Ivermectin Paste: Indications, Dosage, and Usage Guide
Indications
Ivermectin Horse Paste is used to treat parasitic infestations in horses and donkeys. It effectively targets a wide range of parasites, including:
Large Strongyles
- Strongylus vulgaris: Adults and arterial larval stages
- S. edentatus: Adults and tissue larval stages
- S. equinus: Adults
- Triodontophorus spp., including T. brevicauda and T. serratus
- Craterostomum acuticaudatum: Adults
Small Strongyles (Cyathostomes)
- Includes benzimidazole-resistant strains such as:
- Coronocyclus spp.
- Cyathostomum spp.
- Cylicocyclus spp.
- Cylicostephanus spp.
- Cylicodontophorus spp.
- Parapoteriostomum spp.
- Petrovinema spp.
- Poteriostomum spp.
Other Parasites Treated
- Lungworms (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi): Adults and immatures
- Pinworms (Oxyuris equi): Adults and immatures
- Ascarids (Parascaris equorum): Adults and third & fourth stage larvae
- Hairworms (Trichostrongylus axei): Adults
- Large-mouth stomach worms (Habronema muscae): Adults
- Neck threadworms (Onchocerca spp.): Microfilariae
- Intestinal threadworms (Strongyloides westeri): Adults
- Stomach bots (Gastrophilus spp.): Oral and gastric stages
Dosage of Ivermectin Paste
Administer Ivermectin Paste at a dose of 0.2 mg per kilogram (kg) of the animal’s body weight.
Directions for Use
- Use the dispensing syringe designed for this product.
- Determine the accurate weight of the horse or donkey.
- Remove the syringe tip.
- Advance the paste to the tip by depressing the plunger.
- Ensure the animal’s mouth is free of food.
- Insert the syringe nozzle through the interdental space and deposit the paste on the back of the tongue by depressing the plunger.
Pharmacological Properties
Mode of Action
Ivermectin belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides. It binds selectively to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This increases chloride ion permeability, causing hyperpolarization, paralysis, and parasite death.
Pharmacodynamic Properties
- Maximum Plasma Concentration:
- In horses, a maximum plasma concentration of 32 ng/ml is reached 6 hours after administering a dose of 0.3 mg/kg. This reduces to 2 ng/ml after 10 days.
- Excretion:
- Ivermectin residues are primarily found in the liver, kidney, muscle, fat, and blood. Most residues fall below the detection limit 21-42 days post-dose.
Warnings and Precautions
- Wear gloves during application.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Accurately assess the animal’s weight before calculating the dosage.
- Overuse or misuse may lead to resistance; consult a veterinarian for guidance.
- Do not use on horses intended for human consumption.
Contraindications
- Do not use on animals other than horses or donkeys.
- Avoid administration if the animal shows hypersensitivity to any ingredients.
Withdrawal Period
- Horse Meat: 21 days after the last treatment.
- Donkey Meat: 21 days after the last treatment.
Storage Instructions
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Protect from light.
Ensure proper handling and administration to maximize effectiveness and safety.
