The product contains anthelmintics active against roundworms and tapeworms. The product contains three active substances: Febantel, Pyrantel embonate (pamoate) and Praziquantel.

Praziquantel is a partially hydrogenated pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative used widely as an anthelmintic for both human and veterinary use.

In this fixed combination pyrantel and febantel act against all relevant nematodes (ascarids, hookworms, and whipworms) in dogs. In particular the activity spectrum covers Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. This combination shows synergistic activity in the case of hookworms and febantel is effective against T.vulpis.

The spectrum of activity of praziquantel covers all important cestode species in dogs, in particular Taenia spp, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. Praziquantel acts against all adult and immature forms of these parasites.

Pyrantel acts as a cholinergic agonist. Its mode of action is to stimulate nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the parasite, induce spastic paralysis of the nematodes and thereby allow removal from the gastrointestinal system by peristalsis.

Within the mammalian system febantel undergoes ring closure forming fenbendazole and oxfendazole. It is these chemical entities which exert the anthelmintic effect by inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Formation of microtubules is thereby prevented, resulting in disruption of structures vital to the normal functioning of the helminth. Glucose uptake in particular is affected, leading to a depletion in cell ATP. The parasite dies upon exhaustion of its energy reserves, which occurs 2-3 days later.

Praziquantel is very rapidly absorbed through the parasite’s surface and distributed throughout the parasite. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that praziquantel causes severe damage to the parasite integument, resulting in the contraction and paralysis of the parasites. There is an almost instantaneous titanic contraction of the parasite musculature and a rapid vacuolization of the syncytial tegument. This rapid contraction has been explained by changes in divalent cation fluxes, especially calcium.

Benzimidazoles possess a wide safety margin. Pyrantel is not absorbed systemically to any extent. Praziquantel also has a wide safety margin, beyond five-times overdose.

Since it contains praziquantel, the product is effective against Echinococcus multilocularis, which does not occur in the UK but is becoming more common in some European countries. As a precautionary measure to prevent establishment of E. multilocularis in the UK and Ireland, it is recommended that all dogs entering the country travelling either under the PETS scheme (UK only) or going into quarantine (UK & Ireland) be treated with praziquantel.

Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for one common type of tapeworm - Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworm infestation is certain to re-occur unless control of intermediate hosts such as fleas, mice etc. is undertaken.