EPSIPRANTEL

Chemistry - A pyrazino-benzazepine oral cesticide, epsiprantel occurs as a white powder that issparingly soluble in water.

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Tablets should be stored at room temperature.

Pharmacology - EPSIPRANTEL

Epsiprantel's exact mechanism of action against cestodes has not been determined. The tapeworm's ability to regulate calcium is apparently affected, causing tetany and disruption of attachment to the host. Also, alteration to the integument make the worm vulnerable todigestion by the host animal.
Uses, Indications - Epsiprantel is indicated for the treatment (removal) of Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis in dogs, and Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis in cats.

Pharmacokinetics - EPSIPRANTEL

Unlike praziquantel, epsiprantel is absorbed only very poorly after oraladministration and the bulk of the drug is eliminated in the feces. Less than 0.1% of the drug isrecovered in the urine after dosing. No metabolites have thus far been detected.

Contraindications, Precautions, Reproductive Safety

There are no labeled contraindications tothis drug, but the manufacturer states not to use it in puppies or kittens less than 7 weeks of age.
Safety for use in pregnant or breeding animals has also not been determined, but teratogenic effectswould be highly unlikely since the drug is so poorly absorbed.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Adverse effects would be unexpected with this agent, althoughvomiting and/or diarrhea could potentially occur. Because the drug has been just released at the timeof writing this monograph, further adverse effects may be reported as more experience is obtained.
Overdosage, Acute Toxicity - Acute toxicity resulting from an inadvertant overdose is highlyunlikely. Doses as high as 36X the recommended dose resulted only in vomiting in some of thekittens tested. Single doses of 36X those recommended in dogs caused no adverse effects.
Drug Interactions; Drug/Laboratory Interactions - None reported thus far.