What is Nexgard Combo?

Nexgard combo is a broad-spectrum veterinary medicine that treats and prevents mixed infections of external and internal parasites in cats. The medicine is only used if a cat is at significant risk of mixed infection with external parasites and roundworms alongside tapeworms all at the same time.

Nexgard Combo has three active constituents, esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel. Esafoxolaner acts as an ectoparasiticide by interfering with the parasite’s nerve cells (neurotransmission), causing uncontrolled activity in the parasite's nervous system and death. It is effective against fleas and ticks, killing them within 24 and 48 hours of application.

Praziquantel and eprinomectin act as endoparasiticides attacking parasites that live inside the cat’s body. 

Benefits of Nexgard Combo

Nexgard Combo for cats is used to treat the following conditions:

• Flea and tick infestation for a duration of one month
• Ear and skin mites infestation
• Tapeworms and roundworms/hookworms in the gut
• Lungworms and roundworm infestation in the bladder
• Heartworm infestation for a one-month duration

How Is Nexgard Combo Used?

Nexgard Combo is a spot-on treatment with a unique applicator. It’s easy to use and can be administered on kittens as young as 8 weeks and weighing 0.8kg. Nexgard Combo can only be obtained with a prescription and comes in different applicator sizes.

The size of the applicator used depends on the weight of the cat. The medicine is applied to the cat's skin, where it can’t lick it. 

For serious cases of infestations, it’s advisable to repeat treatment with 4 weeks intervals. The pack is available in two sizes, a small one for kittens weighing 0.8kg to 2.5kg and a large one for adult cats weighing 2.5 to 7.5kg.

Is Nexgard Combo Suitable for My Cat?

Nexgard Combo is suitable for cats older than 8 weeks old. The dosage depends on the weight of the cat and the infection. The medicine is best for mixed infections of cestodes, nematodes, and ectoparasites. 

Dosage Schedule

The recommended minimum dosage for cats is 1.44mg esafoxolaner, 0.48mg eprinomectin and 10mg praziquantel per kg bodyweight. 

For proper administration, select the appropriate applicator size for your cat's weight.

What Are the Side Effects of Nexgard Combo?

Nexgard Combo is effective in treating feline eternal and internal parasites. However, a few side effects of Nexgard Combo administration include excessive salivation, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, and skin reactions at the application site (hair loss and itching). 

The reactions occur immediately after application and are often short-lived.

What Precautions Should Be Taken During Administration?

The person administering the medicine to the animal has to take note of the following:

• People with hypersensitivity to esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, or praziquantel should avoid contact with Nexgard Combo
• After application, the person applying the medicine should not eat, drink or smoke. 
• Exercise caution during application and avoid contact with hands
• On contact with hands during the application, wash thoroughly with water and soap
• Avoid contact with the site of application until dry and no longer noticeable.
• Recommended time to treat animals is in the evening to reduce contact with people after treatment

Precautions for use in animals include the following:

• The medicine should only be administered topically. Do not administer orally or inject.
• Avoid contact with the cat’s eyes, but on accidental contact, seek veterinary advice.
• Ensure to apply the medicine on a spot where the cat cannot lick it off; on the neck between the shoulders
• Nexgard combo should not be used in cats without prior veterinary consultation.

How Effective Is Nexgard Combo?

One in four cats gets infected with fleas, ticks, and nematodes. Nexgard Combo effectively treats ectoparasites and endoparasite infestations in adult cats. 

The Nexgard Combo kills the most common tick on cats, Ixodes ricinus, within 48 hours, and the protection lasts five weeks. Other parasites it attacks are roundworms, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina, hookworms, and tapeworms. It is also 99% effective in treating ear mites.