How do tick drops work? - briefly
Tick drops apply a precise volume of liquid containing an active compound directly onto the skin, allowing the ingredient to be absorbed through the epidermis into the circulatory system. The solution includes solvents and carriers that promote rapid penetration and maintain consistent dosing.
How do tick drops work? - in detail
Tick drops are liquid acaricides applied topically to the skin or coat of animals to eliminate attached ticks and prevent new infestations. The formulation typically contains a synthetic insecticide such as amitraz, fipronil, or selamectin, each acting on the nervous system of the parasite.
The active compound penetrates the stratum corneum and enters the bloodstream. Once in the circulatory system, it reaches the feeding site of the tick, where it interferes with neurotransmission:
- Amitraz stimulates α‑adrenergic receptors, causing hyperexcitation, loss of coordination, and eventual paralysis.
- Fipronil blocks GABA‑gated chloride channels, leading to uncontrolled neuronal firing and death.
- Selamectin binds to glutamate‑gated chloride channels, increasing chloride influx, hyperpolarizing nerve cells, and halting muscle activity.
Ticks attached to the host ingest the drug during blood meals. Within a few hours, the insecticide disrupts motor function, detaches the tick, and prevents further attachment. The systemic distribution ensures that newly attached ticks encounter lethal concentrations before they can embed.
Application guidelines:
- Measure the animal’s weight and select the appropriate dosage volume.
- Part the fur at the recommended site (usually along the back or neck) to expose skin.
- Apply the liquid directly to the skin, ensuring even coverage.
- Allow the solution to dry; the drug begins systemic absorption within 30–60 minutes.
- Monitor the animal for adverse reactions such as skin irritation or excessive salivation.
Safety considerations include avoiding contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds. Pregnant or lactating animals may require alternative treatments. Repeated use can lead to resistance; rotating products with different modes of action mitigates this risk.
Environmental factors—temperature, humidity, and coat thickness—affect absorption rate and efficacy. Warmer conditions accelerate skin permeability, while dense fur may slow penetration, necessitating a longer interval before full protection is achieved.
In summary, tick drops function by delivering a neurotoxic agent through the host’s skin into the bloodstream, where it targets the feeding tick’s nervous system, causing rapid paralysis and death while providing systemic protection against future infestations.