DUOTECH DRENCH
OXFENDAZOLE AND CLOSANTEL SODIUM
What it does
Closantel is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections in animals. It helps eliminate specific types of worms.
Commonly used for: parasitic infections (helminthiasis)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 22:07:35 · updated 2026-03-23 04:52:50
About closantel
Closantel is a medication used to treat certain parasitic infections in animals. It helps eliminate specific types of worms.
What it treats
- parasitic infections (helminthiasis)
How it works
Closantel works by damaging the outer layer of parasites, leading to their death and removal from the body.
Who it's for
This medication is typically used in veterinary medicine for livestock and pets suffering from specific worm infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About oxfendazole
Oxfendazole is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain parasites.
What it treats
- parasitic infections
- worm infections
How it works
Oxfendazole works by killing the parasites in the body, helping to clear the infection.
Who it's for
It is for people who have been diagnosed with infections caused by specific types of worms or parasites.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: closantel
BNF-referencedClosantel is a veterinary anthelmintic agent primarily used for the treatment of parasitic infections in livestock. It is particularly effective against certain species of nematodes and trematodes, targeting helminths that can cause significant health issues in animals. Closantel functions by disrupting the energy metabolism of these parasites, ultimately leading to their death.
Indications
- Nematode infections
- Trematode infections
- Parasitic infections in livestock
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines or BNF for detailed dosing information.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines or BNF for detailed dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Closantel acts by inhibiting the oxidative phosphorylation process in the mitochondria of helminths. This disruption in energy production leads to paralysis and death of the parasites, making it effective against infections caused by nematodes and trematodes.
Pharmacodynamics
Closantel exhibits a high affinity for the mitochondrial complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The drug's action on helminths results in reduced ATP production, which is critical for their survival and reproduction. Its selectivity for parasitic cells over host cells minimizes toxicity in treated animals.
Pharmacokinetics
Closantel is well absorbed following oral administration, with a significant volume of distribution indicating extensive tissue binding. The drug undergoes metabolism in the liver, with subsequent excretion primarily via the feces. Its half-life allows for effective dosing intervals, maximizing its anthelmintic efficacy.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
Caution is advised. The effects on the nursing infant are unknown.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: oxfendazole
BNF-referencedOxfendazole is an anthelmintic agent belonging to the benzimidazole class, primarily used for the treatment of various parasitic infections. It is effective against a range of gastrointestinal nematodes and some cestodes in both animals and humans. Oxfendazole is particularly noted for its application in veterinary medicine, although it has been studied for potential use in human medicine as well.
Indications
- Gastrointestinal nematode infections
- Cestode infections
- Veterinary use in livestock and companion animals
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations in paediatric patients.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information as it may vary based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Oxfendazole exerts its anthelmintic effect by binding to the parasite's beta-tubulin, disrupting microtubule formation. This inhibition of microtubule polymerization interferes with the cellular processes, including mitosis and transport mechanisms within the parasite, ultimately leading to its death.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of oxfendazole involves its selective affinity for parasitic beta-tubulin compared to mammalian tubulin. This selectivity minimizes toxicity to host cells while effectively eliminating the parasites. The drug is known to exhibit a broad spectrum of activity against various helminths, with a primarily bactericidal effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Oxfendazole is well-absorbed following oral administration and undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver. The drug exhibits a relatively long half-life, allowing for sustained activity against parasites. It is primarily excreted in the urine and feces as both unchanged drug and metabolites. The pharmacokinetics can vary based on the formulation and the specific species being treated.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Allergic reactions
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver impairment
- Monitor for signs of allergic reactions
Pregnancy
Oxfendazole should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether oxfendazole is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: closantel
PubChem CID 42574Molecular formula: C22H14Cl2I2N2O2
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
Molecular reference: oxfendazole
PubChem CID 40854Molecular formula: C15H13N3O3S
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.