What is Afoxolaner used for?

Afoxolaner is indicated for: Flea and tick prevention.

Which species have cited Afoxolaner dosing data?

Afoxolaner dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Corn Snake, Dog (Domestic).

Is Afoxolaner a controlled substance?

Afoxolaner is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What are the side effects of Afoxolaner?

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Afoxolaner: FDA-approved for dogs. Seizure potential in dogs with neurologic history. Not for use in puppies <8 weeks or <1.8kg. Dogs only (not cats).

Afoxolaner

US brand names:NexGard

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Afoxolaner is dosed at 2.5 mg/kg PO single administration in corn snakes, per Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in pet snakes for the treatment and control of Ophionyssus natricis (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae). Parasites & Vectors, 2022. DOI 10.1186/s13071-022-05611-1; PMID 36609309; PMCID PMC9825044. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9825044/. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Antiparasitic

Routes

Mechanism of Action

Isoxazoline ectoparasiticide blocking GABA and glutamate-gated chloride channels in arthropods. Monthly flea and tick protection.

Side effects & warnings

FDA-approved for dogs. Seizure potential in dogs with neurologic history. Not for use in puppies <8 weeks or <1.8kg. Dogs only (not cats).

Species with Afoxolaner dosing data (2 dose rules)

Corn Snake Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Corn Snake drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×1Weak×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

· Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in pet snakes for the treatment and control of Ophionyssus natricis (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae). Parasites & Vectors, 2022. DOI 10.1186/s13071-022-05611-1; PMID 36609309; PMCID PMC9825044. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9825044/
· Nexgard - Afoxolaner Tablet, Chewable [US Product Label for Dogs]. Boehringer Ingelheim; 2020. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=48dd3eaa-18e3-430d-ad40-a964b591fb16 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.44 (2026-08-01).

Sample dosing (1 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	2.5–6.3 mg/kg	q30 days	Strong	Nexgard - Afoxolaner Tablet, Chewable [US Product Label for Dogs]. Boehringer Ingelheim; 2020. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=48dd3eaa-18e3-430d-ad40-a964b591fb16 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.44 (2026-08-01).

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