How long does a Bravecto tablet work against ticks? - briefly
The tablet delivers up to twelve weeks of continuous tick protection. Efficacy begins within two hours after oral administration.
How long does a Bravecto tablet work against ticks? - in detail
The oral tablet marketed as «Bravecto» contains the active ingredient fluralaner, a systemic acaricide absorbed rapidly after ingestion. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 2–4 hours; the elimination half‑life ranges from 12 to 15 days, allowing sustained therapeutic levels for several months.
Efficacy against ticks persists for approximately 12 weeks (84 days) following a single dose. Laboratory trials report ≥90 % kill rates for common species throughout this interval, while field investigations confirm comparable results under natural infestation conditions.
Key tick species demonstrating consistent susceptibility include:
- Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick)
- Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)
- Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
- Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick)
Several variables can modify the protection period:
- Body weight: under‑dosing in overweight animals reduces plasma concentration.
- Health status: severe hepatic or renal impairment may alter drug metabolism.
- Concurrent medications: enzyme‑inducing agents can accelerate clearance.
- Environmental factors: extreme temperatures may affect tick activity but not drug efficacy.
To maintain uninterrupted control, administer a new tablet every 12 weeks. Overlapping doses are not required, provided the schedule is adhered to precisely.
Safety profile is favorable; adverse events are rare and generally limited to transient gastrointestinal signs. The product is contraindicated in dogs younger than 8 weeks or weighing less than 2 kg.