Bimectin Oral Paste for Horses (Canada)

Company: Bimeda-MTC

(ivermectin)

Oral Paste for Horses

DIN 02275325

Veterinary Use Only

For the treatment of infections with internal parasites, including bots, in horses.

INTRODUCTION: Bimectin^® contains ivermectin, the first in a series of antiparasitic agents derived from the avermectin family of compounds. The avermectins are highly active, broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents isolated from fermentation of the soil organism Streptomyces avermitilis. The convenience, broad spectrum efficacy and wide safety margin of ivermectin make it an excellent antiparasitic product for horses.

Description

Bimectin^® is a yellow, gel-like, apple flavoured paste contained in a disposable plastic syringe.

Active Ingredient

Each syringe contains 120 mg of ivermectin sufficient to treat 600 kg of bodyweight.

Bimectin Oral Paste for Horses Indications

Bimectin^® is indicated for the treatment of parasitic infections due to:

Large Strongyles: adult and larval stages of Strongylus vulgaris and adult stage of S. edentatus, S. equinus, Triodontophorus brevicauda and T. serratus.

Small strongyles (including those resistant to certain benzimidazole class compounds): adults and luminal larval (L₄) stages of Cyathostomum spp., Cylicocyclus spp., Cylicostephanus spp., Cylicodontophorus spp., and Gyalocephalus spp.

Intestinal threadworms (adults): Strongyloides westeri

Pinworms (adult and luminal larval (L₄) stages): Oxyuris equi

Ascarids (adult and third and fourth stage larvae): Parascaris equorum

Hairworms (adult): Trichostrongylus axei

Large-mouth stomach worms (adult): Habronema muscae

Neck threadworms: (microfilariae): Onchocerca cervicalis

Bots (oral and gastric stages): Gastrophilus intestinalis, G. nasalis

Bimectin^® may improve dermatoses caused by cutaneous larvae of Habronema spp., Draschia megastoma and microfilariae of Onchocerca cervicalis.

Dosage and Administration

For oral administration. The recommended dosage level is 200 µg of ivermectin per kg of body weight.

Each syringe delivers 120 mg of ivermectin sufficient to treat 600 kg of body weight.

Each weight marking on the syringe plunger will deliver sufficient paste to treat 100 kg of body weight. Unlock the knurled ring by making 1/4 turn and slide the ring along the plunger shaft so that the side nearest the barrel is at the prescribed weight marking. Turn the knurled ring 1/4 turn to lock in place. Remove the plastic cap from the tip of the nozzle. Make sure the horse’s mouth contains no feed. Insert the syringe into the horse’s mouth at the interdental space. Advance the plunger as far as it will go, depositing the medication at the base of the tongue. Immediately raise the horse’s head for a few seconds after dosing.

CAUTIONS:

1. Some horses may experience reactions with swelling and itching shortly after treatment. Such reactions are considered to be due to the death of large numbers of Onchocerca microfilariae in heavily infested horses. Although the signs should resolve spontaneously in a few days, symptomatic treatment may be advisable. Consult your veterinarian should these symptoms persist.

2. Reasonable care should be taken in the handling of sick or debilitated animals.

3. Bimectin^® has been formulated specifically for use in horses only. This product should not be used in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may occur.

MODE OF ACTION: Ivermectin kills certain parasitic roundworms and bots. Ivermectin is a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides which have a unique mode of action. Compounds of this class bind selectively and with high affinity to glutamate-gated chloride ion channels which occur in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. This leads to an increase in the permeability of the cell membrane to chloride ions with hyperpolarization of the nerve or muscle cell, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite. Compounds of this class may also interact with other ligand-gated chloride channels, such as those gated by neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Ivermectin has no measurable effect against flukes and tapeworms, presumably because they do not have GABA as a nerve impulse transmitter.

Recommended doses have a wide safety margin in livestock. The margin of safety for compounds of this class is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels, the macrocyclic lactones have a low affinity for other mammalian ligand-gated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood brain barrier.

ADVANTAGES:

Broad Spectrum

Ivermectin is a highly active antiparasitic agent that kills important internal parasites, including oral and gastric stages of bots, and the arterial stages of Strongylus vulgaris, at the recommended dose.

Safety

Studies have demonstrated ivermectin has a wide safety margin at the approved dose level. Ivermectin may be given to pregnant mares and breeding stallions may be treated without adversely affecting their fertility.

SUGGESTED PARASITE CONTROL PROGRAM: All horses should be included in the regular parasite control program with particular attention being paid to mares, foals and yearlings. Foals should be treated initially at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The program should be designed to accommodate the needs of the horses and their specific husbandry conditions. Bimectin^® is highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes and bots in horses. Regular treatment will reduce the chances of verminous arteritis and colic caused by S. vulgaris. If there is a high risk of re-infection with P. equorum, foals should be retreated at 8 to 10 week intervals. Bimectin^® is well suited to be the major product in a parasite control program. Consult your veterinarian for parasite control programs to meet your specific needs.

NOTE TO USER: Resolution of summer sores involving extensive tissue changes may require other appropriate therapy in conjunction with Bimectin^® treatment. Re-infection, and measures for its prevention, should also be considered. Consult your veterinarian for the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism in horses.

Warnings

This drug is not to be administered to horses that are to be slaughtered for use in food. Keep out of reach of children.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY: Studies indicate that when ivermectin comes in contact with the soil, it readily and tightly binds to the soil and becomes inactive over time. Drug containers and any contents should be disposed of safely (e.g. by burying or incinerating) since free ivermectin may adversely affect fish and certain water-borne organisms.

Storage

Store below 30°C.

PRESENTATION: Available in disposable, plastic, adjustable dosage syringes of 6.42 g.

^® Registered Trademark

Manufactured by: Bimeda-MTC Animal Health Inc., Cambridge, ON N3C 2W4

519-654-8000 www.bimeda.com

8BIM002C

CPN: 1473011.0