Introduction

Virbac AH Logo Blue

Company name: Virbac Limited

Address: Woolpit Business Park

Windmill Avenue

Woolpit

Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk

IP30 9UP

Telephone: 01359 243243

Fax: 01359 243200

Website: www.virbac.co.uk

Presentation

A white homogenous, oral gel containing:

1.87% w/w ivermectin Ph.Eur.

14.03% w/w praziquantel Ph.Eur.

Uses

For the treatment and control of adult and immature gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, bots and tapeworms of horses, including:

Large strongyles

Strongylus vulgaris adults and 4th larval (arterial) stages

Strongylus edentatus adults and 4th larval (tissue) stages

Strongylus equinus adults

Triodontophorus spp adults

Small strongyles, adults

Cyathostomum spp.

Cylicocyclus spp.

Cylicodontophorus spp.

Cylicostephanus spp.

Gyalocephalus spp.

Hairworms

Trichostrongylus axei adults

Pinworms

Oxyuris equi adults and immatures

Ascarids

Parascaris equorum adults and immatures

Intestinal threadworms

Strongyloides westeri adults

Large-mouth stomach worms

Habronema muscae adults

Neck threadworms

Onchocerca spp. (microfilariae)

Lungworms

Dictyocaulus arnfieldi adult and immature

Stomach bots

Gasterophilus spp. oral and gastric larval stages

Tapeworms

Anoplocephala perfoliata

Anoplocephala magna

Paranoplocephala mamillana

Dosage and administration

Equimax Oral Paste for Horses is given by mouth at the recommended dose rate of 200 micrograms of ivermectin and 1.5mg of praziquantel per kg of bodyweight as a single dose, corresponding to 1.07g of paste per 100kg bodyweight. The first syringe division delivers sufficient paste to treat 100kg of bodyweight. Each subsequent syringe division delivers sufficient paste to treat 50kg of bodyweight. The syringe delivers sufficient paste to treat 700kg bodyweight at the recommended dose rate.

The horse’s weight should be accurately determined to ensure use of the correct dose of product.

Before administration adjust the syringe to the calculated dosage by setting the ring on the plunger.

Weight	Dosage	Weight	Dosage
Up to 100kg	1.070g paste	401-450kg	4.815g paste
101-150kg	1.605g paste	451-500kg	5.350g paste
151-200kg	2.140g paste	501-550kg	5.885g paste
201-250kg	2.675g paste	551-600kg	6.420g paste
251-300kg	3.210g paste	601-650kg	6.955g paste
301-350kg	3.745g paste	651-700kg	7.49g paste
351-400kg	4.280g paste

The animal’s mouth must be free of food. The syringe should be placed between the front and back teeth and the paste deposited at the base of the tongue. Immediately elevate the head for a few seconds to ensure that the product is swallowed. Treatment is recommended at least twice a year, in spring and autumn or according to veterinary advice. Intermediate roundworm treatment is advisable.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

For animal treatment only.

Not to be used in foals under two weeks of age.

Some horses carrying heavy infection of Onchocerca microfilariae have experienced reactions with swelling and itching after treatment. It is assumed to be the result of death of large numbers of microfilariae.

These signs resolve within a few days but symptomatic treatment may be advisable.

Equimax Oral paste for Horses has been formulated specifically for use in horses. Dogs and cats may be adversely affected by the concentration of ivermectin in this product, if they are allowed to ingest spilled paste or have access to used syringes.

As ivermectin is extremely dangerous to fish and aquatic life, treated animals should not have direct access to surface water and ditches during treatment.

Wash hands after use.

Avoid eye contact.

Do not smoke or eat while handling the product.

Withdrawal period

Horses may be slaughtered for human consumption only after 35 days from the last treatment.

Container disposal

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Ivermectin is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO FISH AND AQUATIC LIFE. Do not contaminate surface water or ditches with the product or used containers.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Keep out of the reach of children. Store below 30° C. Part-used syringes should be stored below 25° C.

Following withdrawal of the first dose, use the product within 6 months.

Legal category

POM-VPS

Packaging Quantities

12 syringes, each containing 7.49g of 1.87% w/w ivermectin and 14.03% w/w praziquantel paste.

Further information

No known interaction with other equine medicaments.

Studies in other species showed no teratogenic or embryotoxic effect from either ivermectin or praziquantel at the recommended doses during therapy.

A tolerance study performed in foals from 2 weeks of age with doses up to 5 times the recommended dosage showed no adverse reactions.

Safety studies conducted with Equimax administered to mares at 3 times the recommended dosage at 14 day intervals during the whole gestation and lactation did not show any abortions, any adverse effects on the gestation, parturition and on the mares general health, nor any abnormalities on the foals.

Safety studies conducted with Equimax administered to stallions at 3 times the recommended dosage did not show any adverse effects in particular on the reproductive performances.