How does delcid work on fleas? - briefly
Delcid contains the insecticide nitenpyram, which is absorbed into the animal’s bloodstream and quickly disrupts the flea’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death within minutes after the parasite feeds. The oral formulation therefore eliminates existing fleas rapidly without affecting the host.
How does delcid work on fleas? - in detail
Delcid (active ingredient: imidacloprid) is a systemic insecticide belonging to the neonicotinoid class. After oral administration to a host animal, the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout tissues, including skin and hair follicles. Fleas that feed on the treated animal ingest the chemical, which then binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect’s central nervous system. This binding causes continuous stimulation of the receptors, leading to uncontrolled nerve impulses, paralysis, and eventual death of the parasite.
Key pharmacological actions include:
- Absorption: Rapid uptake from the gastrointestinal tract into systemic circulation.
- Distribution: Uniform dissemination to peripheral tissues where fleas attach and feed.
- Receptor interaction: High affinity for insect-specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with minimal activity on mammalian receptors.
- Neurotoxicity: Persistent activation of neuronal channels results in loss of motor function and fatal convulsions in the flea.
- Elimination: Metabolized primarily in the liver; excreted via urine and feces, leaving negligible residues in the host.
The efficacy of delcid against fleas is dose‑dependent, with recommended concentrations achieving >95 % mortality within 24 hours of the first blood meal. Resistance development is mitigated by rotating with insecticides that have different modes of action. Proper dosing according to body weight ensures therapeutic levels that are lethal to fleas while maintaining safety for the host animal.