EQVALAN®
Rx
Merial
(ivermectin)
Liquid for Horses
10 mg per mL
NADA 140-439, Approved by the FDA
FOR ANIMAL USE ONLY
Caution: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian
INTRODUCTION
EQVALAN® (ivermectin) Liquid for Horses has been formulated for professional administration by stomach tube or oral drench. One low-volume dose is effective against important internal parasites, including the arterial stages of Strongylus vulgaris, and bots.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Ivermectin is derived from the avermectins, a family of potent, broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents, which are isolated from fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis.
EQVALAN Liquid is a clear, ready-to-use solution with each mL containing 1% ivermectin (10 mg), 0.2 mL propylene glycol, 80 mg polysorbate 80, 9 mg sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, 1.3 mg sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, 1 mg butylated hydroxytoluene, 0.1 mg disodium edetate, 3% benzyl alcohol and purified water q.s. ad 100%.
INDICATIONS
EQVALAN® (ivermectin) Liquid is indicated for the effective treatment and control of the following parasites in horses.
Large Strongyles (adults):
Strongylus vulgaris (also early forms in blood vessels)
Strongylus edentatus (also tissue stages)
Strongylus equinus
Triodontophorus spp. including:
Triodontophorus brevicauda
Triodontophorus serratus
Craterostomum acuticaudatum
Small Strongyles (adults, including those resistant to some benzimidazole class compounds):
Coronocyclus spp. including:
Coronocyclus coronatus
Coronocyclus labiatus
Coronocyclus labratus
Cyathostomum spp. including:
Cyathostomum catinatum
Cyathostomum pateratum
Cylicocyclus spp. including:
Cylicocyclus insigne
Cylicocyclus leptostomum
Cylicocyclus nassatus
Cylicocyclus brevicapsulatus
Cylicodontophorus spp.
Cylicostephanus spp. including:
Cylicostephanus calicatus
Cylicostephanus goldi
Cylicostephanus longibursatus
Cylicostephanus minutus
Petrovinema poculatum
Small Strongyles: Fourth-stage larvae
Pinworms (adults and fourth-stage larvae) - Oxyuris equi
Roundworms or Ascarids (adults and third- and fourth-stage larvae) - Parascaris equorum
Hairworms (adults) - Trichostrongylus axei
Large-mouth Stomach Worms (adults) - Habronema muscae
Bots (oral and gastric stages) - Gasterophilus spp. including G. intestinalis and G. nasalis
Lungworms (adults and fourth-stage larvae) - Dictyocaulus arnfieldi
Intestinal threadworms (adults) - Strongyloides westeri
Summer Sores caused by Habronema and Draschia spp. cutaneous third-stage larvae; dermatitis caused by neck threadworm microfilariae, Onchocerca sp.
DOSAGE
EQVALAN Liquid for Horses is formulated for administration by stomach tube (nasogastric intubation) or as an oral drench. The recommended dose is 91 mcg of ivermectin per lb (200 mcg/kg) of body weight. Each mL contains sufficient ivermectin to treat 110 lb (50 kg) of body weight: 10 mL will treat an 1100 lb (500 kg) horse.
ADMINISTRATION
Use a calibrated dosing syringe inserted into the bottle to measure the appropriate dose, or pour the EQVALAN Liquid into a graduated cylinder for dose measurement. Use a clean syringe if accessing the bottle to avoid contaminating the remaining product.
Special consideration should be given to the effects or potential for injury from handling, restraint, and placement of the stomach tube during administration of EQVALAN Liquid. EQVALAN Liquid should be administered by drench if the risks associated with tubing are of concern. Due to the potential consequences of improper administration, EQVALAN Liquid is intended for use by a veterinarian only and is not recommended for dispensing.
EQVALAN Liquid in 1 to 20 and 1 to 40 dilutions with tap water has been shown to be stable for 72 hours under the conditions recommended for the product (i.e., at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, protected from light). The diluted product does not promote the growth of common organisms. However, prolonged storage of the diluted product cannot be recommended, as the effects of possible contaminants and interactions with untested materials are unknown.
Administration by stomach tube (gravity or positive flow): The recommended dose can be used undiluted or diluted up to 40 times with clean tepid water. Use tepid water to flush any drug remaining in the tube into the horse’s stomach.
Administration by drench: For administration of EQVALAN Liquid by drench, an undiluted dose is recommended. Clear the horse’s mouth of any food material, elevate the horse’s head, and using a syringe, deposit the appropriate dose in the back of the mouth. In order to avoid unnecessary coughing or the potential for material to enter the trachea and lungs, do not use excessive pressure (squirting), do not use a large (diluted) dose volume, and do not deposit the dose in the laryngeal area. Increased dose rejection may occur if the dose is deposited in the buccal space. Keep horse’s head elevated and observe the horse to insure the dose is retained.
PARASITE CONTROL PROGRAM
All horses should be included in a 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, and routine treatment repeated as appropriate. EQVALAN (ivermectin) Liquid effectively controls gastrointestinal nematodes and bots in horses. Regular treatment will reduce the chances of verminous arteritis and colic caused by Strongylus vulgaris.
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
Broad-spectrum Control – EQVALAN Liquid kills important internal parasites, including bots and the arterial stages of S. vulgaris, with a single dose. EQVALAN Liquid is a potent antiparasitic agent that is neither a benzimidazole nor an organophosphate.
WARNINGS
Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Refrain from smoking and eating when handling. Wash hands after use. Avoid contact with eyes. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information. To report adverse reactions in users, to obtain more information, to obtain a MSDS or for assistance, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251.
PRECAUTIONS
EQVALAN Liquid 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 result.
Environmental Safety
Ivermectin and excreted ivermectin residues may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Do not contaminate ground or surface water. Dispose of drug container in an approved landfill or by incineration.
INFORMATION FOR HORSE OWNERS
Owners should be advised of the potential that swelling and itching reactions may occur after treatment with EQVALAN Liquid in horses carrying heavy infections of neck threadworm microfilariae, Onchocerca sp. These reactions are most likely the result of microfilariae dying in large numbers. Symptomatic treatment may be advisable.
Healing of summer sores involving extensive tissue changes may require other therapy in conjunction with EQVALAN Liquid. Reinfection, and measures for its prevention, should also be considered.
Owners should be advised to consult their veterinarian if these conditions do not improve.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mode of Action: Ivermectin is a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides which have a unique mode of action. Compounds of the 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 the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The margin of safety is attributable to the fact that mammals do not have glutamate-gated chloride channels, the macrocyclic lactions have a low affinity for other mammalian ligand-gated chloride channels and they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.
ANIMAL SAFETY
EQVALAN Liquid may be used in horses of all ages, including mares at any stage of pregnancy. Stallions may be treated without adversely affecting their fertility.
STORAGE INFORMATION
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect EQVALAN Liquid (undiluted or diluted) from light.
HOW SUPPLIED
EQVALAN Liquid for Horses (Product 25877) is available in a 100 mL plastic bottle. Each bottle contains sufficient ivermectin to treat 10-500 kg (1100 lb) horses. Contents may be poured into a graduated cylinder for dose measurement. Alternatively, a clean syringe may be inserted directly into the bottle to draw off the appropriate dose.
Product 25877
Merial Limited, a company limited by shares registered in England and Wales (registered number 3332751) with a registered office at PO Box 327, Sandringham House, Sandringham Avenue, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5TG, England, and domesticated in Delaware, USA as Merial LLC.
EQVALAN is a registered trademark of Merial Limited.
Copyright © 2004. Merial Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
Marketed by Merial Limited, 3239 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096-4640
Rev. 08-04
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the product label or package insert. NAC No.: 11110113
