Capstar® Tablets for Flea Infestation

Capstar® is an oral flea medicine for dogs and cats. This page explains what it is, how it works, and how to use it safely. Available with US delivery from Canada, including options if you are considering Capstar without insurance.

What Capstar Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine contains nitenpyram, a fast-acting insect neurotoxin that targets adult fleas. It binds to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which disrupts nerve signaling in fleas. The result is rapid flea knockdown on treated pets. It does not prevent future infestations or treat flea eggs and larvae. Many pet owners pair this treatment with home and yard control or a monthly preventive to keep fleas from returning. Learn more about the condition in our Flea Infestation guide.

It works for both species, but always choose the correct strength by pet size. Swallowing the tablet is straightforward, and it can be given with food. This medicine is not a long-acting preventive. Consider a monthly option once your pet is free of adult fleas.

For broader pet care context, explore our Pet Medications category.

Who It’s For

This treatment is intended for dogs and cats that currently have adult fleas. It may be used in kittens and puppies once they reach the minimum age and weight per the official label. Many families use it to quickly relieve biting while they set up long-term control. Owners of multi-pet homes often treat all pets and clean living areas to reduce reinfestation.

One option for small patients is Nitenpyram tablets for cats. Larger pets may require a different strength. Do not use this medicine in pets with known hypersensitivity to nitenpyram. If your animal has a seizure history or severe illness, discuss suitability with a veterinarian before you give any flea therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the official label for weight-based dosing. This product is given by mouth, once on the day you see live fleas. It may be used once daily if adult fleas return. Offer the tablet directly or hide it in a small amount of food. Ensure your pet swallows the full dose. If vomiting occurs within a short time after dosing, contact your veterinary professional about whether to redose.

When starting therapy, check all pets for fleas and treat appropriately. Wash bedding, vacuum carpets, and consider environmental control. This step lowers the chance of repeated bites. For ongoing prevention, ask your veterinarian about a monthly option after the immediate infestation is addressed.

Some owners prefer to use Capstar oral flea tablets as a rapid relief on high-risk days, such as after boarding or outdoor excursions. Always read the leaflet and defer to the label if you are uncertain.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as oral tablets in species-appropriate pack sizes. Commonly published strengths are available for cats, small dogs, and larger dogs. Availability may vary by market and pharmacy partner.

• Nitenpyram 11.4 mg tablets for smaller pets, per label weight ranges
• Different larger strengths for heavier dogs; see the label for details

Pack counts and regional packaging can differ. Review the carton for the species icons and the correct weight band before giving a dose.

Missed Dose and Timing

This therapy is often used as needed when live fleas are seen. If you miss a planned dose, give it when you remember that day. Do not give more than one dose in a 24-hour period unless directed by a veterinarian. When using weight-based options such as Nitenpyram 57 mg tablets, confirm the correct strength before redosing.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in the original blister or carton at room temperature in a dry place. Keep away from moisture, heat sources, and direct sunlight. Secure all medicines out of reach of children and animals. For travel, keep tablets in labeled packaging with the leaflet. Pack a small pill organizer only if it preserves the label information for identification. If flying, place the medicine in your carry-on to avoid temperature extremes. Our checkout is encrypted to help protect your information.

Benefits

This class offers rapid flea knockdown on treated pets. Tablets are simple to give and do not leave residue on fur. You can pair this quick relief with a monthly preventive for long-term control. Many owners value the flexibility of dosing daily only when needed during an active infestation.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dogs: possible vomiting, lethargy, itching as fleas die, decreased appetite
• Cats: possible vomiting, drooling, hyperactivity, itching during kill-off
• Both species: occasional restlessness, diarrhea, or mild transient signs

Serious reactions are rare but can include tremors or seizures. Seek urgent veterinary care if severe signs occur. Keep in mind that increased scratching shortly after dosing can reflect dying fleas rather than a drug reaction. Use caution in pets with seizure disorders or severe systemic illness. Always review the package insert and consult a veterinarian if unsure.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Nitenpyram has limited documented interactions. However, use care when combining multiple parasite products on the same day. Tell your veterinarian about any other insecticides, heartworm preventives, or systemic therapies your pet receives. This treatment does not replace monthly flea control or tick protection. For pregnant or nursing animals, seek veterinary guidance before use.

What to Expect Over Time

After dosing, you may notice increased flea activity as adult fleas die. Visible relief can follow quickly, and many pets scratch less as the infestation decreases. Because this product is short-acting, continued environmental management is important. Wash fabrics and vacuum frequently to reduce immature flea stages in the home. A monthly preventive can help break the life cycle. Track when you give each tablet to avoid accidental repeat dosing the same day.

Compare With Alternatives

For ongoing monthly control, your veterinarian may recommend a topical or systemic preventive. Options include selamectin-based products for cats or dogs. Compare this fast-acting oral option with Revolution For Dog for canine monthly coverage and Revolution For Cat for feline use. Your choice may depend on species, weight, local parasite risks, and household needs.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy partners often offer competitive cash-pay options. Check current listings on this page for pack counts and availability. If you are comparing out-of-pocket options, you may see the Capstar cash price vary by strength and count. We provide transparent details so you can select the right pack size. Fulfilment supports US shipping from Canada to simplify access for American customers.

Looking for deals? See rotating offers on our Promotions page when available.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can differ by strength and pack size. Some regions list this therapy as Capstar over the counter, while others may require a veterinary authorization. If your preferred presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may suggest a monthly alternative or an interim bridge until your chosen option is restocked. We do not guarantee specific dates for backorders.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine suits households needing rapid relief for biting fleas. It may not be ideal for pets requiring continuous prevention without daily dosing. Families with sensitive animals or complex medical histories should check with a veterinarian before use.

• Right size: match weight band before purchase
• Multi-pet planning: treat all animals appropriately
• Bundle timing: align with cleaning of bedding and rugs
• Multi-month: consider larger packs to reduce per-dose costs
• Reminders: set calendar alerts to track doses

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this rapid flea therapy appropriate for my pet’s age and weight?
• How should I coordinate this dose with a monthly preventive?
• What signs suggest an adverse reaction versus normal flea die-off?
• Which home cleaning steps matter most to limit reinfestation?
• When should I avoid combining it with other parasite products?

Authoritative Sources

For complete details, review these official resources:

• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada Drug Product Database
• Manufacturer

Explore related reading to support your plan: How To Tell If Your Cat Is In Pain, Doxycycline For Dogs And Cats, Safe Use Of Enalapril For Dogs, and What Is Clavamox For Cats And Dogs. You can also review our Canada Origin listings.

Ready when you are. Add to cart for prompt, express shipping with US shipping from Canada. This information is educational and not a substitute for veterinary advice; always follow the official label.