How does Bravecto act when dealing with tick bites? - briefly
Bravecto (fluralaner) is a systemic acaricide absorbed into the bloodstream after oral dosing; when a tick attaches, the drug penetrates the parasite’s nervous system, causing rapid death within about 12 hours and providing protection against new infestations for up to 12 weeks.
How does Bravecto act when dealing with tick bites? - in detail
Bravecto contains the isoxazoline compound fluralaner, which is absorbed into the bloodstream after oral or topical administration and remains at therapeutic levels for up to twelve weeks. When a tick attaches and begins to ingest blood, fluralaner enters the parasite’s nervous system and blocks ligand‑gated chloride channels that are normally activated by γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. This blockade prevents chloride influx, causing uncontrolled neuronal firing, rapid paralysis, and death of the tick within 24–48 hours of attachment.
Key aspects of the action include:
- Systemic distribution ensures that the drug is present in all tissues, including skin and blood, where feeding ticks acquire it.
- Concentrations exceeding the lethal dose 90 % (LD₉₀) are reached within hours after the tick starts feeding, guaranteeing efficacy against all life stages that feed on the host.
- The pharmacokinetic profile maintains drug levels above the minimum effective concentration throughout the dosing interval, eliminating the need for repeated treatments.
- Broad‑spectrum activity covers Ixodes, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Amblyomma species, reducing the risk of transmission of tick‑borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia spp.
Safety considerations:
- Fluralaner exhibits a high therapeutic index; it selectively binds to arthropod receptors with low affinity for mammalian GABA receptors, minimizing adverse effects in dogs and cats.
- Metabolism occurs primarily via hepatic pathways, with excretion in feces and urine, resulting in negligible residue in the environment.
Overall, Bravecto’s systemic, long‑lasting presence and targeted neurotoxic mechanism provide rapid elimination of attached ticks and sustained protection against subsequent infestations.