Question 1

What is Spinosad used for?

Accepted Answer

Spinosad is indicated for: Flea control.

Question 2

What routes can Spinosad be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Spinosad dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Spinosad dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Spinosad a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Spinosad is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Spinosad?

Accepted Answer

Dogs and cats. Vomiting is the most common adverse effect. Do NOT use concurrently with high-dose ivermectin (increased neurotoxicity risk). Give with food.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Spinosad?

Accepted Answer

Dogs and cats. Vomiting is the most common adverse effect. Do NOT use concurrently with high-dose ivermectin (increased neurotoxicity risk). Give with food.

Question 7

How does Spinosad work?

Accepted Answer

Activates insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at a unique site, causing involuntary muscle contractions, paralysis, and death of fleas.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	30–60 mg/kg	q30d	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	50–75 mg/kg	q30d	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Spinosad

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Spinosad dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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