What is the difference between Bravecto and Credelio?
Bravecto and Credelio are both oral flea and tick preventatives for pets, but Credelio for cats contains lotilaner and provides monthly protection, while Bravecto contains fluralaner and typically provides longer-lasting coverage.
Understanding the Difference Between Bravecto and Credelio
Pet owners seeking effective flea and tick protection often encounter products like Bravecto and Credelio. While both are used to combat parasite infestations in cats, they differ in ingredients, duration of action, and recommended usage. This article explores the critical differences to help you make an informed decision for your feline companion.
1. Active Ingredients
- Credelio: Contains lotilaner, an isoxazoline class compound. This ingredient works by disrupting the GABA-gated chloride channels in insects and ticks, leading to paralysis and death. Lotilaner is selective for insect GABA receptors, making it generally safe for cats when used appropriately.
- Bravecto: Contains fluralaner, another isoxazoline compound with a similar mechanism of action. Like lotilaner, it targets GABA receptors in parasites, causing death through neural disruption.
2. Duration of Protection
- Credelio: Offers monthly protection (30 days) against fleas and black-legged ticks in cats aged 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 2 pounds.
- Bravecto: Typically provides longer-lasting protection, with formulations that may protect cats for up to 12 weeks depending on the parasite type and regional approval.
3. Approved Uses
- Credelio: Approved for treatment and prevention of flea infestations and control of black-legged ticks for one month. Not effective against all tick species and does not protect against intestinal worms or heartworms.
- Bravecto: Depending on the formulation, approved for use against multiple tick species along with fleas. Exact protections vary by product version and country.
4. Age and Weight Requirements
- Credelio: Suitable for cats as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds. However, tick control is only established for cats 6 months and older.
- Bravecto: Requirements vary slightly by product but generally follows similar guidelines in terms of age and weight.
5. Administration and Dosing
- Credelio: Administered once monthly with food or within 30 minutes of feeding. Comes in two dosage strengths—12 mg and 48 mg—based on cat weight. Doses must be recalculated monthly for growing kittens.
- Bravecto: Available in longer-duration chewable tablets or topicals, reducing the frequency of administration to every 8 to 12 weeks.
6. Efficacy and Speed of Action
- Credelio: Starts killing fleas within 6 hours, achieving 100% flea kill by 24 hours. Tick effectiveness exceeds 97% after 72 hours and remains high through the 31-day period.
- Bravecto: Also fast-acting and maintains effectiveness throughout its longer dosage cycle. Exact kill times depend on the version of Bravecto used.
7. Side Effects and Safety Concerns
- Credelio: Generally well-tolerated, but may cause vomiting, weight loss, increased breathing rate, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Rare neurologic side effects like seizures or tremors may occur, especially in cats with preexisting neurological conditions.
- Bravecto: Similar side effects may be seen, as both drugs belong to the isoxazoline class. Always consult a veterinarian if your pet has a history of seizures.
8. Prescription and Availability
- Credelio: Prescription-only. Suitable for year-round flea and tick prevention and must be given consistently each month for best results.
- Bravecto: Also prescription-only and administered less frequently. Consult your vet on selection based on your lifestyle and pet’s health status.
9. Storage and Handling
- Credelio: Store in original blister packs at room temperature between 59°F–77°F (15°C–25°C). Avoid direct access by children or pets.
- Bravecto: Typically has similar storage requirements; follow product label instructions carefully.
10. Special Considerations
- Credelio should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats as its safety hasn’t been established.
- Use caution with both products in pets with neurological problems.
- Neither product treats internal parasites or mosquito-borne diseases. Additional preventatives may be necessary based on your cat’s environment.
Conclusion
Both Bravecto and Credelio offer effective flea and tick protection, but they differ in their
active ingredients, duration, administration frequency, and approved uses. Credelio is ideal for owners preferring monthly, tasty chewables, while Bravecto appeals to those wanting less frequent treatments. Always consult your veterinarian to determine which product fits your cat's health needs and your lifestyle best.
