Pyriprole

Pyriprole, sold under the brand name Prac-tic, is a veterinary medication used for dogs against external parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Pyriprole is a phenylpyrazole derivative similar to fipronil. Although introduced (in the 2000s) and under patent protection it is a "classic" insecticide. It is only approved in the EU and a few other countries for use on dogs. It is not approved for use on cats or livestock. It has not been introduced as an agricultural or hygiene pesticide.

Pyriprole applied as a spot-on is highly effective against fleas and several ticks species. Efficacy against fleas is comparable to that of other modern insecticidal active ingredients such as fipronil, imidacloprid or spinosad. As most flea spot-ons it controls existing flea and tick infestations in about 1 to 2 days, and provides about 4 weeks protection against re-infestations.

Mechanism of action

Pyriprole is an insecticide and acaricide. It inhibits γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels (GABAA receptors) resulting in uncontrolled hyperactivity of the central nervous system of fleas and ticks.

Parasites are killed through contact rather than by systemic exposure. Following topical administration pyriprole is rapidly distributed in the hair coat of dogs within one day after application. It can be found in the hair coat throughout the treatment interval. Insecticidal efficacy duration against new infestations with fleas persists for a minimum of four weeks. The substance can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).