How does Simparica work on ticks in dogs? - briefly
Simparica contains sarolaner, which blocks GABA‑gated chloride channels in ticks, causing rapid paralysis and death. A single oral dose kills attached ticks within 8 hours and provides continuous protection for up to 35 days.
How does Simparica work on ticks in dogs? - in detail
Simparica is an oral chewable tablet that delivers sarolaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, into the bloodstream of the dog. After ingestion, the compound is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within a few hours. The drug’s half‑life, approximately 21 days, sustains therapeutic levels for a full month, allowing a single dose to protect against tick infestations throughout that period.
Sarolaner targets the GABA‑gated chloride channels and glutamate‑gated chloride channels in arthropod nervous systems. By binding to these receptors, it blocks inhibitory neurotransmission, causing uncontrolled neuronal firing. The resulting hyperexcitation leads to paralysis, loss of coordination, and ultimately death of the attached ticks. Because the agent acts systemically, it does not rely on contact with the parasite; any tick that begins feeding on the host is exposed to the active ingredient through the blood it ingests.
Efficacy data show that Simparica eliminates common tick species—including Ixodes scapularis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis, and Amblyomma americanum—within 24 hours of attachment. Rapid kill times reduce the window for pathogen transmission, lowering the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Repeated monthly dosing maintains consistent blood concentrations, preventing re‑infestation and interrupting the life cycle of ticks in the environment.
Dosage recommendations are based on body weight, typically 2 mg of sarolaner per kilogram of the animal. The formulation is palatable, facilitating administration. Contraindications include dogs with known hypersensitivity to isoxazolines and those receiving concurrent medications that may interfere with hepatic metabolism. Clinical trials report a low incidence of mild gastrointestinal upset, with serious adverse events being rare.
In summary, the product works by delivering a systemic neurotoxin that interferes with tick neurotransmission, achieving swift mortality after the parasite starts feeding, and providing month‑long protection against a broad spectrum of tick species.