Prescribing overview
NexGard is single-ingredient canine flea/tick control, not NexGard Plus or feline NexGard Combo.
Key prescribing checks
- The isoxazoline class warning includes tremors, ataxia and seizures, including seizures in dogs without a previous history. Use caution with a neurologic or seizure history.
- Confirm age and weight eligibility against the current label before dispensing. The standard label has not established safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.
- Reconcile other preventatives so overlapping or omitted coverage is recognized. An afoxolaner search result alone does not establish heartworm prevention.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Dogs
US veterinary approved labelFlea treatment/prevention; labeled tick control; prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infection through vector-tick killing
The six tick species are listed in the current prescribing information.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Inhibits arthropod ligand-gated chloride channels, producing nervous-system hyperexcitation and death.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
The reviewed canine label does not provide quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters; no feline disposition is inferred.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
NexGard
US single-ingredient canine chewable label; does not cover NexGard Plus.
Contraindications · when not to use
- Label explicitly reports no known contraindications.
Precautions & monitoring
- Isoxazoline neurologic reactions include seizures, even without prior seizures; caution with seizure/neurologic history. Breeding, pregnancy and lactation safety has not been evaluated.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Vomiting, diarrhea, itching and lethargy occur; isoxazoline neurologic reactions include tremors, ataxia and seizures.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
| Species & indication | Labeled regimen | Eligibility & source |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs ≥8 weeks and ≥4 lbApproved flea/tick indicationsNexGard chewables | Minimum 2.5 mg/kg (1.14 mg/lb) Oral · Monthly Ongoing exposure-based prevention | One chew: 4–10 lb: 11.3 mg; 10.1–24 lb: 28.3 mg; 24.1–60 lb: 68 mg; 60.1–121 lb: 136 mg; above 121 lb appropriate combination. Verify full dosing label ↗ |
Current label also contains a separate New World screwworm EUA; that emergency authorization is not an approved indication or included regimen here.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
A product-specific interaction summary has not been established here. An empty list must not be interpreted as “no interactions.” Review the full source and a species-appropriate clinical reference.
Monitoring
Review seizure history and observe for neurologic reactions.
Client counseling
Verify complete consumption; follow label redosing instructions for vomiting or lost doses.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Keep the correct weight-band package secured.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Afoxolaner
NexGard contains afoxolaner alone. NexGard Plus contains afoxolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel and is a different product, not a brand synonym for this single ingredient.
Check the full product name, active ingredients, weight range and species each time. Brand-family resemblance does not confirm parasite coverage or substitution.
This entry records the standard canine product; cat products in a brand family require their own ingredient and formulation verification.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
NexGard
- Formulation
- Oral chewables
- Label / product scope
- Dogs
Single-ingredient afoxolaner product; NexGard Plus has additional active ingredients.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.
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