Target species
Dogs
Indications for use
Anthelmintic for treatment of mixed infections by the following roundworms and tapeworms in dogs and puppies:
Ascarids: Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina (adult and late immature forms)
Hookworms: Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma caninum (adults)
Whipworms: Trichuris vulpis (adults)
Tapeworms: Echinococcus spp., Taenia spp. and Dipylidium caninum (adult and immature forms).
Contra-indications
Do not use in animals with a known hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or the excipients. Please also see 'Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay' section and 'Interactions' section.
Special warnings for each target species
Parasite resistance to any particular class of anthelmintic may develop following frequent, repeated use of an anthelmintic of that class.
Fleas serve as intermediate hosts for one common type of tapeworm - Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworm infestation is certain to reoccur unless control of intermediate hosts such as fleas, mice, etc. is undertaken.
Special precautions for use in animals
Veloxa is recommended for use in dogs less than 17.5 kg bodyweight. Veloxa XL is recommended for use in dogs over 17.5 kg bodyweight.
Tapeworm infestation is unlikely in pups less than 6 weeks of age. The tablets are flavoured. In order to avoid any accidental ingestion, store tablets out of reach of animals. To minimise the risk of re-infestation and new infestation, excreta should be collected and properly disposed of for 24 hours following treatment.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the medicinal product to animals
In the interests of good hygiene, persons administering the chewable tablet directly to a dog or by adding it to the dog's food, should wash their hands afterwards. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Other precaution
Since it contains praziquantel, the product is effective against Echinococcus spp. which do not occur in all EU member states but are becoming more common in some. Echinococcosis represents a hazard for humans. As Echinococcosis is a notifiable disease to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), specific guidelines on the treatment and follow-up, and on the safeguard of persons, need to be obtained from the relevant competent authority.
Adverse reactions
In very rare cases (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated reports) transient, mild gastrointestinal signs (e.g. vomiting) may occur.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Teratogenic effects attributed to high doses of febantel have been reported in sheep and rats. No studies have been performed in dogs during early pregnancy. Use of the product during pregnancy should be in accordance with a benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian. It is recommended that the product is not used in dogs during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. Do not exceed the stated dose when treating pregnant bitches.
The chewable tablets may be used during lactation.
Interactions
Do not use simultaneously with piperazine as the anthelmintic effects of pyrantel and piperazine may be antagonised.
Concurrent use with other cholinergic compounds can lead to toxicity.
Plasma concentrations of praziquantel may be decreased by concomitant administration with drugs that increase the activity of cytochrome P-450 enzymes (e.g. dexamethasone, phenobarbital).
Amounts to be administered and administration route
For oral administration only.
Veloxa Dosage
1 chewable tablet per 10 kg bodyweight (15 mg febantel, 5 mg pyrantel (as embonate) and 5 mg praziquantel/kg bodyweight).
Weight (kg) | Number of chewable tablets |
2.5 - 5 | ½ |
> 5 - 10 | 1 |
> 10 - 15 | 1½ |
> 15 - 20 | 2 |
> 20- 25 | 2½ |
> 25 - 30 | 3 |
For dogs weighing more than 30 kg (i.e. >30 kg) the XL strength should be used. To ensure administration of a correct dose, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible.
Veloxa XL Dosage
1 chewable tablet per 35 kg bodyweight (15 mg febantel, 5 mg pyrantel (as embonate) and 5 mg praziquantel/kg body weight).
Weight (kg) | Number of chewable tablets |
17.5 | ½ |
>17.5 - 35 | 1 |
>35 - 52.5 | 1½ |
>52.5 - 70 | 2 |
Do not use for treatment of dogs weighing less than 17.5 kg (i.e. <17.5 kg). To ensure administration of a correct dose, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible.
Administration
The chewable tablets can be given directly to the dog or disguised in food. No starvation is needed before or after treatment. Due to a lipid-coating of praziquantel and added flavour, the chewable tablets are taken by most dogs voluntarily.
Duration of treatment
Not for use in dogs weighing less than 2 kg. A single dose shall be used. If there is a risk of re-infestation, the advice of a veterinarian should be sought regarding the need for and the frequency of repeat administration.
Overdose
In safety studies, a single dose of 5 times the recommended dose or greater gave rise to occasional vomiting.