Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anthelmintics, Benzimidazoles and related substances

ATCvet code: QP52AC55

The product contains anthelmintics active against roundworms and tapeworms. The product contains three active substances: febantel, pyrantel embonate (pamoate) and praziquantel, a partially hydrogenated pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative used widely as an anthelmintic for both human and veterinary use. Pyrantel acts as a cholinergic agonist. Its mode of action is to stimulate nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the parasite, induce spastic paralysis and thereby allow removal from the gastro-intestinal (GI) system by peristalsis.

With 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 to structures vital to the normal functioning of the helminth. Glucose uptake, in particular, is affected, leading to depletion in cell ATP. The parasite dies upon exhaustion of its energy reserves, which occurs 2 – 3 days later.

Praziquantel is very rapidly absorbed 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 contraction and paralysis. There is an almost instantaneous tetanic contraction of the parasite musculature and a rapid vacuolisation of the syncytial tegument. This rapid contraction has been explained by changes in divalent cation fluxes, especially calcium.

In this fixed combination product pyrantel and febantel act synergistically against all relevant nematodes (ascarids and hookworms) in dogs. In particular, the activity spectrum covers Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma caninum. The spectrum of activity of praziquntel covers also cestode species in dogs, in particular all Taenia spp.and Dipylidium caninum,. Praziquantel acts against adult and immature forms of these parasites.

Perorally administered praziquantel is absorbed almost completely from the intestinal tract. After absorption, the drug is distributed to all organs. Praziquantel is metabolized into inactive forms in the liver and secreted in bile. It is excreted within 24 hours to more than 95% of the administered dosage. Only traces of non-metabolised praziquantel are excreted.

The pamoate salt of pyrantel has low aqueous solubility, an attribute that reduces absorption from the gut and allows the drug to reach and be effective against parasites in the large intestine. Because of the low systemic absorption of pyrantel pamoate, there is very little danger of adverse reactions/toxicity in the host. Following absorption, pyrantel pamoate is quickly and almost completely metabolized into inactive metabolites that are excreted rapidly in the urine.

Febantel is absorbed relatively rapidly and metabolized to a number of metabolites including fenbendazole and oxfendazole, which have anthelmintic activity.