Cats having adverse reaction to CAPSTAR (adult flea tablets- Nitenpyram)?

Question

An hour ago I gave my two persian cats and my puppy exelpet Capstar for cats and small dogs. Following the directions, they were given one tablet each and I crushed each tablet and mixed it in with each of their dinners. An hour later, I noticed that both my cats seem quite destressed. They are scratching like crazy, their breathing is very fast and they are panting like dogs with their tounges out and ears back, so loud that I can hear each breath. At first they were very restless, running around and stopping every now and then to scratch, mostly around their bottom area and their ears. My dog is fine.

At first I thought the fleas might be bothering them as I have seen with my dog before when the vet sprayed him with flea spray. He kept scratching like mad and the vet reassured me this was normal as the fleas die they are irritating him as they are running around more than usual.

So I rang the after hours vet clinic and explained to them the situation. I asked them if the fleas could just irritating them more than usual as they die, but they said that shoudln't be happening and this reaction isn't normal. I also quickly researched Capstar on the internet and one website said about adverse reactions: 
"The following adverse reactions have been reported in cats after giving PROGRAM Flavor Tabs: vomiting, depression/lethargy, anorexia (loss of appetite), diarrhea, hyperactivity, dyspnea (labored breathing), pruritus (itchy skin), and skin eruptions (rash).

What like this is ok or something?! My cats did not have the same brand however the brand that I used has the same ingredient (Nitenpyram).

I have decided to wait until the morning before taking my cats to the vet. The reason for this is (other than the fact that after hours consultation fees are triple the cost of the vet I usually take them too) both cats seem to be settling down now. one is still hiding under my bed and the other is lying on the floor close to me. Their breathing is still a bit faster than normal but they are much more calm. I'll wait and see how they are in the morning. I definately won't be using this product again!

Have your cats ever experienced adverse reactions to flea products? What do you think could have caused it? Do you think it was just the fleas irritating them and the panting was caused by stress and hyperactivity? What could be done (besides taking them to the vet of course) to help them if they ever have problems from a flea treatment product again?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

It's an allergic reaction to the capstar. I have 6 cats and only use Capstar on them - my vet recommended it. When the fleas start dying the cats usually just scratch alot more. Your cats have had an adverse reaction. There's nothing you can do for them if they have a reaction to another product, besides taking them to the vet. Basically it's like your cats have been poisoned and need a vet's assistance. If you are not going to take them to the vets tonight you need to keep a VERY close eye on them because it could end up being fatal. If their symptoms start to get worse, please take them in. Good luck.

Jim · Answer

Capstar causes fleas to have central nervous system failure and they kind if go crazy because of it. They crawl around and have fits as they die causing the cat to also go a bit crazy from the tickling and itching. But it doesn't last that long and the fleas begin to die in as little as 1/2 hour. 2 cats- one was quite infested and went berserk for 20-30 minutes then calmed down. Next day i combed both real good to only find flea dirt and a couple dead fleas although they both still scratch a bit. After a good combing and removing flea dirt and some dead fleas the scratching is almost totally gone. If you get flea bites they itch long after the bite and flea are both gone, right? But Capstar works!!!

Anonymous · Answer

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Cats having adverse reaction to CAPSTAR (adult flea tablets- Nitenpyram)?
An hour ago I gave my two persian cats and my puppy exelpet Capstar for cats and small dogs. Following the directions, they were given one tablet each and I crushed each tablet and mixed it in with each of their dinners. An hour later, I noticed that both my cats seem quite destressed. They are...

lizzmore · Answer

Capstar Side Effects

Lyn · Answer

We no longer give Nitenpyram to our cats -both had PANTING . I We initially didnt realise as given them calstar for a long time, fo a year, but then Tabby started to run around and pant. He was playing, we assumed that he made himself hot temperature outside was 35 celcius. The cats were about 2 Year olds, we put the fan on, he settled down in 20 min or so -but next time i realised panting was caused several hours after capstar.
The next time he took calstar 3 hrs later panting was severe , his tongue was out and lasted 9 hrs
We couldn't afford to take him to the emergency vet and it was night no way to borrow money.. After this we put funds aside for this.. But we took him to regular vet in the mornig or i think i called the vet describing panting as cat was ok by then 
vets called the supplier but they knew nothing about it, said it must be individual reaction of my cats (they are brothers)
Tabby reactioned to Advantage which has a related ingredient. Nicotinomide class

mcally · Answer

Yes they can have a reaction to a flea medication. I would call the vet back and find out what dose of Benadryl you can safely give your cats. This should help with the reaction they are still having.

Anonymous · Answer

Nitenpyram

That&#39;s Trippy S2 · Answer

Not sure

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Cats having adverse reaction to CAPSTAR (adult flea tablets- Nitenpyram)?

8 Answers