What Is Panacur and What Does It Treat?

What is Panacur?

Panacur® is a well-known line of dewormers for horses, cattle, and dogs manufactured by Intervet/Merck Animal Health. It contains the active anthelmintic, fenbendazole, as its primary ingredient. Fenbendazole is a powerful medication with a broad-spectrum effect on internal parasites in horses. To provide a comprehensive understanding of Panacur and its applications, let’s delve deeper into the product description, actions, indications, precautions, and dosage of this equine dewormer.

Panacur® (Fenbendazole) Paste 10% Horse Wormer Paste

• Manufacturer: Panacur is produced by Intervet/Merck Animal Health.
• Active Ingredient: The primary active ingredient in Panacur is fenbendazole. Its chemical name is methyl 5-(phenylthio)-2-benzimidazole carbamate.
• Chemical Structure: Fenbendazole’s chemical structure is depicted as a benzimidazole compound.
• Concentration: Each gram of Panacur® Paste 10% contains 100 mg of fenbendazole.
• Flavoring: To enhance palatability, Panacur Paste 10% is flavored with artificial apple-cinnamon liquid.

Actions of Panacur

The antiparasitic action of Panacur® Paste 10% is attributed to the inhibition of energy metabolism in the targeted parasites. This disruption in energy metabolism ultimately leads to the demise of the parasites.

Indications for Use

Panacur® Paste 10% is indicated for the treatment and control of various internal parasites in horses, including:

1. Large Strongyles: These include Strongylus edentatus, S. equinus, and S. vulgaris.
2. Encysted Cyathostome Larvae: This encompasses early 3rd stage (hyobiotic), late 3rd stage, and 4th stage cyathostome larvae.
3. Small Strongyles
4. Pinworms (Oxyuris equi)
5. Ascarids (Parascaris equorum)
6. Arteritis: Panacur is also used for the control of arteritis caused by 4th stage larvae of Strongylus vulgaris in horses.

Precautions and Warnings

• Panacur® Paste 10% has been evaluated for safety in pregnant mares and stallions, showing no adverse effects on reproduction.
• Side effects associated with Panacur Paste 10% were not established in well-controlled safety studies, even at high doses.
• It’s essential to use caution, particularly with higher doses, as the lethal action of fenbendazole may result in a hypersensitivity reaction.
• Panacur is not intended for use in humans and should be kept out of the reach of children.
• It should not be used in horses intended for human consumption.

Dosage and Directions for Use

The recommended dosage for Panacur Paste 10% varies depending on the type of parasite and the age of the horse. Here are the guidelines:

• For foals and weanlings (less than 18 months of age) with ascarid infestations: 4.6 mg/lb (10 mg/kg).
• For the control of large strongyles, small strongyles, and pinworms: 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg).
• For the control of encysted early 3rd stage, late 3rd stage, and 4th stage cyathostome larvae, as well as 4th stage Strongylus vulgaris larvae: 4.6 mg/lb (10 mg/kg) daily for 5 consecutive days.

To ensure effective treatment, it’s crucial to determine the horse’s current body weight and administer a complete dose. The horse’s mouth should be free of food when administering the paste.

Always Consult Your Veterinarian

Now you know the facts instead of wondering “What is Panacur?” Before administering any treatment or medication to your animals, including Panacur, it is imperative to consult with your veterinarian. A veterinarian can provide expert guidance, evaluate the specific needs of your animals, and ensure the proper and safe use of medications. They can also help you create a comprehensive parasite management plan tailored to your animals’ unique requirements, ensuring their health and well-being. Your veterinarian is your best resource for animal healthcare decisions.