General Information on Program
Program is the brand name for an insect development inhibitor used in pets. The generic name of this drug is Lufenuron.
This drug is used for both the treatment and prevention of flea infestations in cats and dogs. It primarily inhibits the development of insects and mainly kills immature fleas in their initial stages of growth. Program is ineffective against fully grown fleas and ticks.
Program is only to be prescribed for dogs and cats. Though it is also available over the counter, it is always better to buy Program only after consulting a veterinarian.
This drug will be effective only after the fleas lay eggs. Therefore, it may take several days for the effectiveness of Program to become apparent.
Program effectively gets stored in the body fat and is then released into the bloodstream of the pet over a course of 30 days.
Treatment with Program should be initiated at least a month before flea season begins, and it should be continued till the end of the season.
Side effects of Program
Program has very few or rare side effects. However, it may lead to the following symptoms :
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Reddened skin
Dosage of Program
Program is available in a tablet form, an oral suspension form and an injectable form. The tablets and oral suspension are to be given every month. It is advisable to give this drug along with food to increase the rate of absorption.
The doses of Program vary for dogs weighing 4.5 kg, 4.9-9 kg, 9.5-20 kg, and 20.8-40.8 kg. For dogs over 40.8 kg, a suitable dose determined by the vet is to be administered.
The doses of Program vary for cats weighing up to 2.7 kg as well as 3.1-6.8 kg. For cats over 6.8 kg, a suitable dose determined by the vet is to be administered.
In the case of Program oral suspension, the dosage varies for dogs weighing up to 4.5 kg and 4.9-9 kg. For cats over 9 kg, a suitable dose is to be determined. It is to be noted that once the suspension pouch is opened, it has to be either immediately used or discarded.
If you buy Program in the injectable form, the dosage varies for pets weighing up to 4 kg and 4-8 kg. The injection is to be given subcutaneously every 180 days. For cats over 8 kg, either the tablets or suspension have to be used. The recommended minimum dosage of 6 month injectable Program for cats is 4.54 mg or Program 10mg/kg of weight.
Program in oral form is considered safe to be used in pregnant and lactating pets.
Program tablets can be used even in cats and dogs that are 6 weeks of age.
Interactions
Program is reported to have no known drug interaction with other medicines for dogs and cats. However, inform your vet about all the drugs you are currently giving your pet.
