Products
Febantel is commercially available in combination tablet and suspension form as a veterinary drug. It has been approved in many countries since 1988.
Structure and properties
Febantel (C20H22N4O6S, Mr = 446.5 g/mol) is a sample zimidazole and a guanidine derivative. It exists as a colorless powder and is insoluble in water and alcohol due to its lipophilic properties. It is a prodrug and is metabolized in the organism to the active benzimidazole fenbendazole and its equally active metabolite oxfendazole. Both metabolites are themselves also used therapeutically as anthelmintics. Metabolic transformation occurs by closing the open imidazole ring.
Effects
Febantel (ATCvet QP52AC55) is antihelminthic. Its action is due to disruption of microtubule formation by inhibiting polymerization of tubulin. This results in structural and functional disruption of parasite metabolism. The lethal effect on the worms occurs after a delay of 2-3 days due to depletion of energy metabolism.
Indications
Febantel is used in combination with other active ingredients to treat infestations of roundworms or tapeworms in dogs. The individual active ingredients have a synergistic effect on antihelminthic activity.
Dosage
According to the product information. Dosage is based on body weight. Febantel is administered once, with retreatment after 2 weeks. In puppies, repeat treatment at 14-day intervals is recommended. Since the lethal effect on the worms occurs only after 2-3 days, a sufficiently long contact time with the drug is required. The drugs are administered to the animal either indirectly with the food (preferably hidden in a piece of meat, sausage or cheese) or, in the case of suspensions, directly with the help of a dosing syringe.
Contraindications
Febantel is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. It is fertility damaging and embryotoxic and therefore must not be used in pregnant animals or in lactating animals. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
No interactions with other drugs are known to date.
Adverse effects
Vomiting is observed in overdose. Weight loss may occur in puppies. Testicular and prostatic hypoplasia have been observed in male dogs during long-term treatment with febantel, which may result in fertility problems.
