Eye or vision problems after Nitenpyram (Capstar) in cats

The FDA has received 93 reports of eye or vision problems in cats after Nitenpyram. That is 1.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.3% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported less often than average with this medicine.

93Reports
26%Marked serious
17%Recovered
11%Died or euthanised
1 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
15 38%
1–2 days
13 33%
3–7 days
3 7.7%
1–4 weeks
3 7.7%
Over a month
5 13%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 15%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 2.2%
Still unwell when reported
13 14%
Died
8 8.6%
Euthanised
2 2.2%
Not known
54 58%

Problems reported at the same time

Restlessness or agitation
40 43%
Breathing problems
31 33%
Vocalising
23 25%
Polypnoea
16 17%
Lethargy
16 17%
Wobbliness (ataxia)
13 14%
Drooling
12 13%
Itching
12 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
22
1–3 years
21
4–7 years
18
8–11 years
15
12+ years
14

About this medicine

Nitenpyram kills adult fleas quickly; a single-dose tablet.

Products with this ingredient include Capstar. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

Questions owners ask

Can Nitenpyram cause eye or vision problems in cats?
93 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 1 day of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Eye or vision problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Nitenpyram in cats · Medicines most reported with eye or vision problems