Indications
Thiophanate is a veterinary medicine used to treat and control roundworm infections of the stomach, intestines and lungs in farm animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. It is not for human use.
How It Works
Thiophanate belongs to the benzimidazole group of wormers (it is a pro-benzimidazole). In the animal’s body it is changed into an active form that binds to a protein called tubulin inside the worm’s cells. This stops the worm from absorbing food and producing energy, so the worms and many of their eggs and larvae die and are passed out in the dung.
Dosage and Administration
Give by mouth as a drench, bolus, powder or premix in feed, following the product label or the instructions of a veterinarian. The dose is worked out by the animal’s body weight, so weigh or estimate weight carefully to avoid under-dosing. Treatment timing and repeat doses depend on the worm type and local farm conditions, and should be planned with a veterinarian.
Interactions
Avoid giving other wormers at the same time unless a veterinarian advises it. Some medicines that affect liver enzymes may change how long the drug stays in the body. Always tell the veterinarian about other treatments the animals are receiving.
Contraindications
- Not for human use.
- Do not use in animals known to be allergic to benzimidazole wormers.
- Follow label limits for animals producing milk for human consumption and for pregnant animals.
Side Effects
Thiophanate is usually well tolerated at the correct dose. Occasionally animals may show reduced appetite, loose dung or mild digestive upset after dosing.
Contact a veterinarian urgently if treated animals become weak, stop eating, collapse, have difficulty breathing or show any severe or unusual reaction. If a person accidentally swallows the product, seek medical help at once and show the label.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Some benzimidazole wormers can harm developing young if given in early pregnancy. Use in pregnant animals only as allowed on the label or as advised by a veterinarian. In milk-producing animals, observe the milk withdrawal period stated on the label before milk is used for people.
Precautions and Warnings
- Withdrawal period: meat and milk from treated animals must not be used for human food until the withdrawal period on the label has passed.
- Repeated use of the same wormer group can lead to worm resistance; use as part of a parasite control plan agreed with a veterinarian.
- Wear gloves when handling, wash hands after use, and do not eat, drink or smoke while handling.
- Keep away from food and animal feed not intended for medication.
Overdose
Thiophanate has a fairly wide safety margin in animals, but large overdoses may cause digestive upset or weakness. Contact a veterinarian if an overdose is suspected.
Therapeutic Class
Veterinary anthelmintic (benzimidazole group wormer).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in the original closed container, away from food and feed, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.