Target Species
Non-lactating cattle.
Indications for use, specifying target species
For the treatment and control of parasitic bronchitis, parasitic gastro-enteritis and fascioliasis in cattle. When used at the recommended dose rate, the product is effective against mature and developing immature stages of Levamisole susceptible Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Nematodirus, Bunostromum and Oesophagostomum species in the gastro-intestinal tract, and Dictyocaulus spp in the lungs. The product is effective against developing immature and adult Ostertagia, but is not active against inhibited larvae. It is also effective against all stages of Triclabendazole susceptible Fasciola hepatica from two week old early immature to adult fluke, and so is indicated against both acute and chronic fascioliasis.
Contra-indications
None
Special warnings for each target species
Efficacy of this product against roundworms is reduced if levamisole resistant strains are present. Efficacy of this product against liver fluke is reduced if triclabendazole resistant strains are present.
Care should be taken to avoid the following practices because they increase the risk of development of resistance and could ultimately result in ineffective therapy:
∙ Too frequent and repeated use of anthelmintics from the same class, over an extended period of time
∙ Underdosing which may be due to underestimation of body weight, misadministration of the product or lack of calibration of the dosing device (if any).
Suspected clinical cases of resistance to anthelmintics should be further investigated using appropriate tests (e.g. Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test). Where the results of the test(s) strongly suggest resistance to a particular anthelmintic, an anthelmintic belonging to another pharmacological class and having a different mode of action should be used.
Resistance to levamisole has been reported in Teladorsagia species in cattle in developed countries such as New Zealand. Therefore the use of this product should be based on local (regional, farm) epidemiological information about susceptibility of the nematodes and recommendations on how to limit further selection for resistance to anthelmintics.
Special precautions for use
i. Special precautions for use in animals
Assess bodyweight as accurately as possible before calculating the dosage.
Clean drenching equipment before and after use.
Shake container thoroughly before use and use undiluted product from the original container.
Intensive use or misuse of anthelmintics can give rise to resistance. To reduce this risk, dosing programmes should be discussed with your Veterinary Adviser.
ii. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the product
When administering, do not eat, drink or smoke.
Wash splashes from eyes and skin immediately.
Immediately remove any contaminated clothing.
Wash hands and exposed skin before meals and after work.
Levamisole can cause idiosyncratic reactions and serious blood disorders in a very small number of people. If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort are experienced when using the product, or sore mouth/throat or fever occurs shortly afterwards, then medical advice should be sought immediately
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
When the product is used at the recommended dose rate side effects are rare. At higher dosages, transient side effects due to levamisole may occur (i.e. salivation and slight muscle tremors).
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
The product can be administered safely to pregnant cattle. For dairy cattle, see section Withdrawal Period(s).
Interaction with other medicaments and other forms of interaction
Do not treat simultaneously with products containing organophosphorus compounds.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Given as an oral drench. Suitable for use through most types of automatic drenching gun. It can be safely administered to young or pregnant cattle.
Recommended dose rate: 7.5mg levamisole hydrochloride/kg and 12mg triclabendazole/kg. This is equivalent to 1ml of the product per 10kg bodyweight. To ensure administration of correct dose, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible; accuracy of the dosing device should be checked.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes, if necessary)
At higher doses transient side effects due to levamisole may occur (i.e. salivation and dose dependent muscle tremors).
Withdrawal period(s)
Animals must not be slaughtered for human consumption during treatment.
Cattle may be slaughtered for human consumption only after 56 days from the last treatment.
Not authorised for use in cattle producing milk for human consumption including during the dry period. Do not use during the last trimester of pregnancy in heifers which are intended to produce milk for human consumption.