How does Advantedge work against fleas? - briefly
«Advantedge» contains a fast‑acting insecticide that interferes with flea nervous system function, causing immediate mortality. A residual ingredient maintains efficacy, eliminating newly emerging fleas for several weeks after application.
How does Advantedge work against fleas? - in detail
Advantedge contains the active ingredient dinotefuran, a neonicotinoid that binds selectively to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the flea nervous system. Binding disrupts normal synaptic transmission, leading to rapid paralysis and death of the parasite. The compound exhibits high affinity for insect receptors while displaying low toxicity to mammals due to differences in receptor structure.
The formulation is delivered as a spot‑on solution applied directly to the animal’s skin. After application, the product spreads through the sebaceous glands, creating a reservoir of active molecules on the skin surface. This reservoir provides continuous exposure to fleas that contact the host, ensuring lethal doses are encountered during brief feeding attempts.
Key pharmacokinetic features include:
- Rapid absorption into the lipid layer of the skin, establishing a persistent concentration gradient.
- Minimal systemic absorption, limiting exposure to internal organs.
- Resistance to wash‑off, maintaining efficacy after bathing or rain exposure.
Efficacy studies demonstrate:
- Onset of action within 30 minutes of contact.
- Sustained flea kill for up to 30 days with a single treatment.
- Prevention of egg development, interrupting the flea life cycle.
The combination of receptor specificity, targeted delivery, and prolonged skin residency makes Advantedge a potent tool for controlling flea infestations on companion animals.