Veterinary Pharmacy APPE Rotation

Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Student Topic Discussions

Flea and Tick Products

1. What stage of the flea life cycle do each class of antiparasitics target? Why is it
important to target all stages if a flea infestation is present?
a. Macrocyclic lactones
b. Cholinesterase inhibitors
c. Neonicotinoids
d. Formamidines (amitraz)
e. Oxadiazines
f. Isoxazolines
g. Insect growth regulators
h. Phenylpyrazoles (fipronil)
i. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids
j. Spinosyns
2. What is the most common type of flea that infects small animals? Describe its life cycle.
3. What is the mechanism of action of macrocyclic lactones? Which drugs comprise this
class of antiparasitics?
4. What is the mechanism of action of neonicotinoids? Which drugs comprise this class of
antiparasitics?
5. Isoxazolines are a newer class of medications being used for flea and tick prevention in
small animals. What is their mechanism of action? Which drugs comprise this class?
6. What is fipronil? What products is it found in? What is its mechanism of action?
7. Can fipronil be used in cats? How would you counsel a client who needs to give their
dog, who cohabitates with a cat, Frontline?
8. Describe sarcoptic mange. What ectoparasite is responsible for this infection?