Description
COMPOSITION AND FORM OF RELEASE
Dirofen tablets weighing 120 mg for kittens and puppies contain in 1 tablet as active ingredients: febantel – 15 mg, pyrantel pamoate – 15 mg, praziquantel – 5 mg, and excipients: lactose, calcium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, microcrystalline cellulose.
The drug appears as flat round tablets of light yellow color, with two perpendicular dividing lines on one side. The tablet may bear the company logo (AS) on the other side.
The drug is packaged in strips of laminated paper containing 6 tablets each and individually packed in cardboard boxes with instructions for use.
Dispensing conditions: over-the-counter without a veterinarian’s prescription.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Dirofen tablets belong to the group of combined anthelmintic drugs.
The combination of praziquantel, febantel, and pyrantel pamoate provides a broad spectrum of anthelmintic activity against all stages of development of roundworms and tapeworms parasitizing in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats, including Toxocara canis, Toxocara mystax, Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Alveococcus multilocularis, Mesocestoides lineatus, Dipylidium caninum, Diphyllobothrium latum, Multiceps multiceps.
Pyrantel pamoate is a compound of the pyrimidine group, its mechanism of action is based on blocking the transmission of nerve impulses in the neuromuscular synapses by depolarizing the membranes of muscle cells, causing paralysis of the nematode’s muscular system. Pyrantel is poorly absorbed, providing its prolonged action on worms in the intestines; it is excreted from the body mainly unchanged (93%) with feces.
Praziquantel is a compound of the pyrazinoisoquinoline group, active against gastrointestinal tapeworms at all stages of development. By increasing the permeability of the parasite’s cell membranes to calcium ions (Ca2+), it causes membrane depolarization, muscle contraction, and tegument destruction, leading to the death of the worms and their excretion from the animal’s body. The compound is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentration within 1-3 hours, reversibly binding to serum proteins (70-80%), partially metabolized in the liver, re-secreted into the intestine, and excreted from the body mainly with urine (up to 80%) within 24 hours.
Febantel belongs to the pro-benzimidazole group, transforming into benzimidazoles in the body. The mechanism of action of febantel is based on the inhibition of the enzyme fumarate reductase in the mitochondria of helminths, disrupting glucose absorption and tubulin protein synthesis, leading to the destruction of the microtubular apparatus of parasite cells and causing their death. Febantel is absorbed in the intestine, metabolized in the liver, and excreted with bile into the intestinal lumen, where it is partially reabsorbed; it is excreted from the body both unchanged and in the form of several metabolites with feces and urine.
Dirofen tablets are classified as substances of low hazard (Class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76); in recommended doses, it does not exert embryotoxic, teratogenic, or sensitizing effects and is well tolerated by dogs and cats of various breeds and ages.
INDICATIONS
Dirofen tablets are prescribed to cats and dogs from 3 weeks of age for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes in cases of nematodosis (toxocarosis, toxascariasis, uncinariasis, trichurosis, ankylostomiasis), cestodosis (teniosis, dipylidiosis, echinococcosis, diphyllobothriosis, mesocestoidosis), and associative nematode-cestode infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
DOSES AND ADMINISTRATION
Dirofen tablets are administered to animals individually, in the morning feeding with a small amount of food or treats. No pre-fasting diet or laxatives are required.
For prophylactic deworming, it is administered once every quarter and before each vaccination.
For therapeutic purposes, as well as for the prevention of group (crowded) animal infestations (breeding kennels, shelters, vivariums), treatment is carried out: for nematodosis – twice with an interval of 14 days; for cestodosis and associative nematode-cestode invasions – twice with an interval of 14 days once a day for 3 consecutive days at the following doses:
• Dirofen tablets for kittens and puppies – 1 tablet per 1 kg of animal weight.
In case of drug overdose, the animal may experience depressed condition, refusal to eat, excessive salivation, and gastrointestinal upset. In these cases, general measures aimed at removing the drug from the body are applied.
Self-limiting hypersalivation may occur in cats after the first administration of the drug.
Avoid disrupting the deworming schedule of animals, as this may lead to decreased efficacy. If a scheduled deworming is missed, the drug should be administered as soon as possible at the same dose, and the interval between administrations should not be changed.
SIDE EFFECTS
When using Dirofen tablets in accordance with this instruction, side effects and complications in animals are usually not observed. Some animals may experience gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, vomiting) and increased salivation, which disappear spontaneously and do not require the use of medicinal products.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindication to use is an individual intolerance to the components of the drug (including in the history).
Dirofen tablets should not be used in exhausted animals, animals with infectious diseases, and recovering animals. They should not be used in pregnant females in the first half of pregnancy, puppies, and kittens under 3 weeks of age.
Pregnant females, if necessary, should be given the drug with caution, under the supervision of a veterinarian, 3 weeks before the expected delivery date, and nursing females – 2-3 weeks after delivery.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Dirofen tablets should not be used simultaneously with piperazine and cholinesterase inhibitors.
The drug is not intended for use in productive animals.
PERSONAL SAFETY MEASURES
When working with Dirofen tablets, observe general rules of personal hygiene and safety procedures applicable to working with medicinal products.
During work, smoking, drinking, and eating are prohibited. After work, wash hands with warm water and soap. The empty package from under the drug should not be used for household purposes; it should be disposed of with household waste.
In case of accidental contact of the medicinal product with the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, they should be washed with plenty of water. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug should avoid direct contact with Dirofen tablets. In case of allergic reactions or accidental ingestion of the drug by