Niclosamide
Niclosamide is a salicylanilide anthelmintic used principally against susceptible intestinal tapeworms. Limited oral absorption favors exposure within the intestinal lumen. Veterinary applications include Moniezia infection in ruminants and selected other cestodes where a supported product or regimen is available. Its spectrum is narrower than that of broad-spectrum nematode anthelmintics.
Group
Salicylanilide cestocide
Mechanism of Action
Niclosamide disrupts parasite energy metabolism, including uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and interference with ATP production. Energy depletion impairs essential cestode functions and contributes to parasite death. Poor systemic absorption concentrates activity against intestinal stages exposed to the drug. The resulting spectrum depends on parasite species and the developmental site of infection.
Dose Rates
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible intestinal tapeworm infection | 25 mg/kg | PO | Once | Niclotab: one 1250 mg bolus per 50 kg orally once. |
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 62.5 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg salt bolus per 20 kg; product text principally discusses young cattle. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. | |
| Intestinal amphistomes – niclosamide piperazine product | 104.1666666667 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg niclosamide piperazine salt bolus per 12 kg; targets intestinal immature amphistomes, not a generic liver-fluke regimen. Salt mass is not equated to free niclosamide. |
Sheep
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible intestinal tapeworm infection | 25 mg/kg | PO | Once | Niclotab: one 1250 mg bolus per 50 kg orally once. |
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 83.3333333333 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg salt bolus per 15 kg. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. | |
| Intestinal amphistomes – niclosamide piperazine product | 104.1666666667 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg niclosamide piperazine salt bolus per 12 kg; targets intestinal immature amphistomes, not a generic liver-fluke regimen. Salt mass is not equated to free niclosamide. |
Goats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible intestinal tapeworm infection | 25 mg/kg | PO | Once | Niclotab: one 1250 mg bolus per 50 kg orally once. |
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 83.3333333333 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg salt bolus per 15 kg. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. |
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 125 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg niclosamide piperazine salt bolus per 10 kg. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 125 mg/kg | PO | 1250 mg niclosamide piperazine salt bolus per 10 kg. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. |
Chickens
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapeworm infection – niclosamide piperazine product | 179 mg/kg | PO | Approximately 179 mg/kg of the labelled salt formulation. Product-specific salt-mass basis; not established as equivalent mg of free niclosamide. Source gives oral administration without a resolved repeat interval. |
Indications
- Treatment of susceptible Moniezia tapeworm infection in sheep, goats or cattle with a supported formulation.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity; use a species-appropriate formulation.
Interactions
- Other anthelmintics may duplicate treatment; combination regimens need independent directions.
Adverse effects
- Transient gastrointestinal disturbance may occur.
Toxicity
Provide supportive care after excessive exposure; detailed veterinary overdose data are limited.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niclotab 1250 mg bolus Univet Manufacturer specifies cattle, sheep and goats; meat and milk withheld 48 hours for this product. | Tablet | 1250 mg / tablet | PO |
| Nicloworm 1250 niclosamide piperazine bolus Veko Care Pvt. Ltd. Contains 1250 mg niclosamide piperazine salt; no free-niclosamide equivalence stated. Do not substitute this salt mass for an equal mass of free niclosamide. Store below 25°C, dry and protected from light. | Tablet | 1250 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Confirm the parasite and address reinfection sources. Give boluses carefully to avoid pharyngeal injury.
The Niclotab regimen is product-specific; its target-parasite list does not establish a universal canine or feline dose.