since Bravecto has an action on the causative agent (vector)
How does Bravecto work?
Once the dog or cat ingests or absorbs Bravecto (Fluralaner) it enters the blood system and is distributed throughout the body. So that when a flea or tick bites the animal, it ingests the medicine found in its blood.
After this, Fluralaner binds to specific receptors in the nervous system of the flea or tick, thus blocking the transmission of the nerve impulse. All this leads to paralysis and subsequent death of the parasite, thus acting as an excellent antiparasitic.
What is the active ingredient in Bravecto?
Bravecto’s active ingredient is Fluralaner, it belongs to the family of isoxazolinesthe drugs belonging to this family share the same mechanism of action.
It has great selectivity when acting, since it is very specific, interacting exclusively in the nervous system of ectoparasites. Without generating any alteration in other insects or mammals, including humans.
This characteristic gives a large margin of safety to the active principle of this drug, according to multiple studies carried out. It has been shown that even applying doses much higher than those indicated than those used in clinical trials, tolerates very well for the animals.
What is Bravecto’s mechanism of action?
Bravecto or Fluralaner is a high potency inhibitor of various parts of the nervous system of arthropods, since it acts as an antagonist of chloride channels, which are regulated by a ligand (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid or GABA receptor and glutamate receptor).
This drug also acts on the channels (Glu) or chlorine channels Activated by L-Glutamate. These channels are found throughout the central nervous system of the flea or tick and are also scattered at the peripheral neuromuscular level.
It is due to this mechanism of action that Bravecto (fluralaner) becomes an excellent option for the infestation treatment by ectoparasites. Showing even greater effectiveness than the flea collar
How long does Bravecto take to take effect?
Its action time varies depending on whether it is applied to dogs or cats, when it comes to dogs it will get rid of fleas in 8 hours and it will take a period of 12 to 48 hours for ticks.
Now in the case of cats it will take about 12 hours remove fleas and 48 hours to get rid of ticks.
For ideal parasite control, it should be administered every 12 weeks, its half-life is long, an average of 12 to 15 dayswhile the residence time ranges from 15 to 20 days.
Due to all these characteristics, this drug belonging to the isoxazoline family has a great capacity for the management of parasites and ectoparasites. This significantly reduces the risk of disease transmitted by these vectorseven for more than 12 weeks.
What are the side effects of Bravecto?
Side effects in most reports they are mildIn the case of dogs, for example, the most common that have occurred (in 1 in 100 animals) are salivation, transient and mild diarrhea, emesis (vomiting) and loss of appetite.
In the case of topical spread, its most common side effect (1 in 100) is a mild skin reaction at the application site, however, this is transient. It was also noted that it can cause pruritus (itching) and erythema (redness)
Among the most serious side effects we can mention lethargy (slowing down), seizures, ataxia (problems with motor coordination).
Although it is important to note that these effects occurred very rarely and that most cases are self-limited. Its use in dogs and cats that are lactating, breeding or pregnant is safe, according to various studies.
It is relevant to take different precautions with this drug, since, although relative safety in humans has been demonstrated, it has been reported allergic reactions due to its consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to keep it in its original container until the moment of its use, as well as keep it out of the reach of children.
In the case of dorsal anointing, it is crucial avoid contact with the medicationuse protective gloves, since, in a small number of people, significant hypersensitivity (allergy) reactions to the drug have been reported.
There are multiple reports of numbness, tingling or skin rashes in people in contact with it, so in case of contact with the skin, the use of soap and water to clean the affected area.
In a situation of ingestion or persistence of symptoms, go immediately to a nearby health center with the drug leaflet.
