Febantel
Febantel is a probenzimidazole anthelmintic metabolized to active benzimidazole compounds, including fenbendazole and oxfendazole. It is used against selected intestinal nematodes and commonly appears in canine combination dewormers with pyrantel and praziquantel. The combination’s total parasite spectrum reflects the contribution of each ingredient, with febantel providing an important nematocidal component.
Group
Pro-benzimidazole anthelmintic
Mechanism of Action
Active benzimidazole metabolites bind parasite beta-tubulin and inhibit assembly of microtubules. Disruption of microtubule-dependent transport and nutrient handling impairs glucose utilization and depletes parasite energy reserves, leading to death. This mechanism accounts for activity against susceptible intestinal nematodes. In combination products, pyrantel and praziquantel act through different targets and extend the overall spectrum.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal nematodes | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 3 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction; May be combined with praziquantel 1 mg/kg in a defined product/protocol. |
| Puppy intestinal nematodes | 15 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 3 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction; Puppies; optional praziquantel component is 1.5 mg/kg. |
| Giardiasis combination | Reference only | PO | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction; Febantel 27–35 mg/kg plus pyrantel 27–35 mg/kg daily for 3 days. Exact pyrantel salt/base basis and combination product must be confirmed. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal nematodes | 10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 3 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction; May be combined with praziquantel 1 mg/kg in a defined product/protocol. |
| Kitten intestinal nematodes | 15 mg/kg | PO | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction; Kittens; source does not repeat a complete schedule. Optional praziquantel component 1.5 mg/kg. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestinal nematodes | 6 mg/kg | PO | Do not use in: Pregnancy, Hepatic or renal dysfunction |
Indications
- Treatment of susceptible intestinal roundworms, hookworms and whipworms in dogs using a febantel-containing regimen.
- Treatment of selected susceptible equine strongyles, ascarids and pinworms with an appropriate equine febantel formulation.
- Treatment of canine Giardia infection within a supported febantel-containing combination regimen; efficacy varies with the regimen and reinfection pressure.
- Treatment of mixed nematode and cestode infections in dogs with febantel-containing combinations, with tapeworm activity supplied by praziquantel.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hepatic or renal dysfunction
Adverse effects
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Febantel 27.2 mg | Tablet | 27.2 mg / tablet | PO |
| Febantel 163.3 mg | Tablet | 163.3 mg / tablet | PO |
| Febantel/praziquantel paste | Paste | febantel 34 mg / g + praziquantel 3.4 mg / g | PO |
| Eazypet Puppy oral suspension Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Combination; no generic component-calculation opt-in. | Oral Liquid | febantel 15 mg / mL + pyrantel embonate 14.4 mg / mL | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Give with food for small-animal courses. Equine paste may be placed on the tongue or mixed with a small feed portion; retreatment after 6–8 weeks may be needed.
Cattle source volume 7.5 mL/100 kg and sheep/goat volumes 1 mL/20 kg or 5 mL/25 kg are not tied to an unambiguous product concentration; do not calculate mass doses from these.