Nitenpyram

"Capstar" redirects here. For the broadcasting company, see Clear Channel Communications.

Nitenpyram
IUPAC name (E)-N-(6-Chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)- N-ethyl-N'-methyl-2-nitrovinylidenediamine
Other names Capstar
Identifiers
CAS number	150824-47-8 Y
UNII	3A837VZ81Y Y
KEGG	C18511 Y[ KEGG]
ATCvet code	QP53BX02
Properties
Molecular formula	C11H15ClN4O2
Molar mass	270.72 g/mol
Melting point	72 °C
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Nitenpyram is an insecticide used in agriculture and veterinary medicine to kill insect external parasites of livestock and pets.

In veterinary medicine, it is used orally with dogs and cats to control fleas (often under the trade name Capstar). After ingestion, it begins killing fleas within 30 minutes and kills every adult flea on the pet within 4 hours. The effects of this pill are approximately 24-48 hours. Nitenpyram is safe to use on puppies and kittens as young as four weeks old so long as they weigh at least 2 pounds (0.91 kg). However, panting and excitement have been noted in cats within 2 hours of Capstar administration.

Nitenpyram is a neonicotinoid, which means that it is a neurotoxin that blocks the ability for neural messages to transmit through the central nervous system of the flea causing (almost) instant death.

It has no long-term residual activity and therefore is not effective as a longer-term flea preventative. It is usually used to kill adult fleas quickly on an infested animal to give immediate relief for a day. It is then usually followed up with some other longer-term flea preventative to prevent reinfestation. In heavily infested animals, it can cause extreme itching as the fleas die; this almost always resolves on its own.

It is often used as part of the protocol in treating environmental infestations.

External links

• Capstar website
• Freedom of Information summary (NADA 141-053), US Food and Drug Administration