Estrotech

Indications

Cloprostenol is a veterinary medicine used in animals, mainly cattle, buffaloes, pigs, goats, sheep and horses. It is used to synchronise heat (oestrus) for breeding programmes and artificial insemination, to treat a persistent corpus luteum and silent heat, to help treat pus in the womb (pyometra) and chronic womb infection, to induce birth in sows at a planned time, and in some cases to end an unwanted pregnancy in animals. It is not for human use.

How It Works

Cloprostenol is a man-made form of prostaglandin F2-alpha. It breaks down the corpus luteum, a temporary structure on the ovary that produces progesterone. When progesterone falls, the animal comes into heat within a few days, and in pregnant animals the pregnancy ends or birth starts. It also makes the womb contract, which helps empty pus or fluid.

Dosage and Administration

Given as an injection into the muscle by a veterinarian or under a veterinarian's direction. The dose and timing depend on the species, the purpose and the breeding programme, and must follow the label or the veterinarian's instructions exactly. Use a clean needle and syringe, and record each treatment.

Interactions

• Oxytocin and other medicines that make the womb contract can add to its effect.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Flunixin) may reduce its effect by blocking natural prostaglandins.
• Do not combine with other prostaglandin products unless advised by a veterinarian.

Contraindications

• Pregnant animals, unless ending the pregnancy or inducing birth is intended, as it can cause abortion.
• Animals with severe breathing or heart disease, or with digestive spasm problems.
• Not for use in humans.

Side Effects

In animals, side effects are usually mild and short-lived: sweating, restlessness, increased breathing, mild colic or diarrhoea (especially in horses), and swelling at the injection site. Infection at the injection site can occur if hygiene is poor. Sows induced to farrow may show nesting behaviour. Retained afterbirth may occur after induced birth in cattle.

Contact a veterinarian urgently if an animal collapses, has severe breathing difficulty or severe colic after treatment. If a person accidentally injects themselves or spills it on the skin and then feels breathless or has cramping pains, seek urgent medical help and show the label to the doctor.

Pregnancy and Lactation

In animals, it causes abortion in pregnant females, so pregnancy status must be checked first. For people handling the product: prostaglandins can be absorbed through the skin and may cause miscarriage or breathing problems. Pregnant women, women who could be pregnant, and people with asthma or other breathing problems should not handle it, or should handle it only with great care using gloves.

Precautions and Warnings

• Wear disposable gloves; wash any skin contact straight away with soap and water.
• Take care to avoid accidental self-injection.
• Observe the withdrawal period for meat and milk stated on the label before the animal or its milk is used for food.
• Keep records of treatment for herd health and food safety.

Overdose

Overdose in animals can increase sweating, restlessness, fast breathing, colic and diarrhoea. These are usually temporary; contact a veterinarian for supportive care.

Therapeutic Class

Veterinary prostaglandin F2-alpha analogue (luteolytic agent) for reproductive management.

Storage

Store below 25°C, protected from light, in the original container and out of the reach of children. Follow the label for use after first opening.