How does the medication Bravecto work on ticks in cats? - briefly
Bravecto delivers fluralaner systemically, disrupting GABA‑ and glutamate‑gated chloride channels in tick nervous systems, which causes rapid paralysis and death. A single administration protects cats for up to 12 weeks against all tick life stages.
How does the medication Bravecto work on ticks in cats? - in detail
Bravecto (fluralaner) is a systemic acaricide administered to cats as a chewable tablet. After ingestion, the active ingredient is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed through the bloodstream. Ticks attach to the host, begin feeding, and ingest blood that contains the drug. Fluralaner binds to the gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels and to glutamate‑gated chloride channels in the tick’s nervous system. This binding blocks the normal flow of chloride ions, leading to uncontrolled neuronal firing, paralysis, and death of the parasite within hours of attachment.
Key pharmacokinetic features:
- Rapid absorption: Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 12–24 hours.
- Long half‑life: Approximately 12 weeks, providing continuous protection without re‑dosing.
- High plasma protein binding: Ensures sustained levels of active compound in the circulatory system.
The drug’s efficacy against various tick species (e.g., Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis) has been demonstrated in controlled studies. Mortality rates exceed 95 % within 24 hours of tick attachment, and the product prevents subsequent feeding cycles, interrupting the transmission of tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella spp. and Cytauxzoon felis.
Safety considerations include:
- Species restriction: Formulated exclusively for cats; dosage is weight‑based.
- Adverse‑event profile: Generally mild, with occasional vomiting, diarrhea, or transient lethargy.
- Contraindications: Not recommended for cats with known hypersensitivity to fluralaner or other isoxazoline compounds.
In summary, Bravecto delivers a blood‑borne insecticide that targets neural ion channels in ticks, causing rapid paralysis and death, while maintaining therapeutic plasma levels for up to three months, thereby offering extended protection against tick infestations in felines.