SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 1. Name of the Veterinary Medicinal Product Exspot 2. Qualitative and Quantitative Composition Active ingredient Permethrin (cis:trans 40:60) 3. 706 mg/sachet Pharmaceutical Form Cataneous Solution: A clear, amber, ready-to-use topical ectoparasiticide solution. 4. Pharmacological Properties Pharmacodynamics The active ingredient permethrin (cis:trans 40:60) is an insecticidal, synthetic pyrethroid which selectively disrupts nerve transmission in insects. Permethrin exerts its activity by causing a change in insect nerve membrane permeabilities to sodium and potassium. Permethrin is readily metabolised by man and animals, and is more potently toxic to ectoparasitic arthropods such as flies, lice, fleas, ticks and mites because of the much slower rate of metabolism and elimination of the chemical by the ectoparasites. 5. Clinical Particulars 5.1 Target Species Dogs 5.2 Indications for Use For the treatment and control of fleas and ticks on dogs. Exspot kills fleas and ticks and provides protection from reinfestation for up to four weeks after application. 5.3 Contra-indications Do not use on puppies under 2 weeks of age. DO NOT USE ON CATS. This product is poisonous to cats. 5.4 Undesirable Effects Following treatment of a small minority of dogs, a transient, localised irritation at the site of application or nervous signs have been reported. Should this occur, then bathe the dog with a detergent-based shampoo and seek veterinary advice immediately. 5.5 Special Precautions for Use For external use only. Do not use in animals known to be hypersensitive to the active substance. 5.6 Use During Pregnancy and Lactation Teratology studies in laboratory animals indicate that permethrin should pose no teratogenic risk in pregnant bitches. 5.7 Interaction with other Medicaments and other forms of Interaction None described. 5.8 Posology and Method of Administration For dogs weighing up to and including 15 kg: Part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Squeeze 1 ml (the contents of one tube) directly onto the skin. Avoid application to fur. Avoid the contents coming into direct contact with fingers. For dogs weighing more than 15 kg: Part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Squeeze 1 ml (the contents of one tube) directly onto the skin. Avoid application to fur. Avoid the contents coming into direct contact with fingers. Apply 1 ml in a similar manner at the root of the tail. The product may be safely applied at intervals of not less than seven days. Fleas from pets often infest an animal’s basket, bedding and regular resting areas such as carpets and soft furnishings, which should be treated with a suitable insecticide and vacuumed regularly. 5.9 Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes) Dogs treated with 4 x the recommended dose showed no adverse effects. 5.10 Special Warnings for each Target Species Do not use on puppies under 2 weeks of age. Avoid application to fur. This product must not be massaged into the skin. Treated dogs should not be allowed to go swimming for 12 hours after treatment. This product is not suitable for use on the cat. In using insecticide, it is important to ensure that cats do not groom the site of application on a dog which has been treated with this product. Should this occur, separate the animals and seek veterinary advice. 5.11 Withdrawal Period Not applicable. 5.12 Special Safety Precautions to be taken by the Person Administering the Product to Animals Avoid contents coming into direct contact with fingers. Avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Wash hands after use. Wash off any splashes immediately. Users making multiple applications, for example in kennels, should wear protective gloves made of neoprene or nitrile and of minimum thickness 0.3 mm. Do not handle the area of application for 3-6 hours after treatment. It is preferable to treat during the evening. Treated dogs should not be allowed to sleep with people, particularly children. Do not remove container from backing card at any time. 6. Pharmaceutical Particulars 6.1 Major Incompatibilities None described. 6.2 Shelf Life 2 years. 6.3 Special Precautions for Storage Protect from light. Do not refrigerate. Do not store above 25°C. 6.4 6.5 Nature and Contents of Container Size: : 6 x 1 ml Sachet. Container/closures : Plasticised vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer. Special Precautions for the Disposal of Unused Medicinal Product or Waste Materials, if any None. Extremely dangerous to fish. Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the product or packaging. 7. Final Information Name and Permanent Address of the Holder of the Authorisation to Market the Product Schering Plough Animal Health Division of Schering–Plough Ltd Welwyn Garden City AL7 1TW a) Marketing Authorisation: Vm 00201/4086 b) Legal Category: GSL