Credelio® Kills Ticks Twice as Fast as Simparica TRIO® and NexGard®

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Parasites & Vectors has revealed that Credelio, a prescription flea and tick protection product from Elanco Animal Health, demonstrates superior performance in rapidly killing ticks compared to other popular treatments. The study specifically highlights Credelio's efficacy against the lone star tick, a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-eradicate species of tick found in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 45,000 cases of tickborne diseases were reported in the U.S. between 2019 and 2022. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) advises pet owners to use products that can kill or repel ticks to prevent the transmission of pathogens.

Dr. Kathryn Reif, Bailey-Goodwin Endowed Associate Professor in Parasitology at Auburn University, emphasized the significance of the study's findings. The 2023 study compared Credelio (lotilaner) with Simparica TRIO (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) and NexGard (afoxolaner), focusing on their ability to kill Amblyomma americanum, commonly known as the lone star tick. This tick is notorious not only for its resilience but also for its ability to transmit severe diseases to both pets and humans, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ehrlichiosis. The lone star tick can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, leading to red meat allergies in humans.

The study demonstrated that Credelio has the fastest initial tick-killing action within 12 hours of administration and maintains this speed throughout the dosing period. This rapid action is crucial because the longer a tick remains attached to its host, the greater the risk of disease transmission. Dr. Reif noted that the findings underline the importance of year-round parasite protection for pets to mitigate the risks posed by pathogen-carrying ticks.

During the study, dogs were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Credelio, Simparica TRIO, NexGard, or an untreated control group. The researchers conducted live tick counts at regular intervals, and the results were striking. By the 12-hour mark, the dogs treated with Credelio showed a significant reduction in lone star tick numbers compared to the control group. In contrast, the groups treated with Simparica TRIO and NexGard did not show significant differences from the control group at any 12-hour evaluation interval.

Further evaluations revealed that Credelio consistently reduced tick numbers at all 12- and 24-hour checkpoints, maintaining its rapid tick-killing effectiveness throughout the month-long treatment period. Notably, Credelio was the only product among those tested that demonstrated the same speed of tick kill at the end of the month as it did at the beginning.

David Gosche, DVM, Senior Director of Technical Marketing at Elanco, stated that this study distinguishes Credelio from its competitors by showing that it maintains high efficacy in tick killing throughout the entire monthly dosing period. This consistent performance positions Credelio as a leading choice for pet owners seeking effective tick protection.

Credelio is approved for killing adult fleas and treating and preventing flea infestations in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. It is also effective against various tick species, including the lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick, for one month.

While Credelio is highly effective, it is essential to use it with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders, as the active ingredient lotilaner belongs to a class of drugs associated with neurological side effects. The safety of Credelio in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been established, and potential side effects include weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, polyuria, and diarrhea.

This study underscores the importance of choosing a reliable and fast-acting flea and tick treatment for pets to ensure their health and safety.