Beaphar

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Beaphar

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Permethrin
Form Solution, Spot-On, Spray, Cream, Shampoo (External/Topical)
Pharmacological class Antiparasitic Agent (Scabicide, Pediculicide)
General purpose Control and elimination of external parasitic infestations
Origin Synthetic Chemical (Synthetic Pyrethroid)

The Core Identity: What Type of Medicine is Beaphar?

Beaphar preparations for parasite management are defined by their central active component, Permethrin, and its pharmacological classification as an antiparasitic agent. The brand is known for its extensive range of veterinary medicines and care products aimed primarily at pets, establishing its positioning within the consumer-accessible pet healthcare segment. Permethrin is categorized within the group of scabicides and pediculicides, a classification based on its function against mites and lice.

Composition and Origin: Is Permethrin Synthetic or Natural?

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, a substance chemically produced to reliably mimic the insecticidal properties found in natural pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers. This synthetic creation results in a stable compound, which provides a long-lasting residual effect crucial for effective external/topical application in pest control. Beaphar utilizes this stability by formulating the drug into various delivery types, including solution, spot-on, spray, and shampoo, ensuring targeted application directly onto the host’s coat or skin.

General Purpose: What Does This Antiparasitic Agent Do?

The general function of the Permethrin within these preparations is to provide rapid, targeted control of external parasitic infestations, such as those caused by mites, fleas, and lice. This is achieved through a fundamental neurotoxic action where the compound interferes with the nervous system function of arthropods by disrupting the sodium channels. Pharmacologically, Permethrin acts as a potent agent for managing parasitic burdens, possessing the ability to cause paralysis and subsequent death of the target organisms. This mechanism fulfills the preparation's core function of eliminating the parasitic burden and alleviating the related irritation for the host.

Regulatory References

  1. Permethrin - WHO Essential Medicines List

What side effects are possible with Beaphar?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile for Permethrin, the active ingredient in Beaphar preparations, is structured around adverse reactions and safety statements documented in regulatory sources such as the FDA and EMA. The profile is defined by local cutaneous reactions and specific patient restrictions.


Adverse Reaction Scope

Category Description
Key adverse reaction categories Local skin and neurological sensations (burning, stinging, pruritus, erythema).
Frequency classification Common reactions (affecting 1% to 10% of patients) include Paraesthesia (tingling, burning, or pricking sensations). Pruritus and erythema are also frequently documented.
System-organ classes involved Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders (e.g., pruritus, edema, rash) and Nervous System Disorders (e.g., paraesthesia).
Serious adverse reactions Officially documented reports since marketing include headache, fever, dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea (Gastrointestinal Disorders). Severe hypersensitivity reactions are also a stated warning.
Population-specific safety considerations Safety and effectiveness have not been established for use in infants under two months of age, constituting a restriction in official regulatory labels.
Dose- or exposure-related patterns Local reactions are typically mild and transient. Post-treatment pruritus (itching) may persist for up to four weeks, a known pattern generally unrelated to treatment failure.
Safety-related restrictions or limitations Contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to Permethrin, any synthetic pyrethroid/pyrethrin, or the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., chrysanthemums). Contact with the eyes and mucous membranes must be avoided.

Safety Classifications (High-Level)

Category Description
Regulatory frequency framework used Standard frequency conventions derived from clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance, consistent with FDA and EMA guidelines.
Regulatory basis Official Prescribing Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) / DailyMed and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) / Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
Context-of-use safety notes Treatment may temporarily exacerbate pre-existing conditions of itching and redness associated with the parasitic infestation itself.

Connection to the overall safety profile

The regulatory safety profile establishes that the most frequent events are transient local discomfort and sensations classified under Skin and Nervous System Disorders. This profile is framed by the explicit age restriction for infants and a hypersensitivity contraindication, ensuring the officially documented risks and limitations are communicated.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents define the permethrin overdose profile based on documented manifestations and mandated emergency actions. Overexposure may result from substantial ingestion, prolonged inhalation, or widespread dermal application.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

System Documented Signs (from Regulatory Sources)
Systemic Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and excessive salivation.
Neurological Impaired consciousness, muscle fasciculations (twitching), and convulsions (seizures).
Localized Tingling or burning sensation (paresthesia), pruritus, blotchy erythema on skin, and eye irritation.

Mandated Emergency Actions

In cases of accidental ingestion, a Poison Control Center or doctor must be contacted immediately for guidance. Life-threatening symptoms, which include the onset of convulsions or signs of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, necessitate an immediate call to emergency services.

Supportive Care and Absence of Antidote

No specific antidote for permethrin is listed in the official regulatory documentation. Therefore, management is limited to symptomatic and supportive measures. Management for severe signs, such as prolonged seizures, may involve agents like intravenous diazepam, as described in official toxicological guidance.

Therapeutic Uses of Beaphar

Beaphar preparations are commonly used to provide external parasite control and offer symptomatic support for the animal host. The active ingredient, Permethrin, is utilized for cases where additional symptomatic support is needed. This therapeutic application generally helps manage symptoms that interfere with daily comfort for the animal.


This product is relevant in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms associated with the physical presence of ectoparasites. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, specifically managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states caused by bites. The product assists with the elimination of active ectoparasite infestations, including fleas, ticks, and biting lice.

This therapeutic approach may support the management of distressing manifestations associated with parasitic activity. It is commonly applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required by contributing to the potential for persistent protection and repelling vectors such as mosquitoes and sand flies. This action contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and supports the animal's general well-being.


Quick Fact: Relief for Parasitic Discomfort

Property Focus of Therapeutic Use
Primary Indication Active external parasitic infestations (fleas, ticks, lice)
Symptom Relief Dermal discomfort, itching, and inflammatory states
Clinical Context Curative treatment and routine prophylactic management
Key Benefit Contributes to improved comfort and maintenance of stability

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Permethrin-based Beaphar products is strictly defined by regulatory authorities and is restricted to the target species: dogs.


Eligibility scope

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Dogs (Target Species).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Cats (Absolute contraindication; extremely poisonous and potentially fatal). Use is also contraindicated in rabbits and animals with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is not established in puppies younger than 7 weeks of age or those weighing less than 1.5 kg.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Contraindicated for use on sick or convalescent animals. Use in debilitated or aged animals requires veterinary consultation.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Safety has not been established during pregnancy or lactation (nursing females). Use is restricted to veterinary assessment only.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documentation strictly defines who can and cannot use this medicine by establishing species-specific contraindications (especially cats), minimum developmental thresholds (puppy age and weight), and exclusions based on the current clinical status of the animal (sick or convalescent). This framework ensures the product is officially restricted to healthy, non-sensitive dogs that meet specified maturity requirements.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile for Beaphar preparations, which utilize the active ingredient Permethrin, is defined by regulatory findings related to administration and systemic risk.

Due to its application as a topical antiparasitic agent, Permethrin is minimally absorbed systemically. Regulatory documents therefore confirm that no known significant pharmacokinetic interactions are documented with other co-administered medicines, including those involving metabolic enzymes (such as CYP pathways) or drug transporters. This low systemic exposure means such interactions are not expected.

However, two specific non-systemic cautions are documented in official prescribing information. The first is a timing and sequencing rule concerning co-administered medicinal products: Topical Corticosteroids used to treat associated skin conditions must be withheld prior to the application of the Permethrin preparation. This is a caution intended to manage the risk that local immunosuppression could potentially worsen the underlying parasitic infestation.

The second caution is a restriction concerning the product's cream formulation. The excipients present in cream-based Permethrin preparations, such as mineral oils, are documented to physically compromise the structural integrity and reliability of latex products, including contraceptive barriers such as condoms and diaphragms. This specific interaction is noted in official regulatory summaries.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Mechanism: Disrupting the Arthropod Nervous System

This product acts within the domain of neurotransmitter signaling by directly targeting chloride ion channels in the central nervous system of target organisms. This mechanism involves the antagonism of the primary inhibitory signal (GABA), which leads to an uncontrolled firing of nerve cells by preventing the influx of chloride ions. The resulting neuronal hyperexcitation is a critical physiological effect that rapidly causes sustained paralysis and cessation of motor function in the adult organism.

Mechanistic Domain: Endocrine Regulation of Growth

A second, distinct component engages the endocrine pathway responsible for arthropod development and maturation. By mimicking the Juvenile Hormone, the product exerts an agonist effect on the corresponding receptors, preventing the necessary biological signals for metamorphosis. This action causes a complete failure of the growth process, which is an important physiological effect for breaking the reproductive cycle.

Dual-Action Synergy for Multi-Stage Physiological Consequence

The overall action is shaped by the complementary physiological actions of the two mechanisms. The immediate nervous system disruption neutralizes the adult population on the host, while the simultaneous endocrine pathway modulation blocks the development of new generations in the surrounding environment. The combined action across two distinct mechanistic domains results in a multi-stage physiological consequence.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Beaphar — Administration Principles

Beaphar preparations containing Permethrin are administered according to principles that specify the necessary route, dosing, and schedule. This section outlines these standardized parameters of use.


Administration Scope

Property Guideline
Route of administration Topical/External Use (Non-systemic application to the skin and coat only).
Dosing schedule Weight-Banded Dosing: The precise volume is administered via a full, single-use applicator corresponding to the host animal's body weight class.
Frequency pattern Cyclic/Periodic Use: Treatment is incorporated into a fixed re-application interval, typically every four weeks for continued control.
Age-group rules Use is restricted to dogs over a specified minimum age, generally 8 to 12 weeks of age, depending on the specific formulation.
Special procedural conditions The product must be applied to intact skin and administered to a non-lickable area (e.g., the back of the neck) to ensure proper application.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Standardized procedures define a four-step sequence for proper administration:

  • Determine Dose: Identify the correct weight-banded volume corresponding to the animal's body weight.
  • Prepare Site: Part the host animal's coat to ensure the solution is applied directly onto the intact skin.
  • Apply Product: Administer the full, pre-calibrated dose to the designated, non-lickable area of the animal.
  • Schedule Next Dose: Follow the fixed re-application interval (e.g., every 4 weeks) for maintaining continuous prophylactic control.

These steps define an external application protocol where the correct weight-based volume is administered to a specific site. This approach involves integrating the product into a long-term cyclical management program.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Beaphar (Permethrin)


Evidence for Use in Flea and Tick Control

Research examining Permethrin for controlling external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, primarily consists of randomized, controlled, and blinded trials. These studies focused on assessing outcomes related to physical discomfort caused by active infestations. Trials monitored study populations, consisting mainly of domestic dogs, measuring the percent change in live parasite numbers and the time points when changes were observed.

Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, with regulatory summaries describing measurements related to the change in targeted ectoparasite counts over short time intervals, such as 24 to 48 hours. Research also describes patterns related to the duration of measured outcomes, with reported findings tracked across the defined time intervals studied.

Evidence for Repellency Against Vectors (Sand Flies and Mosquitoes)

Research has explored the study of the active ingredient beyond parasite count assessment by examining vector exposure patterns, such as sand flies and mosquitoes. This research involved controlled laboratory assays and experimental field studies, where the primary focus was on monitoring the repellency measurement—meaning the observed patterns in blood-feeding by vectors—and the duration of this pattern.

Controlled assays reported measurements related to vector behavior patterns against key vector species. Data describe a pattern where repellency measurement decreased over time, and the evidence provides limited information on how well the observed vector behavior pattern in a controlled setting relates to long-term study of disease transmission in real-world environments.


Long-Term Evidence and Durability of Effect

Studies have explored the durability of the treatment by monitoring responses over defined time intervals, typically up to one month. This provides context on short-term assessment, but the long-term effects are not fully established. The majority of the available data are framed around short-term, episodic changes and do not fully describe patterns related to the observed durability during the study period.

Evidence Consistency and Scientific Limitations

The body of research has known scientific limitations. The evidence quality varies across studies, and sample sizes were modest in some assessment trials. The results apply only to the populations studied, primarily domestic dogs. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, such as for very young, pregnant, or older animals. Research is ongoing to fully characterize the impact of geographical variability and rising rates of ectoparasite resistance on the consistent measurement outcomes of the active ingredient.

Key Studies & References

  1. ANNEX I SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS (Permethrin combination veterinary product)
  2. Efficacy of Two 65% Permethrin Spot-on Formulations Against Canine Infestations of Ctenocephalides felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Beaphar (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if my dog licks the application site?

Official product labeling emphasizes that the product is intended to be applied to an area that the animal cannot lick, such as the back of the neck, to ensure proper administration. If accidental ingestion or licking of the treated site occurs, regulatory guidelines direct that a veterinarian or poison control center should be contacted for advice.

Q: What should I do if I miss the scheduled dose?

Specific instructions for a missed dose are often not detailed on the veterinary product label. For guidance related to similar treatments, if an application is missed, it may be advised to apply the product as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled application, the product label may suggest skipping the missed dose. Following the specific re-application schedule provided on the product label is important.

Q: Can I bathe my dog right after applying the product?

According to product information, topical Permethrin formulations are generally water-resistant once the application has dried. To ensure the product maintains its effectiveness, official guidance often advises waiting a period, frequently 24 to 48 hours, before bathing the animal or allowing it to swim.

Q: Can Beaphar be used on a pregnant or nursing dog?

The official regulatory safety profile states that the safety and effectiveness of Permethrin preparations have not been definitively established for use during pregnancy or lactation (nursing females). For this reason, use in pregnant or nursing animals is restricted and is intended only after consulting a veterinarian.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate Beaphar, or can it be stored at room temperature?

General storage requirements mandate that the product not be stored above 25 C and must be protected from light. Specific liquid formulations, however, may require storage under refrigeration, typically between 2 C and 8 C. Always check the product label for the specific storage requirements of your purchased formulation, and freezing the product is typically instructed against.

Q: Does this product repel mosquitoes/sand flies as well as kill fleas/ticks?

While the product is officially indicated for the control and elimination of parasitic infestations like fleas and ticks, the regulatory labeling for many Permethrin-containing veterinary products also includes claims regarding its ability to repel vectors, such as mosquitoes and sand flies.

Q: If I use this product, do I still need to treat my house for fleas/ticks?

The product's dual mechanism of action helps to neutralize adult pests on the animal and blocks the development of new generations in the surrounding environment. Authoritative sources often discuss the importance of an integrated pest management approach, which may include environmental control measures for the home, to help address all life stages of an infestation.

Q: How long does it take for the fleas/ticks to die after application?

Regulatory summaries based on efficacy studies report that the product acts quickly due to its neurotoxic effect on the pests. Studies indicate that a high percentage of fleas and ticks are often affected, with kill rates typically observed within 1 to 24 hours of the product being applied to the animal or following pest reinfestation.

Q: Can I use this product on other dogs in my household at the same time?

The product is strictly for use on dogs only and is strictly contraindicated for other species, such as cats or rabbits. If you have multiple eligible dogs that meet the weight and age criteria, there is no official restriction against treating them simultaneously. Use should be guided by the specific dosing and administration instructions for each individual animal.

Q: What are the first signs that the treatment is working?

The active ingredient works by causing rapid neurological over-stimulation in the target parasites, leading quickly to sustained paralysis. The most direct observable signs that the treatment is effective are often the cessation of pest movement and a noticeable, rapid decrease in the number of live parasites on the host animal within the first few hours.

How should Beaphar be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Regulatory documents mandate specific conditions for storing Beaphar to maintain the stability of the Permethrin active ingredient. The product generally requires storage Do not store above 25 C, and must be protected from light and direct sunlight. Specific liquid formulations may require refrigeration between 2 C and 8 C, with the strict instruction to Do not freeze.

All products must be stored in the original packaging and Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal must adhere strictly to national requirements or local regulations. Due to the product's hazard to aquatic life, it is prohibited to dispose of unused product or containers via wastewater or drains, and contamination of waterways must be avoided.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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